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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| State Rep. Mike Sturla Chairman, Democratic Policy Committee |
House Democratic Policy Committee considers Marcellus Shale
HARRISBURG, Aug. 17 – The House Democratic Policy Committee held a public hearing in Harrisburg today to look at the impact drilling in the Marcellus Shale formation is having on Pennsylvania, Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster, said.
The hearing was one of several the Policy Committee has held since the Governor's Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission released its report last month. This summer the group has traveled across the Commonwealth investigating the various effects the burgeoning natural gas industry has had on the state and gathered public feedback.
"Natural gas drilling has affected Pennsylvania's regions in different ways," Sturla said. "The notion that unless there is a drill in your neighborhood you're not feeling the industry's effect is erroneous on many levels. The Policy Committee has taken a balanced approach to examining the way Marcellus Shale is shaping the Commonwealth's environment, economy and infrastructure by presenting all sides of the discussion.
"These hearings have gone a long way toward expanding the conversation and educating lawmakers, municipal leaders and the public on this issue."
Those testifying included Dr. Timothy Kelsey, state program leader, Economic and Community Development and professor of Agricultural Economics, Penn State University; Jan Jarrett, president, PennFuture; and Jack Machek, president & CEO, 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania.
For more information about the Policy Committee and hearing materials, visit www.pahouse.com/PolicyCommittee.
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