Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione tonight issued the following statement on the decision from the chair to suddenly close voting on a taxpayer-friendly amendment to the Marcellus Shale bill despite requests for reconsideration:

“The cynical and arbitrary actions of the majority on the floor of the Senate tonight will only serve to feed the growing public outrage over the influence of corporations on those who are elected to serve people.

The weight of wealthy energy companies on the regulation of Marcellus Shale drilling — from the formation of the governor’s commission to the unprecedented decision from the chair tonight – led to the collapse of Senate protocol by denying members the right to cast votes as they intended.

In the end, democracy broke.

The implications will be long lasting for our environment, our communities, our taxpayers and our faith in a thorough and fair process of government.”