PA Marcellus News Digest

Thursday, May 3, 2012

PA Marcellus News Digest 5/3/12

PA Marcells News Digest

May 3, 2012

A VERY LARGE DIGEST. WE HAVE FINALLY CAUGHT UP ON THE FRACKING NEWS OF THE WEEK. WE ARE OUT TOMORROW, SO THE NEXT DIGETS WILL BE MAY 7

Releases

More Than 2,000 Truck Trips Already Removed from PA Roadways as New 18-Mile Water Pipeline Supplies Shale Drill Sites
Aqua America and PVR Partners joint venture already a “win-win;” alleviating traffic in local communities, benefitting residents and Marcellus operating companies
Wallaby
April 30
BRYN MAWR & RADNOR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
“We’ve been in the water business for more than 125 years and shale drilling is a very water intensive business”
Link: http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2012/2012043072.HTM

DEP Announces Air Quality Awareness Week
DEP Newsroom
April 30
HARRISBURG -- Pennsylvania will join states across the nation in recognizing April 30 through May 4 as Air Quality Awareness Week, the Department of Environmental Protection announced today.
Throughout the week, air quality partnerships across the state will hold events teaching the public how to stay safe on air quality action days and how to cut down on air pollution.
Link: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/newsroom/14287?id=19373&typeid=1

Largest Private U.S. Water Utilities Exchange Subsidiaries
Wallaby
May 1
BRYN MAWR, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aqua America, Inc. (NYSE: WTR) announced today that it has completed the purchase of all of American Water Works Company, Inc. (NYSE: AWK) regulated operations in Ohio and simultaneously sold its regulated operations in New York to American Water. Aqua America is the largest investor-owned water utility in Ohio.
“This transaction is the latest and the largest of several acquisitions and purchases we have completed to transform the company by maximizing efficiencies and concentrating our efforts in states where we have critical mass”
Link: http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2012/2012050161.HTM

Concerned Citizens Announce Date for the Largest Fracking Rally in Washington, DC
Stop the Frack Attack
May 1
Washington, D.C—Today citizens from affected communities, together with environmental organizations and community groups, announced a call to action to demand an end to putting oil and gas drilling profits ahead of public health, clean water and air and the safety of our communities. This event will be the largest of its kind and will take place in on the West Lawn of the United States Capitol, Washington, DC from 10am to 2pm on July 28th, 2012.
Link: http://www.stopthefrackattack.org/concerned-citizens-announce-date-for-the-largest-fracking-rally-in-washington-dc/

DEP Fines RW Products More than $21,000 for Illegally Dumping Drilling Mud in Bradford County
Company Driver Intentionally Dumped Load in State Game Lands
Wallaby
May 3
WILLIAMSPORT -- The Department of Environmental Protection has fined RW Products LLC of Wheeling, W. Va., $21,029 for the illegal disposal of a reported 800 gallons of waste drilling mud on State Game Lands 219 in Warren Township, Bradford County, in December 2011.
“A driver for RW Products admitted that he intentionally dumped a load of oil-based waste drilling mud onto the ground,” North-central Waste Management Program Manager Patrick Brennan said. “This violated the Pennsylvania Solid Waste Management Act and the department’s penalty reflects this blatant disregard for the environment.”
Link: http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2012/2012050383.HTM

Articles

War Over Natural Gas About to Escalate
Sierra Club launches 'Beyond Natural Gas' campaign.
Amy Harder
May 3
The rocky relationship between one of the world’s most influential environmental groups and the natural-gas industry is headed toward full-scale combat.
The Sierra Club is intensifying its natural-gas reform campaign and renaming it “Beyond Gas,” a spin-off of its decade-old “Beyond Coal” campaign seeking the phaseout of coal-fired power plants.
Link: http://www.nationaljournal.com/energy-report/war-over-natural-gas-about-to-escalate-20120503

Frack cleaner botches DEP application
‘Oversight’ would affect 720 in Shamokin Dam
Daily Item
Francis Scarcella
May 2
SUNBURY — The hazardous waste processing company that has yet to apply to the city’s zoning hearing board for permission to create a Sunbury transfer station calls errors in its application to the state Department of Environmental Protection “oversights,” one of which may have affected 720 Shamokin Dam households.
Link: http://dailyitem.com/0100_news/x1720499331/Frack-cleaner-botches-DEP-application

Possible drilling raises concern
Coupon residents say answers have been scant so far
Altoona Mirror
Kay Stephens
May 3
COUPON - Residents on the Blair/Cambria county border around the village of Coupon say they have concerns about a developing effort to begin Marcellus Shale drilling in Logan Township.
Link: http://www.altoonamirror.com/page/content.detail/id/560475/Possible-drilling-raises-concern.html?nav=742

Dem House leaders push to revise gas-drilling law
Tribune-Democrat
Kathy Mellott
May 1
JOHNSTOWN — State Democratic House leaders are pushing for changes to Act 13, the state law enacted earlier this year to regulates and impose fees on the shale gas-drilling industry in Pennsylvania.
Link: http://tribune-democrat.com/local/x1720498280/Dem-House-leaders-push-to-revise-gas-drilling-law

Industry Coalition Releases New Drilling Standards
State Impact
Susan Phillips
May 2
Link: http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/05/02/industry-coalition-releases-new-drilling-standards/

