Rep. DeWeese Calls For Speedier Oversight of Marcellus Shale Drilling

In a statement released this week, House Majority Whip Rep. Bill DeWeese (D-Greene) called on Department of Environmental Protection Acting Secretary John Hanger to provide speedier oversight to Marcellus Shale drilling operations in the state.

 

"It is of the highest imperative that the Commonwealth assist with and reasonably regulate the drilling process to benefit residents and businesses while protecting our state's natural resources for future generations. Any governmental action which might drive drilling companies and their employees to neighboring states needs to be examined with great scrutiny," Rep. DeWeese wrote, in a letter to acting Secretary of Environmental Protection John Hanger.

 

"Greene, Fayette and Washington counties are the very epicenter of the natural gas drilling industry in Pennsylvania. Our regional economy is based on coal, natural gas and other extractive industries. At the same time, it is clear that the Monongahela River is one of our greatest natural assets and must be protected for drinking water, aquatic life and recreation."

 

Rep.DeWeese encouraged Hanger to rescind any blanket decree that afflicts both the scientifically sound operators and those of a lesser quality who might have inadequate or few pollution controls in place.

 

He also suggested that the legislature and DEP need to find a way to hire more staff to process drilling permits in an expedited process so the natural gas industry doesn't gravitate outside of the borders of the Commonwealth.

 

"Pennsylvania Gov. Gifford Pinchot once wrote that 'it is the duty of the Forest Service to see to it that the timber, water-powers, mines and every other resource of the forests is used for the benefit of the people who live in the neighborhood or who may have a share in the welfare of each locality.' I believe that the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has the same sacred duty in the case of the Marcellus Formation to see that local Pennsylvania residents, workers, businesses and municipalities benefit from this exciting economic endeavor," Rep. DeWeese wrote.