Rep. Karen Boback (R-Luzerne) recently introduced House Bill 252 to create a Marcellus Shale Health Registry.

"I remain committed to tracking the potential health risks to people who live near drilling sites," Rep. Boback said. "Our state's natural gas industry is the fastest growing in the nation. This bill would keep an eye on any health effects caused by drilling activity."

The measure would create a population-based registry. All health-related data, which may be associated with drilling activity, would be provided by healthcare practitioners to the state Department of Health.

The legislation was a suggestion of the Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission in 2011. Furthermore, the House had previously passed legislation which would have provided $2 million for this project, but the bill did not gain passage in the Senate prior to the end of the legislative session.

A sponsor summary is available online.

2/23/2015