PA Environment Digest

Ensuring pipeline safety and providing reliable and sustainable energy for consumers were two of the main topics of discussion during a public hearing held today by the Senate Republican Policy Committee.

Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) hosted the meeting held at the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport.

The Policy Committee, chaired by Sen. Edwin Erickson (R-Delaware), is charged with examining issues that are of importance to Pennsylvania residents and seeking input on how state polices and laws can be developed to address them.

"The Marcellus Shale Natural Gas Field presents an incredible opportunity to secure years of reliable energy and job creation," said Sen. Erickson. "However, it also presents challenges that require the Commonwealth to proceed in a manner that provides public safety and environmental safeguards."

Sen. Yaw said the committee heard testimony from pipeline representatives as well as state and federal regulators about the role that natural gas pipelines play in the development of the Marcellus Shale.

"The goal of the hearing was to explore whether or not additional regulations are needed to ensure that pipeline companies ensure a safe, efficient and economical transportation of natural gas within Pennsylvania to the marketplace," Sen. Yaw said. "This is an integral part of the entire industry and one that we need to look at carefully as part of the entire process."

Sen. Yaw was pleased to hear those testifying emphasize the importance for everyone in the development of natural gas to maintain an open dialogue and work together to deliver gas safely from wells to processing areas, particularly as more infrastructure is put in place.

"Coordination, cooperation and appropriate regulation are the keys to success," Sen. Yaw said. "Hearings such as this help all those involved in the industry and regulatory agencies discuss the issues, identify areas where they need to work together, and reaffirm our commitment to protecting the public and the environment while managing this very valuable resource."

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