Fractivists to Rally in D.C. Against Drilling
State Impact
Susan Phillips
May 2
Link: http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/05/02/fractivists-to-rally-in-d-c-against-drilling/

Transco delays pipeline project one year
Herald Standard
Steve Ferris
May 2
The low price of natural gas has caused a company to delay construction of a proposed interstate pipeline system through Fayette, Greene and many other counties.
Link: http://www.heraldstandard.com/news/local_news/transco-delays-pipeline-project-one-year/article_30eeb130-0751-5c26-b32f-0d606e26b00e.html

Shale drillers make water use requests despite reports of decreased activity
Ellwood City Ledger
Eric Poole
May 2
NEW CASTLE -- In spite of a reported scaling back in natural gas drilling activity around the region, the drilling industry is making increased drainage and water use requests for Marcellus and Utica shale-related projects.
Link: http://www.ellwoodcityledger.com/news/local_news/shale-drillers-make-water-use-requests-despite-reports-of-decreased/article_4d4eeda0-00c4-5363-8271-25a894d1324b.html

Democrats plan 'fix' for Act 13
Philly Burbs
Gary Weckselblatt
May 2
Each week since Gov. Tom Corbett signed Act 13 into law in mid-February, Steve Santarsiero has risen to speak on the House floor against the measure that imposes an impact fee on companies drilling in the Marcellus Shale.
Link: http://www.phillyburbs.com/my_town/palisades/democrats-plan-fix-for-act/article_916f446c-a1c5-5378-ae68-c92c8da0ac09.html

Court denies Act 13 change
Observer-Reporter
Brad Hundt
May 2
A request by the state's Public Utility Commission to modify a preliminary injunction against Act 13, Pennsylvania's new oil and gas drilling law, has been turned down by the Commonwealth Court.
The commission asked last week that anyone be allowed to challenge local oil and gas drilling ordinances until Dec. 10, when zoning regulations under Act 13 are due to be implemented if it's not ruled unconstitutional. The Public Utility Commission contended the preliminary injunction was ambiguous, and Act 13 should be allowed to preempt local ordinances.
Link: http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/story11/05-02-2012-PUC-and-Act-13--the-latest

Dems aim to change Act 13
Observer-Reporter
Christie Campbell
May 2
State Democratic lawmakers are proposing six new bills aimed at changing Act 13, which addresses natural gas drilling throughout Pennsylvania.
Terming Act 13 "an industry-friendly Marcellus Shale law," House Demo-crats have offered the Marcellus Compact, which includes bills designed to restore municipal zoning rights, increase well fees to $75,000 and track drilling wastewater.
Link: http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/story11/05-02-2012-Act-13--quot-fix-quot-

EPA acts for cleaner air
Republican Herald
Opinion
May 2
Most of the environmental concern about "fracking" naturally has been about water. The process to free gas trapped in the Marcellus Shale uses many millions of gallons per well. Rights to that water and the disposal of chemical-laced wastewater are key environmental concerns.
Link: http://republicanherald.com/opinion/epa-acts-for-cleaner-air-1.1308742

Diverse groups converge on Harrisburg to protest Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed budget cuts
Patriot-News
Jan Murphy
May 1
In a year when the proposed state budget makes cuts in so many places, there’s a lot of unhappiness to go around.
Environmentalists resent Gov. Tom Corbett for, in their view, giving preference to policies that aid the natural gas industry while doing little to advance renewable energy.
Civic and religious groups dislike cuts to public education.
Link: http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/05/diverse_groups_converge_on_har.html

Crucifying the EPA: What's wrong with federal enforcers enforcing?
Post-Gazette
May 2
Politics is the realm of hyperbole, metaphor and analogy. When opponents accuse others of waging a war against something, that doesn't mean guns and bullets are involved.
Link: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/opinion/editorials/crucifying-the-epa-whats-wrong-with-federal-enforcers-enforcing-634005/

Chesapeake strips CEO of chairmanship
Post-Gazette
Erich Schwartzel
May 2
Chesapeake Energy stripped its co-founder and chief executive officer, Aubrey McClendon, of his chairmanship Tuesday, the most dramatic step yet in the Oklahoma company's efforts to placate shareholders angry over a loan arrangement that allowed Mr. McClendon to quietly mortgage personal stakes in company wells.
Link: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/business/news/chesapeake-strips-ceo-of-chairmanship-634008/

Hospital to mine patient database for fracking ills
Pitt Trib
Bloomburg News
May 1
Geisinger Health System, a nonprofit chain of hospitals in eastern Pennsylvania, plans to use its database of patient records to determine whether natural gas drilling in the Marcellus shale is harming residents.
Link: http://triblive.com/state/1295005-74/gas-shale-fracking-health-according-geisinger-government-institute-natural-shell

Donegal Township family sues Marcellus driller
Pitt Trib
Rich Cholodofsky
May 1
A Donegal Township family wants an Oklahoma-based natural gas drilling firm to halt operations on its 123-acre property, saying a lease signed five years ago does not specifically allow for Marcellus shale wells.
Link: http://triblive.com/state/1294923-74/drilling-kalps-marcellus-company-donegal-family-lawsuit-operations-acre-energy

