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theHandpuppet

(19,964 posts)
6. And since they've already declared bankruptcy (how convenient)...
Tue Jul 8, 2014, 10:54 AM
Jul 2014

... even this pathetic pittance may be a moot point. The deck is stacked, my friends. Check this out:

The Times West Virginian
June 28, 2014
Judge defends secrecy in spill company bankruptcy
Associated Press Sat Jun 28, 2014

CHARLESTON — A judge has defended his decision to let the company that spilled chemicals into West Virginia’s biggest drinking water supply file some financial statements out of public view.

According to The Charleston Gazette, Bankruptcy Judge Ronald Pearson in Charleston wrote Thursday that Freedom Industries should provide periodic updates on the Charleston spill site cleanup.

“Given the public nature of this case, the court feels a responsibility to ensure the public that the environmental issues are being dealt with responsibly and that the bankruptcy process continue with full recognition and compliance with laws that protect the environment and public safety, all of which are to be adhered to in this and any bankruptcy case,” Pearson wrote.

In April, Pearson signed an order requiring periodic future budget plans, but letting them remain shielded from disclosure from the public. The spending plans give the court an idea of what Freedom expects to spend, how much cash they could have and what will be available for environmental cleanup....

- See more at: http://www.timeswv.com/westvirginia/x1736689010/Judge-defends-secrecy-in-spill-company-bankruptcy#sthash.3i5RTDgH.dpuf

Recommendations

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Federal agencies need to be able to levy far bigger fines. Erich Bloodaxe BSN Jul 2014 #1
the fine should be multiples of the cost to maintain it in the first place elehhhhna Jul 2014 #2
The water is still poisoned Warpy Jul 2014 #3
And since they've already declared bankruptcy (how convenient)... theHandpuppet Jul 2014 #6
What a sad joke abelenkpe Jul 2014 #4
But ... but ... but ... government regulations are killing American businesses! earthside Jul 2014 #5
Regulations? Bah! theHandpuppet Jul 2014 #7
Federal fines for egregious Kelvin Mace Jul 2014 #8
I think that's an excellent suggestion. theHandpuppet Jul 2014 #9
Now, now. Orrex Jul 2014 #10
I'd heard about that. theHandpuppet Jul 2014 #11
He might have to wash the Governor's windows. Enthusiast Jul 2014 #20
Ridiculous corruption. nt stillwaiting Jul 2014 #12
Fines are not adequate. RoccoR5955 Jul 2014 #13
This is how the game is played theHandpuppet Jul 2014 #15
That's 4 cents per poisoning. KurtNYC Jul 2014 #14
And if the owners had a different color of skin, they'd be in Gitmo. sinkingfeeling Jul 2014 #16
Prison at least. Enthusiast Jul 2014 #19
Corporate death penalty please. JEB Jul 2014 #17
Yes, that is one hefty fine. Enthusiast Jul 2014 #18
For regulations to work, violations must bring serious consequences. Fines must be hefty. tclambert Jul 2014 #21
But what happens when the company just avoids the fines by declaring bankruptcy? theHandpuppet Jul 2014 #24
Corporations were formed to avoid legal liability. The laws clearly protect them too much. tclambert Jul 2014 #27
All excellent points! theHandpuppet Jul 2014 #28
May I suggest a slight correction? mahatmakanejeeves Jul 2014 #22
To be honest, OSHA was all part of this comedy of (tragic) errors theHandpuppet Jul 2014 #25
OMG, a classic case of government over-reach! Jackpine Radical Jul 2014 #23
Not bad. Treant Jul 2014 #26
OSHA cannot fine for 300K people, only workplace violations endangering workers. freshwest Jul 2014 #29
Thanks for taking the time to compose such a cogent and informative post theHandpuppet Jul 2014 #33
Failure in terms of ensuring that the US public is able to remain healthy and safe is truedelphi Jul 2014 #34
This is great information theHandpuppet Jul 2014 #35
Appalachia group and community rights. Got it. truedelphi Jul 2014 #36
Ok that's for the workplace hootinholler Jul 2014 #30
If California can dissolve companies, so can other states. ancianita Jul 2014 #31
Freedumb™ GeorgeGist Jul 2014 #32
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