Marcellus Shale Newswire 07/15/2011

Vol. 2, Issue 18

A Collection of Marcellus Shale and Gas Drilling Articles from Pennsylvania and Beyond

PennEnvironment

 

 

Vol. 2 Issue 18

July 15, 2011

Marcellus Shale News Wire

A Collection of Marcellus Shale and Gas Drilling Articles from Pennsylvania and Beyond

 

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Shale commission nears completion of report

By Laura Olson

July 10, 2011

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11191/1159439-454.stm

Governor Corbett’s Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission’s report is due out July 22nd. According to the commission’s chairman Lt. Jim Cawley, the final report is going to “suggeest a very strict regulatory structure that is going to be uniformly applied across the entire commonwealth.” However, it seems as though the commission will not be deciding if Pennsylvania should have a Marcellus shale gas drilling fee or tax.

 

The Wall Street Journal

Drilling-Ban Proposal in National Forest Draws Fire

By Tennille Tracy

July 8, 2011

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303365804576434253843741550.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

The ban of hydraulic fracturing in certain parts of the 1.1 million acre George Washington National Forest in Virginia and West Virginia does not indicate a ban on other public forest lands according to a U.S. Forest Service official. Representative Ed Markey of the House Natural Resources Committee’s maine concern is that hydraulic fracturing is found to harm vegetation. The Forest Service is expected to have a final plan by the end of the year.

 

Wilkes-Barre Citizens Voice

Stray gas plagues NEPA Marcellus wells

By Laura Legere

July 10, 2011

http://citizensvoice.com/news/drilling/stray-gas-plagues-nepa-marcellus-wells-1.1173277#ixzz1RoAPJDte

The number of stray methane gas cases per well caused by Marcellus gas drilling has increased over the past few years. There used to be 1.26 cases for every 1,000 wells but now there are more than 7 for every 1,000 wells. Geologists believe this is caused by the lack of drilling prior to Marcellus shale gas drilling in the area combined with a large amount of methane generated deep underground.

 

The Scranton Times Tribune

Comments on DRBC drilling rules show state and federal agencies divided on oversight

By Laura Legere

July 13, 2011

http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/comments-on-drbc-drilling-rules-show-state-and-federal-agencies-divided-on-oversight-1.1174736#axzz1RzHnvlty

During a 120 day public comment period by the Delaware River Basin Commission regarding regulation of drilling in the 13,000-square-mile watershed, the agency recievedcomments from more than 150 groups, elected officials, and agencies. The comments, however, are split on how to regulate drilling in the area. The DEP suggestes that regulations be “scaled back” to address water concerns while the New York state attorney general demandes a thorough environmental impact statement before drilling can begin. The DRBC does not have a deadline for adopting final rules

 

Forbes

Acting W.Va. gov orders emergency Marcellus rules

By Lawrence Messina

July 12, 2011

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2011/07/12/business-us-marcellus-drilling-west-virginia_8561481.html

On Tuesday, West Virginia Governor Tomblin signed an executive order that directs the DRP to install emergency rules regarding hydraulic fracturing in the state. Tomblin stated, “The risk to our citizents, however slight, is too great to not act swiftly to promulgate additional regulations to ensure the responsible development of Marcellus shale in West Virginia.

 

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Shale drilling concerns aired in Fayette

By Cindy Ekaa 

July 13, 2011

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/fayette/s_746504.html

On Tuesday night at a meeting of the Marcellus Shale Task Force in Fayette, numerous concerns were raised about drilling in the area. The people of Fayette are concerned that the risks outweight the economic benefits of Marcellus shale gas drilling. Another issue that was raised was if people need insurance for gas drilling in case of contamination. The chairman of the group’s economic development committee said that the economic growth from gas drilling has not yet reached Fayette County,

 

Central PA’s Pennlive

Commentary: Secrecy cloaks Marcellus Shale

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/07/commentary_secrecy_cloaks_marc.html

Govenor Corbett’s Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission’s has their final meeting on Friday and the public is allowed to see the votes but is not allowed to see what is being voted on. The Commission is voting on a series of recommendations regarding drilling in Pennsylvania but the public will not be able to see what recommendations do not pass. After the Commission votes, the approved recommendations go to Gov. Corbett to be looked over.