PA Environment Digest

Pennsylvania members of the Izaak Walton League of America have joined in the call for a severance tax and additional controls on Marcellus Shale and other oil and gas development in the Commonwealth to protect and preserve the state’s waters and lands.

“We have growing concerns with Marcellus Shale development in Pennsylvania and the effects that can have on our lands and waters. We do not want a repeat of the past when the state’s environment was seriously degraded by oil, gas and mineral extraction,” Don Robertson, President of the Pennsylvania Chapter IWLA said. “We need to look forward and develop appropriate ground rules – the laws and regulations – that will truly protect our environment. As Ikes, that is what we are asking. We do not have that in place today.”

Founded in 1922, the Izaak Walton League of America is one of the nation’s oldest and most respected conservation organizations. Ikes pride themselves on being conservationists with a sportsman’s perspective.

Robertson said Ikes do not oppose development of the state’s oil and gas resources, recognizing the economic benefits that can bring to many individuals, communities and the state as a whole. However, there can also be a heavy price paid by individuals, communities and the state and every effort must be made to mitigate and lessen the burden and risks, he said.

The members of the Pennsylvania Division, IWLA unanimously passed a resolution at their annual state convention on April 10 calling on Pennsylvania’s Legislature to pass at a minimum the following House Bills of the 2009-10 session:

-- House Bill 2213 (George-D-Clearfield) providing additional protection for surface owners and groundwater from drilling activites;

-- House Bill 1155 (George-D-Clearfield) setting additional notice and compensation requirements for oil and gas well operators; and

For more information, contact John Bartlett, Secretary, Pennsylvania Division IWLA, by sending email to: jnb66@hotmail.com.

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