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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| State Rep. Mike Sturla Chairman, Democratic Policy Committee | State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski D-Luzerne Hearing Co-Chair |
House Democratic Policy Committee explores impact of gas drilling in northeastern Pa. communities
WILKES-BARRE, Aug. 15 – Legislators on the House Democratic Policy Committee heard from testifiers at a public hearing today at Wilkes University regarding the impact that drilling in the Marcellus Shale is having on northeastern Pennsylvania, said Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster.
The hearing was requested and co-chaired by state Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-Luzerne.
"Many northeast Pennsylvanians have seen the effects of natural gas drilling on their communities; whether it's their drinking water, local roadway conditions or increased traffic in their emergency rooms," Sturla said. "Today's hearing provided a balance between the environmental and the industry perspectives. I thank Representative Pashinski for inviting the committee to Wilkes-Barre to examine this important issue."
“We must carefully craft policies that encourage the lucrative industry to create jobs and help our local economy while also ensuring that our water is protected and our beautiful landscape is defended for future generations," Pashinski said.
Those testifying included Dr. Thomas Jiunta, president, Gas Drilling Awareness Coalition; Nancy Dolan, treasurer, Gas Drilling Awareness Coalition; Mark Szybist, staff attorney, PennFuture; Terry Bossert, vice president of government affairs, Chief Oil and Gas; Michael Love, vice president of government affairs, UGI; Dr. Brian Redmond, professor of geology; and Brian Oram, Owner, B.F. Environmental Consultants, Inc.
For more information about the Policy Committee and hearing materials, visit www.pahouse.com/PolicyCommittee.
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