Marcellus Shale Newswire 07/15/2011
Vol. 2, Issue 18
A Collection of Marcellus Shale and Gas Drilling Articles from Pennsylvania and Beyond
PennEnvironment
Vol. 2 Issue 18
July 15, 2011
Marcellus Shale News Wire
A Collection of Marcellus Shale and Gas Drilling Articles from Pennsylvania and Beyond
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Shale commission nears completion of report
By Laura Olson
July 10, 2011
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11191/1159439-454.stm
Governor Corbett’s Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission’s report is due out July 22nd. According to the commission’s chairman Lt. Jim Cawley, the final report is going to “suggeest a very strict regulatory structure that is going to be uniformly applied across the entire commonwealth.” However, it seems as though the commission will not be deciding if Pennsylvania should have a Marcellus shale gas drilling fee or tax.
The Wall Street Journal
Drilling-Ban Proposal in National Forest Draws Fire
By Tennille Tracy
July 8, 2011
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303365804576434253843741550.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
The ban of hydraulic fracturing in certain parts of the 1.1 million acre George Washington National Forest in Virginia and West Virginia does not indicate a ban on other public forest lands according to a U.S. Forest Service official. Representative Ed Markey of the House Natural Resources Committee’s maine concern is that hydraulic fracturing is found to harm vegetation. The Forest Service is expected to have a final plan by the end of the year.
Wilkes-Barre Citizens Voice
Stray gas plagues NEPA Marcellus wells
By Laura Legere
July 10, 2011
The number of stray methane gas cases per well caused by Marcellus gas drilling has increased over the past few years. There used to be 1.26 cases for every 1,000 wells but now there are more than 7 for every 1,000 wells. Geologists believe this is caused by the lack of drilling prior to Marcellus shale gas drilling in the area combined with a large amount of methane generated deep underground.
The Scranton Times Tribune
Comments on DRBC drilling rules show state and federal agencies divided on oversight
By Laura Legere
July 13, 2011
During a 120 day public comment period by the Delaware River Basin Commission regarding regulation of drilling in the 13,000-square-mile watershed, the agency recievedcomments from more than 150 groups, elected officials, and agencies. The comments, however, are split on how to regulate drilling in the area. The DEP suggestes that regulations be “scaled back” to address water concerns while the New York state attorney general demandes a thorough environmental impact statement before drilling can begin. The DRBC does not have a deadline for adopting final rules
Forbes
Acting W.Va. gov orders emergency Marcellus rules
By Lawrence Messina
July 12, 2011
http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2011/07/12/business-us-marcellus-drilling-west-virginia_8561481.html
On Tuesday, West Virginia Governor Tomblin signed an executive order that directs the DRP to install emergency rules regarding hydraulic fracturing in the state. Tomblin stated, “The risk to our citizents, however slight, is too great to not act swiftly to promulgate additional regulations to ensure the responsible development of Marcellus shale in West Virginia.
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Shale drilling concerns aired in Fayette
By Cindy Ekaa
July 13, 2011
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/fayette/s_746504.html
On Tuesday night at a meeting of the Marcellus Shale Task Force in Fayette, numerous concerns were raised about drilling in the area. The people of Fayette are concerned that the risks outweight the economic benefits of Marcellus shale gas drilling. Another issue that was raised was if people need insurance for gas drilling in case of contamination. The chairman of the group’s economic development committee said that the economic growth from gas drilling has not yet reached Fayette County,
Central PA’s Pennlive
Commentary: Secrecy cloaks Marcellus Shale
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/07/commentary_secrecy_cloaks_marc.html
Govenor Corbett’s Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission’s has their final meeting on Friday and the public is allowed to see the votes but is not allowed to see what is being voted on. The Commission is voting on a series of recommendations regarding drilling in Pennsylvania but the public will not be able to see what recommendations do not pass. After the Commission votes, the approved recommendations go to Gov. Corbett to be looked over.