The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee will hold a hearing on natural gas drilling in theMarcellus Shale formationon September 30.  The public hearing will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Room G-50 in the Irvis Office Building within the Capitol Complex.

"The fuel being pursued -- potentially trillions of cubic feet of cleaner-burning natural gas -- represents a great opportunity for Pennsylvania's energy future," said Rep. George (D-Clearfield), Majority Chair of the Committee. "However, the recovery must be done correctly and conscientiously to protect Pennsylvania's valuable water resources."

Tentatively scheduled to testify are:J. Scott Roberts, deputy secretary for Mineral Resources Management, Department of Environmental Protection;Richard Weber, president, Atlas Energy Resources; Stephen W. Rhoads, president, Pa. Oil and Gas Association;Louis D. D'Amico, executive director, Independent Oil & Gas Association of Pa.;Thomas W. Beauduy, deputy director, Susquehanna River Basin Commission.

The Marcellus Shale formation underlies much of Pennsylvania at a depth of 5,000 to 8,000 feet. Until recent advancements, drilling within the formation was considered prohibitively expensive.

Rep. George said more than 500 permits have been approved for drilling in the Marcellus Shale formation since 2005, including 250 drilling permits this year.

"Each drilling operation could require up to 1 million gallons of water, and in recent weeks almost $400,000 in fines have been assessed against drillers in just two counties for either withdrawing water without a permit or starting well construction without a permit," Rep. George said. "The committee will explore all the ramifications of this energy boon."

Rep. Scott Hutchinson (R-Venango) serves as Minority Chair of the Committee.