Rep. Santarsiero Takes Aim at Marcellus Shale Law

Pennsylvania House Democrats, including Newtown’s Rep. Steve Santarsiero, have launched an effort to fix what they believe is a flawed and industry-friendly Marcellus Shale Law.

The Democrats this week unveiled their Marcellus Compact, a six-point plan to counter the state’s new Marcellus Shale Law, which regulates natural gas drilling.

Rep. Steve Santarsiero, who represents the 31st district, has proposed legislation as part of the compact.  District 31 includes Lower Makefield, Newtown Borough, Newtown Township, Upper Makefield and Yardley. 

"The Corbett-Republican Marcellus Shale Law gave the oil and gas drilling industry a free pass to wreak havoc on our water supply, our air and our land," Santarsiero said. "The Marcellus Compact corrects those injustices and puts the interests of Pennsylvanians first by protecting our environment for today’s residents and for future generations."

According to information provided by House Democrats, legislation included in the compact will restore municipal zoning authority by eliminating the Marcellus Shale Law's override of local zoning provisions. Additionally, it will impose a “reasonable” statewide tax on natural gas drillers for the life of the well.

The series of bills would protect critical natural resources by increasing environmental setbacks and increase transparency by establishing a public online tracking system for fracking wastewater storage and disposal. The compact would prohibit drilling in floodplains and place a moratorium on discharging drilling wastewater into surface waters.

The compact includes legislation that guarantees the rights of patients to full medical disclosure when their health might have been affected by fracking chemicals and establishes a Marcellus Shale Job Creation Tax Credit to provide incentives for companies to hire Pennsylvania workers.

Bill numbers have not yet been assigned, according to a Brett Marcy, the communications director for the Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus.

"House Democrats are committed to a strong Marcellus Shale law that puts Pennsylvania taxpayers, workers and families first," said Democratic Leader Frank Dermody of Allegheny County. "The Marcellus Compact places Pennsylvania’s priorities where they ought to be – with the people who live and work here, not with wealthy, multinational oil and gas corporations."