On June 28 the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee unanimously amended and reported out Senate Bill 555 (Scarnati-R-Jefferson) that would create a Marcellus Shale Health Advisory Panel.

Introduced by Sen. Joe Scarnati, the bill would create a nine-member Marcellus Shale Health Advisory Panel for Pennsylvania.  The panel would be tasked with thoroughly investigating and studying advancements in science, technology and public health data in order to make recommendations regarding the extraction and use of natural gas in Pennsylvania.

“The Marcellus Shale industry has been a tremendous economic driver for our state, has brought numerous family sustaining jobs and is helping Pennsylvania become a leader in energy independence,” Sen. Scarnati stated.  “It is important that as this industry continues to expand, we ensure our families are protected and that questions regarding public health in the region are addressed.”

Sen. Scarnati said that Senate Bill 555 has twenty-four cosponsors and has received significant bi-partisan support.  “Providing for public safety is a core responsibility of state government and I’m pleased to see so many of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle supportive of this measure.”

According to Sen. Scarnati, the panel would be chaired by the Secretary of the Department of Health. Other members of the panel would include the Secretary of Environmental Protection, as well as individuals appointed by the Governor, Senate President Pro Tempore, Speaker of the House and the Senate and House Minority Leaders.

The panel would submit an annual report and provide elected officials and the public with information on gas drilling and its impact on health and the environment.

“Our goal is to provide elected officials, regulators and the public with the latest scientific information on the safe, efficient and environmentally responsible extraction and use of natural gas reserves,” Sen. Scarnati stated.

Sen. Scarnati said that last year’s passage of Act 13, the Marcellus Shale Impact Fee, was a major accomplishment for Pennsylvania residents.  Act 13 of 2012 placed a reasonable annual impact fee on the natural gas industry and also laid forth provisions to protect the environment by providing for environmental safeguards.

“I am pleased to see the positive effect that Act 13 is having on communities across our state,” Sen. Scarnati said.  “The establishment of a health advisory panel will be a continuation of many of the safety efforts accomplished by the Marcellus Shale Impact Fee.”

The creation of a health advisory panel was also recommended by the Governor’s Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission.

The bill was reported to the full Senate, and like all bills on the Senate Calendar, Senate Bill 555 was Tabled before the Senate adjourned for the summer.

7/8/2013