FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Rep. Steven J. Santarsiero D-Bucks www.pahouse.com/Santarsiero

Santarsiero to host policy hearing on Marcellus Shale gas drilling issues

HARRISBURG, July 22 – State Rep. Steven J. Santarsiero, D-Bucks, today announced that he will host a House Democratic Policy Committee hearing next week to discuss several issues related to the booming Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling industry in Pennsylvania.

The hearing will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 27 in the Chancellor Center, Board Room, 30 N. Chancellor St., Newtown. The public is invited to attend, but only members of the committee are permitted to comment and ask questions of those testifying. The public may submit written comments to be entered into the hearing's record.

Santarsiero said the committee will hear testimony on several issues, including:

· The environmental impacts of drilling, especially in state forests;

· Regulation of the industry;  

· A severance tax on drilling;

· Economic benefits of drilling; and the

· Governor's Commission on Marcellus Shale report released this week.

"As the prevalence of the Marcellus Shale industry grows in our state, we need to make sure we take appropriate precautions to ensure our valuable natural resources are protected," Santarsiero said.

"While I want Pennsylvania to take advantage of the energy, jobs and revenues that will come as a result of expanding the natural gas drilling industry, I do not want us to make the mistake of moving too quickly without considering environmental impacts," he added.

Santarsiero said the committee extended invitations to the Governor's Commission on Marcellus Shale and the Marcellus Shale Coalition to testify, however both have declined.