A Canary in the Coal Mine or A Cow in the Gas Land
Protecting Our Waters
Abby Sullivan
April 28
Concerns continue to grow among healthcare professionals about health risks from the natural gas extraction process, particularly from deep shale formations such as the Marcellus Shale. Dr. Poune Saberi, a doctor of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, has been monitoring the adverse health effects the industry on animals, people, and communities since the industry came to Pennsylvania. She recently voiced her concern in the op-ed “What the Frack: if Hydraulic Fracturing Kills Cows, What Can it Do to Us?” on the website VitaminW.
Link: http://protectingourwaters.wordpress.com/2012/04/28/a-canary-in-the-coal-mine-or-a-cow-in-the-gas-land/

Toxic Secrets: Pennsylvania’s Act 13 Prevents Public Health Research
Protecting Our Waters
Iris Marie Bloom
May 1
“You wouldn’t be able to prevent anyone else from getting hurt.”
–Kevin Osterhoudt, MD, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, referring to Act 13
Public health prizes prevention. The whole concept of public health dates back to a time when captains of sailing ships found that if they provided their sailors with fresh fruit, no one developed scurvy. When folks finally figured out that public water supplies were spreading disease, action followed quickly to save lives.
Link: http://protectingourwaters.wordpress.com/2012/05/01/toxic-secrets-pennsylvanias-act-13-prevents-public-health-research/

Scarnati talks budget, Marcellus Shale, Santorum
Punxsutawney Spitit
Tom Chapin
April 30
— On the eve of lawmakers returning to Harrisburg to hash out details of Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed 2012-13 budget, state Sen.
Joe Scarnati said there's bright spots and not-so-bright spots.
Link: http://www.punxsutawneyspirit.com/content/scarnati-talks-budget-marcellus-shale-santorum

Guest Column: Convert Oil Refineries To Process PA’s Marcellus Shale Natural Gas
Daily Times
Chris Freind
Opinion
May 1
Psst: Don’t tell anybody, but the worst-kept secret in Pennsylvania is that the natural gas industry --- the only economic salvation our dying state had--- is leaving in droves, replaced by job loss, budget holes and despair.
Link: http://www.delcotimes.com/articles/2012/05/01/opinion/doc4f9fe955e0cb2399497435.txt

Clean Air Council Helps Heinz Find 57 Ways to Oppose Natural Gas
EID Marcellus
April 30
The Clean Air Council out of Philadelphia seems to be popping up everywhere these days offering the same testimony at numerous compressor station hearings over the last several months. It brings along the same small group of reliable friends to offer the same comments, few of which have much of anything to do with the application at hand. The one consistent message, of course, is “no way, no how.
Link: http://eidmarcellus.org/marcellus-shale/clean-air-council-heinz/8392/

SIERRA CLUB, UNIONS, CIVIL RIGHTS AND RELIGOUS LEADERS CALL ON GOVERNOR TO INVEST IN RENEWABLE ENERGY, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND EDUCATION
Pennsylvania Legislative Services
Nina Lehr
May 1
(full text below)
The Sierra Club and other organizations held a rally on the Capitol steps this afternoon to call on Gov. Corbett to promote policies that strengthen Pennsylvania's clean energy programs, infrastructure, and education system. Representatives from Sierra Club, LiUNA, NAACP, PA Council of Churches, and the state legislature spoke out about the need to take action on renewable energy, infrastructure projects, and education policies that will improve the state's economy.

Robin Mann, Sierra Club President, stated "we are calling on the Corbett administration to throw away their playbook -- a playbook that was written by, and for, the fossil fuels industry and other special interests -- and to reverse their gutting of critical investments that can drive Pennsylvania towards a prosperous future for all." She indicated that prior to this administration Pennsylvania was nationally renowned as a leader in renewable energy but since taking office, Gov. Corbett has dismantled previously successful programs that advance renewable energy and energy efficiency in the state. She noted these programs fueled the growth of more than 100,000 jobs in Pennsylvania’s clean energy sector but by squandering opportunities to build on past progress the state is falling behind the rest of the country. She stated instead of investing in Pennsylvania’s infrastructure, such as bridges and rail systems, the Corbett administration is allowing the deterioration of bridges to continue while raising the fares and reducing the service of railways. She added “instead of investing in preparing our children for the economic opportunities of tomorrow through a strong public educational system, the Corbett administration is pulling back, robbing our kids of their full potential.”

Rep. Scott Conklin (D-Centre), joined at the podium by Rep. Patrick Harkins (D-Erie), stated the current administration wants to invest in nothing but carbon fuel but the future is in clean, renewable energy. He said the state could have 2.7 million jobs in clean energy but Pennsylvania has not gone far enough. He indicated green energy jobs are more than about saving the environment or having manufacturing plants but about placing people in good-paying jobs and giving them the training they need for a lifetime. He noted that over the past few years the government has neglected the responsibility to the people and the environment and forgot that the only way to get out of a recession is to create jobs.

Dwayne Jackson, First Vice President of the Pennsylvania State Conference of NAACP Branches, asked the governor and the state legislature to restore funding to education to ensure children in the Commonwealth are entitled to a free, public education. He stated many children across Pennsylvania come from poverty stricken school districts and the state needs to ensure those children receive a quality education.

Rick Smith read a statement from Abe Amoros, Legislative Director for the Laborers’ International Union of North American, which stated with 8,452 miles of roads and 6,000 bridges in need of repair, Pennsylvania must invest resources in infrastructure. He indicated the $3.5 billion of investment needed in the state would provide more than 100,000 jobs over the next five to ten years and “these good-paying, family-sustaining jobs will eventually provide a much-needed boost in local economies as workers – union and non-union alike – spend those dollars in their communities as they pay for their mortgages, groceries and vehicles to get to and from work every day.”

