Marcellus Shale Drilling Concerns Discussed at Local Hearing

Environmentalists and policy makers gathered today for a public hearing at the Chancellor Center in Newtown Borough to discuss the Governor’s Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission report, which was released July 22.

The report by the 30-member Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission provided nearly 100 recommendations for developing and regulating natural gas drilling in Pennsylvania.

However, those in attendance Wednesday said the report doesn’t go far enough and fails to adequately address the environmental risks of gas drilling.

“The Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission has issued a report that ignores most of the crucial aspects of risk associated with gas extraction. Policy makers need to do more,” said Tracy Carluccio, deputy director of the Delaware Riverkeeper Network, a nonprofit organization focused on protecting area waterways.

Approximately 40 people attended the hearing, including lawmakers, environmentalists, residents and members of the press. State Rep. Steve Santarsiero, who requested that the House Democratic Policy Committee hold the hearing, served as the co-chairman.

Environmentalists say Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling will impose widespread environmental problems on the region, including pollution of waterways, harm to plants and animals and destruction of forests.

David Masur, director of PennEnvironment, a nonprofit environmental advocacy organization, said the commission’s report ignored suggestions offered up by the environmental community to avoid pollution and protect drinking water.

Masur urged the state legislature to “work aggressively to implement strong, commonsense policies to tackle the environmental and public health impacts from gas drilling.”

Others that testified echoed Masur’s sentiments regarding the importance of regulating the industry for the sake of the environment and public health.

“Doing Marcellus Shale gas development right requires understanding that every single Pennsylvanian must benefit from hosting this industry, because every single Pennsylvanian is impacted,” said John Hanger, former secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. “Natural gas drilling and production is industrial activity that cannot be done without zero impact.”

Santarsiero said while Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling may bring economic benefits to the state, there are risks.

“It would be irresponsible of us to not properly regulate drilling here in Pennsylvania. As the prevalence of this industry grows in our state, we need to make sure we take the appropriate precautions to protect our citizens, our communities and our valuable natural resources,” Santarsiero said in a statement.

Governor Tom Corbett formed the 30-member Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission in March, giving them 120 days to develop recommendations on natural gas drilling. The commission held public meetings, reviewed letters and emails from the public, heard public presentations and made on-site visits before publishing the report.