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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State Rep. Mike Sturla Chairman, Majority Policy Committee |
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Majority Policy Committee evaluates the leasing of state forest land for natural gas drilling
KING OF PRUSSIA, March 18 – The House Majority Policy Committee held a public hearing today to examine the use of state forest land for natural gas drilling, said Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster.
State Reps. Greg Vitali, D-Delaware, and Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, requested the hearing and served as co-chairmen.
"Pennsylvania’s burgeoning natural gas industry promises not only to be a wise energy investment, but also a strong economic driver," Sturla said. "However, the ramifications to our environment could be great and it is important we fully explore the expansion of this industry in our state. I applaud Representative Vitali and Representative Briggs on bringing this issue to southeast Pennsylvania."
Vitali added, "We do not yet know what the cumulative impact of natural gas drilling will have on state forests or how it will affect the quality of drinking water. A five-year moratorium on additional leases will give us time to study this issue so will be sure our state forests will be there for future generations to enjoy."
Briggs said, "Finding the right balance between being environmentally responsible while at the same time working to create jobs in a challenging fiscal climate is not a task to be taken lightly. Today's hearing was a great opportunity to investigate the many complex issues surrounding drilling on state land, and what drilling means for our forests and our communities."
Among those testifying at the hearing were John Quigley, acting secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources; Matt Royer, Pennsylvania staff attorney, Chesapeake Bay Foundation; Ray Werts, president, Western Clinton County Sportsmen Club; Rick Carlson, retired, former DCNR policy director; and Robert "Butch" Davey, retired, former DCNR forester.
For more information about the Policy Committee and for hearing materials, go to www.pahouse.com/PolicyCommittee.