Andrew Kleeman, Senior Vice President with Mercury Solar Systems, stated that in 2006 the solar energy industry in Pennsylvania was about a $2 million per year industry and in 2011 built $680 million worth of solar projects in the state. He noted employment in the solar sector went from roughly 150 jobs to 4,700 jobs in the Commonwealth but this progress is at risk by the current administration’s agenda.

Rev. Sandy Strauss, Director of Public Advocacy for the Pennsylvania Council of Churches, stated investment in the state’s infrastructure would lift the economy, not act as a drain. “Not only will we create a safer and more efficient infrastructure to support business, industry, agriculture, tourism, and every day travel for all,” she explained, “but rebuilding and maintaining our infrastructure will mean ongoing employment for thousands of Pennsylvania workers who will provide further investment dollars through their tax contributions.” She added the health and strength of the nation depends on the ability of its citizens to understand issues and treat each other with respect, made possible through comprehensive, fair and effective education. She indicated while Pennsylvania has adopted a new school funding formula to address some of the injustices in the school system, little attention has been given to ensuring the state provide adequate funding to fully address the inequities and inefficiencies in the school districts.

Mike Brunelle, Executive Director of the SEIU Pennsylvania State Council, stated “Gov. Corbett and his administration is waging a war on workers, the middle class, good jobs and education and they will stop at nothing until they get their way.” He said the focus of this administration is to deliver an out-of-touch agenda that is going to set the state back and hurt people at whatever cost necessary. He indicated the state is now a place where corporate greed is rewarded by tax breaks, where quality education is only provided to those who can afford it, and where the value of working hard takes a back seat to an ideological desire to fulfill promises to out-of-state special interests.

###

Democrats mount challenges to new fracking law
E&E News
Ellen M. Gilmer
May 3
(full text below)
Pennsylvania's new hydraulic fracturing law is turning black and blue.

The landmark Act 13, which updates the state's Oil and Gas Act of 1984, has taken a beating since its quick February passage, facing blows on sections addressing chemical disclosure, tax rates and municipal zoning.

Next in line to throw a few punches are state House Democrats, who have stitched together a suite of six bills addressing what they consider to be weaknesses in the new law.

The bills, known together as the Marcellus Compact, were unveiled this week and accompanied by a host of promises from House lawmakers.

"It's our promise that we are committed to establishing strong protections for our water, our land and our air," Minority Leader Frank Dermody (D) said at a news conference. "It is our promise that we are committed to improving transparency and public accountability in Marcellus Shale drilling activities."

The headliner bill, to be sponsored by Dermody, would eliminate an Act 13 clause that strikes local authority to zone shale drilling activity (EnergyWire, April 2). A bill from Rep. Mike Hanna would increase taxes on drillers, and a bill from Rep. Steve Santarsiero would enhance environmental safeguards, like required distances between natural gas wells and public water sources.

An especially controversial section of Act 13 is a stipulation that doctors treating individuals harmed by drilling chemicals cannot publicly disclose those substances (EnergyWire, April 24). A bill to be sponsored by Rep. Matt Bradford would grant full medical disclosure.

Rounding out the compact are bills that would incentivize the hiring of Pennsylvania workers and strengthen safety practices for drilling wastewater, sponsored by Reps. Rick Mirabito and Phyllis Mundy, respectively.

It is unclear at this point whether Harrisburg has the political appetite to sink into another energy development debate this session, especially with the Legislature already grappling over the state's budget.

Given Act 13's short time on the books so far, the Legislature may be "hesitant to reopen the statute," said George Jugovic Jr., president and CEO of citizens group PennFuture.

But, he said, the law could use a revision. "While [Act 13] could be considered a valid attempt," he said, "it's not near perfect."

Jeff Schmidt, director of the Pennsylvania Sierra Club, said public backlash following Act 13's passage could put enough pressure on Democrats and Republicans alike to consider the Marcellus Compact.

"There are some Republicans who are open to looking at this," he said. "It's not being dismissed out of hand."

Once they are formally introduced, the Legislature has until November to work through the bills.

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

PA Marcellus News Digest 5/2/12

PA Marcellus News Digest

May 2, 2012

A long Digest. Still catching up on a backlog of stories from last week.

Releases

Sen. Ferlo to Push for Stronger Gas Drilling Law in PA
Wallaby
April 27
State Senator Jim Ferlo (D-Allegheny), pointing to what he calls questionable business practices and lopsided influence in Pennsylvania, announced draft legislation that would impose a reasonable Marcellus Shale severance tax, toughen environmental and health protections, and restore local zoning powers.
Link: http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2012/2012042770.HTM

House Democrats unveil ‘Marcellus Compact’ to fix flawed shale drilling law
Six-point plan puts Pennsylvanians first, rather than the multi-billion-dollar oil and gas industry
PA House
April 30
HARRISBURG, April 30 – House Democrats today launched a renewed effort to fix Gov. Tom Corbett’s industry-friendly Marcellus Shale law (Act 13), offering a six-point plan – the Marcellus Compact.
Noting that the new law provides one of the lowest tax rates in the nation on natural gas drillers and weak environmental protections, House Democrats unveiled their Marcellus Compact – a promise to put the interests of Pennsylvanians first, rather than the oil and gas industry for whom, and by whom, Act 13 was written.
Link: http://www.pahouse.com/pr/033043012.asp

