Politics & Government

Santarsiero Introduces Bill as Part of Marcellus Shale Compact

The Marcellus Compact is a six-point plan from Pennsylvania House Democrats to counter the state's new Marcellus Shale Law.

 

State Rep. Steve Santarsiero (D-31) introduced a bill today that he said would establish stronger environmental safeguards in natural gas drilling activities than what is currently required in Act 13 of 2012, the Marcellus Shale law recently signed by Gov. Tom Corbett.

“The key to responsible oversight of the natural gas industry is that we place the interests of Pennsylvanians above the interests of corporations," Santarsiero said.

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“Act 13 neglects to protect public water supplies from potential pollution and contamination with inadequate environmental buffers and setbacks,” he added. 

Santarsiero said his bill, H.B. 2414, would accomplish the following:

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  • Double the bonding requirements to ensure that drillers are held accountable for any environmental damage they may cause.
  • Increase the environmental setback distances from water sources to ensure drinking water is protected.
  • Remove the requirement that DEP grant variances to drilling companies, keeping the zoning powers at the local level where they belong.

The is a six-bill legislative package that fixes the flawed, industry-friendly Marcellus Shale law. The Marcellus Compact is a promise by House Democrats to put the interests of Pennsylvania taxpayers, workers and families first.

Santarsiero's district includes includes Lower Makefield, Newtown Borough, Newtown Township, Upper Makefield and Yardley.

The Marcellus Compact also includes the following five bills:

  • H.B. 2412, sponsored by Frank Dermody, D-Allegheny
  • H.B. 2413, sponsored by Democratic Whip Mike Hanna, D-Clinton/Centre  
  • H.B. 2415, sponsored by Rep. Matt Bradford, D-Montgomery 
  • H.B. 2416, sponsored by Rep. Phyllis Mundy, D-Luzerne
  • H.B. 2399, sponsored by Rep. Rick Mirabito, D-Lycoming


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