PA Environment Digest

At the invitation of Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware) visited Lycoming County to learn more about the natural gas industry in the Marcellus Shale Region of Pennsylvania.

Sen. Dominic Pileggi joined Yaw for a tour of a drilling rig, a water retention location and a compressor station in Lycoming County.

"It's vital to introduce Legislators from around the state, especially leaders in the Senate, to the industry and its activity in the Commonwealth," Sen. Yaw said. "Important decisions on legislation and regulations will need to be made, and a visit to the heart of the Marcellus Shale industry goes a long way in the education process."

Sen. Yaw said there is no better way to foster the understanding of an industry necessary to craft responsible policies and legislation than a visit to see its effects firsthand.

Marcellus Shale drilling has been the opportunity of a lifetime for many throughout the district, but everyone needs to be cognizant of the impacts on our area, such as transportation infrastructure, housing needs and job training, stressed Sen. Yaw.

"Our goal is to identify issues and challenges while still in these early stages of development, so we can allow this industry to grow and expand safely," Sen. Yaw said. "I'm pleased that our majority leader was able to visit our area and take an active role in these discussions which is to the benefit of all Pennsylvanians."

Sen. Yaw added that on May 11 the Senate Majority Policy Committee held a public hearing on issues related to Marcellus Shale pipelines at the Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport. Among those who testified were representatives from pipeline companies, the Public Utility Commission and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

"Good policymaking involves a consistent dialogue between lawmakers, industry and residents of Pennsylvania." Sen. Yaw said. "I'm pleased to facilitate the conversation between the groups as we continue to educate ourselves and adapt to the changing needs of our communities in conjunction with utilizing these opportunities presented to us in a responsible way."

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