Articles

DEP should focus on its own mistakes
Post-Gazette
Jim Ferlo
Opinion
May 1
Shame on Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Michael Krancer for his "In Rebuttal: Bogus Pollution Report" (April 5).
Link: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/opinion/letters/dep-should-focus-on-its-own-mistakes-633781/

Gas drillers expand presence in area
Beaver County Times Online
Bill Utterback
April 30
One major natural gas developer is accelerating its position in western Beaver County, while another is expanding its presence in the Hanover Township/Findlay Township area, according to April online documents posted on the state Department of Environmental Protection.
Link: http://www.timesonline.com/news/local_news/gas-drillers-expand-presence-in-area/article_873178e5-a29d-5ea6-b527-dc4cc4005dba.html

Mapping Pennsylvania’s Impact Fee Revenue (This Time, Officially)
State Impact
Scott Detrow
April 30
Link: http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/maps/mapping-pennsylvanias-impact-fee-revenue-this-time-officially/

Residents Fed Up with Bad Water Flee Shale Drilling Areas
State Impact
Susan Phillips
April 30
Link: http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/04/30/residents-fed-up-with-bad-water-flee-shale-drilling-areas/

DEP Investigates Potential Methane Migration
State Impact
Scott Detrow
April 30
Link: http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/04/30/dep-investigates-potential-methane-migration/

HOUSE DEMS UNVEIL MARCELLUS COMPACT BILL PACKAGE, AIM TO “FIX” ACT 13
Wallaby
Mike Howells
May 1
On the first day of session following the April primaries, House Democrats wasted no time taking aim at Act 13, the Marcellus Shale law, by introducing a series of bills amending the new law that they believe will prioritize the health and well-being of Pennsylvania citizens ahead of the drilling industry.
House Democratic Leader Frank Dermody (D-Allegheny) called Act 13, formerly HB 1950, a “sweetheart deal” for the drilling industry that put Pennsylvanians second. He accused House Republicans of priorities that are “out of whack,” and drafting a drilling law that is a “national embarrassment.”
Link: http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2012/20120430CY.HTM

Drilling issues are real
Butler Eagle
April 28
Joseph P. McMurry
Opinion
Deke Forbes, in a letter to the editor last month, urged people to welcome the gas industry.
While it’s true, as Forbes stated, that hydraulic fracturing has been in use since the 1940s, the current combined technology known as “high-volume slickwater hydraulic fracturing” (Google “Old and New Hydraulic Fracturing: What’s the Difference?”) has been in widespread use for 10 to 15 years at most, and has been plagued with problems throughout its short history.
Link: http://www.butlereagle.com/article/20120428/EDITORIAL02/120429956/-1/editorial

“Crucify Him”: The Latest EPA Flap
State Impact
Scott Detrow
April 27
Link: http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/04/27/crucify-him-the-latest-epa-flap/

Anti-fracking group adds claims to surveillance suit
Post-Gazette
Saranac Hale Spencer
April 30
Opponents of hydraulic fracturing in Luzerne County can add defamation and conspiracy claims to their suit against the private surveillance company the government allegedly hired to watch them, a federal judge has ruled.
Link: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/business/legal/anti-fracking-group-adds-claims-to-surveillance-suit-633713/

Hunters, anglers must lead charge to protect Pa. forests
Patriot-News
David Levdansky
Opinion
April 29
I am a lifelong hunter and angler, and Pennsylvania’s state forest system has afforded me an extraordinary opportunity to hunt on public lands for grouse, squirrel, turkey, deer and bear, and it’s pristine creeks and streams have enabled me to fish for native wild trout. I love our beautiful state forest, its habitat and wildlife.
Link: http://www.pennlive.com/editorials/index.ssf/2012/04/hunters_angles_must_lead_charg.html

Region's shale boom extended to law
Times-Tribune
Denise Allabaugh
April 29
Link: http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/business/region-s-shale-boom-extended-to-law-1.1307460#axzz1tWGv1B48

Lawmaker wants to exempt Bucks County from Marcellus Shale law
State Sen. Chuck McIlhinney pushes amendment that would exempt county from Marcellus Shale law.
Morning Call
JD Malone
April 29
A thin layer of 200-million-year-old mud lies thousands of feet beneath the fields, farms and homesteads of Nockamixon Township in upper Bucks County.
That ancient mud, laid down in prehistory and dubbed the Lockatong Shale, might have a spot of natural gas locked away in its flaky layers.
Link: http://www.mcall.com/news/local/easton/mc-bucks-gas-drilling-marcellus-amendment-20120429,0,2690231.story

Website to provide upclose look at Marcellus operation

PittTrib
Paul Peirce
April 27
A website on Marcellus shale natural gas wells aimed at giving residents information about drilling with the touch of a mouse and computer keyboard has been introduced by the Westmoreland County Planning Department.
Link: http://triblive.com/news/1220016-74/county-website-wells-westmoreland-drilling-local-marcellus-drilled-impact-million

