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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| State Rep. Mike Sturla Chairman, Democratic Policy Committee | State Rep. Ron Waters D-Phila./Delaware Hearing Co-Chairman |
HDPC explores issues related to the Marcellus Shale industry
PHILADELPHIA, June 9 – The House Democratic Policy Committee today held a public hearing at the National Constitution Center looking at issues related to Pennsylvanian's burgeoning natural gas industry, according to Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster.
State Rep. Ron Waters, D-Phila., requested and co-hosted the hearing.
"The more Pennsylvanians learn about the effects of drilling in the Marcellus Shale formation on their water, their environment and their infrastructure, the more they demand increased oversight and the implementation of a tax for the out-of-state companies operating in the Commonwealth," Sturla said. "I applaud Representative Waters for requesting this hearing to investigate and educate people of southeast Pennsylvania on how drilling affects them."
Waters added: "Today’s Policy Committee hearing gave citizens an opportunity to hear expert testimony on the impact of Marcellus Shale drilling in the Commonwealth. With the state granting over 10,000 new leases this year alone, we must continue the conversation on its effects, as we work to balance job creation with growing environmental concerns.”
Those testifying at the hearing included Michael Wood, research director, Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center; Preston Luitweiler, vice president and chief environmental officer, Aqua Pennsylvania; Jan Jarrett, president, PennFuture; Brady Russell, eastern PA director, Clean Water Action; and Michael Krancer, secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
For more information about the Policy Committee and hearing materials, visit www.pahouse.com/PolicyCommittee.
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