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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State Rep.
Camille "Bud" George |
  
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House energy panel sets hearing on Marcellus Shale drilling
HARRISBURG, Sept. 25 – State Rep. Camille "Bud" George, majority chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, today said the panel will conduct a hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 30, to solicit input on gas drilling within Pennsylvania’s Marcellus Shale formation.
The public hearing will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday in Room G50 in the Irvis Office Building within the Capitol Complex.
"The fuel being pursued – potentially trillions of cubic feet of cleaner-burning natural gas – represents a great opportunity for Pennsylvania’s energy future," said Rep. George, D-74 of Clearfield County. "However, the recovery must be done correctly and conscientiously to protect Pennsylvania’s valuable water resources."
Tentatively scheduled to testify are:
● J. Scott Roberts, deputy secretary for Mineral Resources Management in the state Department of Environmental Protection;
● Richard Weber, president, Atlas Energy Resources;
● Stephen W. Rhoads, president, Pa. Oil and Gas Association;
● Louis D. D’Amico, executive director, Independent Oil & Gas Association of Pa.;
● Thomas W. Beauduy, deputy director, Susquehanna River Basin Commission.
The Marcellus Shale formation underlies much of Pennsylvania at a depth of 5,000 to 8,000 feet. Until recent advancements, drilling within the formation was considered prohibitively expensive.
Rep. George said more than 500 permits have been approved for drilling in the Marcellus Shale formation since 2005, including 250 drilling permits this year.
"Each drilling operation could require up to 1 million gallons of water, and in recent weeks almost $400,000 in fines have been assessed against drillers in just two counties for either withdrawing water without a permit or starting well construction without a permit," Rep. George said. "The committee will explore all the ramifications of this energy boon."
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CONTACT: Matthew Maciorkoski |