Gas industry officials say drug tests not hindering local hiring
Herald Standard
April 29
Steve Ferris
Contrary to comments from politicians, hundreds of local people have passed pre-employment drug tests and found jobs in the Marcellus shale natural gas industry over the last several years.
Link: http://www.heraldstandard.com/gcm/news/local_news/gas-industry-officials-say-drug-tests-not-hindering-local-hiring/article_6c312589-f614-5938-89dd-077067d40612.html

Yardley Borough, municipalities challenge Marcellus Shale gas drilling law
Bucks Local News
John Williams
April 29
YARDLEY – Borough council has joined a spattering of municipalities and groups around the state in a lawsuit that is challenging a new law on natural gas and oil drilling.
Link: http://www.buckslocalnews.com/articles/2012/04/29/yardley_news/news/doc4f9ae13d6b212971220625.txt

Law firm supports O-R in gas case
Observer-Reporter
Linda Metz
April 28
The Observer-Reporter's efforts to obtain details regarding a legal settlement between a Mt. Pleasant Township couple and a group of gas-drilling corporations is gaining the support of a San Francisco environmental law firm.
Earthjustice will file an amicus brief Monday with Pennsylvania Superior Court on behalf of a group of doctors, scientists, researchers and advocates supporting the joint efforts of the O-R and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, according to the organization's campaign manager, Kathleen Sutcliffe.
Link: http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/story11/04-28-2012-hallowich-appeal

Trying to find the gas drilling 'line of death'
Times-Tribune
April 29
Elizabeth Skrapits
Link: http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/trying-to-find-the-gas-drilling-line-of-death-1.1307866#axzz1tQOPwzla

State investigating possible stray gas case near area of past problems in Dimock
Times-Tribune
Laura Legere
April 28
Link: http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/state-investigating-possible-stray-gas-case-near-area-of-past-problems-in-dimock-1.1307302#axzz1tQOPwzla

New DEP Permit to Cut All Public Input on Gas Equipment
Clean Air Council
(action alert, comment submission form included)
Pennsylvania’s newly revised General Permit 5 (or GP-5) will continue to prevent public input on smaller engines at natural gas compressor stations, and will also essentially block all commenting and public participation for all compressor stations that are categorized as “minor sources.”
Link: http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/1152/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=10267

Shell And DEP Begin Work On Ethane Cracker Permits
State Impact
Scott Detrow
April 26
Link: http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/04/26/shell-and-dep-begin-work-on-ethane-cracker-permits/

Act 13 is good law
Butler Eagle
Sen. Mary Jo White, chairman Pennsylvania Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee
Opinion
April 24
The Butler Eagle published an article recently regarding Act 13, known as the Impact Fee. Regrettably, I found the article to be filled with misleading and factually incorrect statements, most of which were based on a misunderstanding of the new law.
Link: http://www.butlereagle.com/article/20120424/EDITORIAL02/704249853/-1/Editorial

A Link Between Heavy Drilling and Illness? Doctors Search for Solid Answers
State Impact
Susan Phillips
April 27
Link: http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/04/27/doctors-in-shale-country-search-for-answers-but-come-up-short/

What Low Water Levels Mean For Pennsylvania
State Impact
Scott Detrow
April 27
Link: http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/04/27/what-low-water-levels-mean-for-pennsylvania/

SRBC Lifts Water Withdrawal Suspensions
State Impact
Scott Detrow
April 26
Link: http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/04/26/srbc-lifts-water-withdrawal-suspensions/

Politics should not overshadow the real issues
Wayne Independent
Opinion
April 25
Honesdale, Pa. —
A funny thing happened on the way to a Chapter 102 regulations meeting Tuesday night in Tafton.
Actually, it was anything but funny. What happened is the state official in charge of the Pennsylvania Department of Environment was supposed to focus his remarks on the controversial regulations but instead became a political spokesman for the Gov. Tom Corbett administration.
Link: http://www.wayneindependent.com/opinions/editorials/x1364630370/Politics-should-not-overshadow-the-real-issues

Gas drilling: Boom in the beginning can be followed by bust later on
Citizens Voice
Tom Jiunta, Spokesman GDAC
April 27
Misericordia University President Michael MacDowell recently wrote a commentary entitled, "Shale exploration holds promise for Pennsylvania and the country," which asserted that Pennsylvania will enjoy an economic boom as natural gas extraction will supply a clean burning and abundant source of energy that will make our country less dependent on foreign oil. Recent articles from national news outlets disagree.
Link: http://citizensvoice.com/opinion/letters/gas-drilling-boom-in-the-beginning-can-be-followed-by-bust-later-on-1.1306367#axzz1tFdCFU38

EPA releases third set of Dimock water tests
Citizens Voice
Laura Legere
April 21
Federal environmental regulators said Friday that 16 new water test results from Dimock Township give them no reason to take "further action" after a resident with hazardous levels of arsenic in a water well declined their offer of replacement water.
Link: http://citizensvoice.com/news/drilling/epa-releases-third-set-of-dimock-water-tests-1.1303285#axzz1tFdCFU38

Marcellus citizens training announced
Observer-Reporter
April 27
The Mountain Watershed Association is bringing the Marcellus Citizen Stewardship Project to Greene County. The project, which has been implemented in the Youghiogheny River watershed, is expanding throughout the Southwestern Pennsylvania region, providing citizens with tools and knowledge to responsibly monitor Marcellus Shale activity to aid in community and environmental protection.
Link: http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/story11/04-27-2012-stewardship-project

Fracking protesters take aim at Aqua America
Times-Herald
April 29
LOWER MERION - A dozen protesters stood outside the Bryn Mawr offices of Aqua America Wednesday afternoon claiming that the company is forcing people from their homes and poisoning water in Lycoming County.
Link: http://business-news.thestreet.com/the-times-herald/story/fracking-protesters-take-aim-aqua-america/1

PUC moves carefully on new rules while court weighs shale gas challenge
PittTrib
Timothy Puko
April 26
Some early efforts to prepare for the state's new drilling fee and for meditating disputes on local oil and gas laws are on hold after a vote from the state Public Utility Commission this morning.
Link: http://triblive.com/news/1179807-74/commission-rules-court-local-money-state-delay-fee-judge-drilling

Pa.: less than 30 health complaints about drilling
CDT
AP
April 26
The Pennsylvania Department of Health says it's received less than 30 complaints from people who feel natural gas drilling has impacted their health.
The state's public health agency also says it has no manuals or guidelines for how its staff should respond to health complaints about gas drilling.
Link: http://www.centredaily.com/2012/04/26/3176361/pa-less-than-30-health-complaints.html

Sierra Club challenges Md. natural gas terminal
CDT
Matthew Daly, Ap
April 26
The Sierra Club said Thursday it will try to block an energy company's plan to export liquefied natural gas to find new markets for the drilling boom that has flooded the Mid-Atlantic with natural gas.
Link: http://www.centredaily.com/2012/04/26/3176280/sierra-club-blocks-md-natural.html

Ohio debates 'best in breed' fracking regulations
E&E News
Peter Behr
April 30
(full text below)
Ohio's bid to make its regulation of shale gas and oil development a model for the nation is at the decision point, as legislators in Columbus weigh new drilling and disclosure rules proposed by Republican Gov. John Kasich.

Parts of Kasich's program win praise from the Environmental Defense Fund, whose draft "model regulatory framework" was a starting point for the governor's proposal, according to EDF and a state regulatory review panel.

"We are quite pleased to see that Ohio is in the process of joining the movement to adopt robust state requirements" governing hydraulic fracturing of shale oil and gas resources, said Scott Anderson, EDF senior policy analyst. "At the general level, Ohio has put out what seems to be a pretty solid framework."

However, EDF and the Natural Resources Defense Council say the proposals must be substantially strengthened in several critical areas to meet best industry drilling practices and to provide the public with essential information about the compositions of chemicals used in fracking operations.

Ohio's oil and gas industry, on the other hand, wants changes that make the regulatory proposals better aligned with current drilling rules and practices, says W. Jonathan Airey, a partner in the Columbus office of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP.

Kasich's legislative proposal "will probably require pretty significant modifications and amendments. It has some inconsistencies with the current regulatory regime that will need to be straightened out," said Airey, who represents independent oil and gas companies.

The debate puts Ohio in the forefront of a question that looms over all U.S. shale resource development as it follows different paths in states across the country: What are the model regulations and best practices that are required to protect public health and safety as this new energy resource emerges?

Some of Ohio's proposed new rules are found in S.B. 315, drafted by the Kasich administration. Others are in drilling regulations proposed by Ohio's Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) to implement the state's previous oil and gas law, adopted two years ago. The ODNR draft regulations are now under review by a special legislative regulatory oversight panel.

Chemical disclosure terminology

The disclosure of chemicals used in fracking operations is one of the contentious issues in Ohio. S.B. 315 expands the current disclosure requirements, creating what the ODNR calls the nation's first "cradle to grave" public reporting process to record and permanently preserve the chemical additives in drilling.

ODNR says it will require operators to reveal the "description" of chemicals. S.B. 315 says the requirement covers "types" of chemicals. "We'd be in the forefront of disclosure of the chemicals that are used," Fred Shimp, assistant director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, told Bloomberg last month.

Neither term is specific enough, says Thomas Cmar, an attorney with NRDC's Midwest office. "As the bill is written, it requires companies only to disclose basic information about the class of chemicals," he said.

The regulation should direct companies to disclose the unique Chemical Abstracts Service registry number for each chemical. Using the CAS tag system created by the American Chemical Society would allow regulators and researchers to make more accurate public health risk assessments by connecting particular chemicals to health studies, for example, Cmar said.

Cmar added that the legislation also gives drilling companies unilateral authority to withhold details about the chemicals they use if they consider the information to be proprietary. "In every other industry in Ohio, if there are legitimate trade secret concerns, a company can share information [with regulators] on a confidential basis, but the agency has the opportunity to review that information and the public has an opportunity to challenge" the validity of the confidentiality cloak, he said.

"Under the bill as it is drafted, there is no such process," Cmar said.

"We've generally seen a lack of understanding [among environmental groups] of the existing disclosure regime in Ohio and how healthy it is," Airey said. "It's frankly better disclosure than what the environmental community has been supporting in Texas and Colorado. I'm not sure why they wouldn't be dramatically supportive of the current disclosure plan" in Ohio, he said.

EDF's Anderson praises Kasich's plan for requiring disclosure of chemicals used in nearly all oil and gas operations, not just in the fracking process. "Ohio is going other states one step better" in this case, Anderson said. "This is actually a first."

But he agrees that Ohio's rules should be more detailed. "It is absolutely essential that CAS numbers be reported. We're optimistic that Ohio will move in that direction," he said.

Drinking water barrier discrepancies

A second issue arises in the ODNR drilling regulations now before the Ohio Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review, a legislative panel that can ask the General Assembly to invalidate all or part of a proposed regulation.

ODNR's draft regulations adopt an existing requirement that a 50-foot cement barrier be set around the drilling pipe below the deepest level of a groundwater aquifer, to isolate drinking water supplies from drilling operations. NRDC's Richard Sahli noted in testimony this month that the industry standard is 100 feet, set by the American Petroleum Institute. "We strongly believe that Ohioans should receive at least as much protection as the industry itself proposes as the minimum safeguard," he said.

"Further, other states -- including Michigan to our immediate north -- have adopted a minimum isolation zone greater than the industry's 100-foot maximum. The governor's goal of making Ohio the leader in hydraulic fracturing protections can be met only if the state meets, rather than lags, the leading standards in these rules," he said.

"I think the industry and the division are both comfortable with the 50-foot" standard, Airey said. "It's not unreasonable to suggest 100 feet. But I don't know anyone feels that accomplishes anything of substance."

Anderson said that Ohio's regulators stuck with something they were familiar with. "They seem confident they can make 50 feet work. Part of their optimism is based on the apparent fact that Ohio -- more so than most states -- does a good job of having inspectors on in the field witnessing cement jobs."

The shale gas and oil development has come on so rapidly that model safety regulations, detailed accounts of differences in state regulation and validated studies of how safety measures relate to public health protection are missing or incomplete, Anderson said.

EDF's "model" regulatory framework is still in draft form, he said. "At a general level, there is a lot of similarity between the Ohio proposal and the work we've done."

Among the common points, he said, are the creation of performance goals for isolating and protecting groundwater zones and maintaining operational well control; some flexibility in rules that reflect the variety of conditions site by site; material quality standards for casing and cement; and the permanent maintenance of detailed well construction reports. Pennsylvania, he said, requires that construction reports be kept only for five years, not permanently.

Work ahead

EDF has not determined when it will publish its regulatory model. It has been working on it with Southwestern Energy Co. since early 2010. "We continue to get input from a variety of quarters," Anderson said.

How Ohio's regulatory framework stacks up may be known by the time the state Legislature leaves for the summer.

Anderson said EDF is "cautiously optimistic" that the changes it seeks will be made.

Airey said the industry generally believes that the ODNR rules "are in good shape." As for S.B. 315, "the governor would like to see that finalized and passed before the Legislature takes a summer recess. It may well happen," he added, "but it's going to take some work."
###

Industry coalition offers first take on best practices
E&E News
Margaret Kriz Hobson
April 30
(full text below)
The Marcellus Shale Coalition, a natural gas industry group, last week released the first of a series of reports outlining the best voluntary industry practices for hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling in the Appalachian basin.

The reports, drawn up by teams of coalition members in consultation with leading sportsmen and conservation groups, outline recommended practices for developing natural gas resources while addressing environmental concerns and working with local landowners, according to MSC Chairman Dave Spigelmyer of Chesapeake Energy Corp.

Spigelmyer said the recommended practices will be updated and refined as natural gas development advances. Future reports will cover air quality and water management.

The first report describes state-of-the art techniques for site selection, working with local surface owners, permitting, clearing, facility construction and restoration.

"This guidance document is the first of many that the coalition will release in the coming months -- all of which are designed to increase awareness and share ideas and practices that work while continuing to raise the bar on responsible natural gas development across the region," MSC President Kathryn Klaber said.

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

PA Marcellus News Digest 5/1/12

PA Marcellus News Digest

April 27 - May 1, 2012

Releases

Cabot Oil & Gas Provides Operations Update, Reports Success in Marcellus, Marmaton and Eagle Ford
Wallaby
April 25
HOUSTON, April 25, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation (NYSE: COG) today announced the successful commencement of Marcellus production in its 7-mile step-out to the east at the Zick well pad, and success with longer laterals in the Lathrop area. Additionally, the Company reported three Marmaton well results, along with the performance of a down-spacing test in the Eagle Ford.
Link: http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2012/2012042698.HTM

Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation Announces First Quarter Profits, Record Quarterly Production Volumes
April 25
HOUSTON, April 25, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation (NYSE: COG) today announced an improvement in first quarter profits over last year, driven primarily from continued expansion of the Company's production base, with both oil and natural gas volumes setting new Company production records.
The Company posted net income of $18.3 million, or $0.09 per share, cash flow from operations of $131.8 million and discretionary cash flow of $138.5 million for the first quarter of 2012. This compares to the first quarter of 2011 when the Company reported net income of $12.9 million, or $0.06 per share, cash flow from operations of $91.2 million and discretionary cash flow of $112.3 million. Excluding the effect of certain selected items detailed in the tables below, first quarter 2012 net income was $28.5 million, or $0.14 per share, compared to $20.7 million, or $0.10 per share, in first quarter 2011.
Link: http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2012/2012042699.HTM

MSC Releases First Recommended Practice for Responsible Natural Gas Development
First guidance document outlines recommendations for site planning, development and restoration
Wallaby
April 26
Canonsburg, PA – Since its founding in 2008, the Marcellus Shale Coalition (MSC) has worked collaboratively with key stakeholders to achieve a set of common goals: enhance the region’s economy, responsibly develop natural gas, and advocate for increased use of this clean-burning energy source. The MSC’s Guiding Principles make this commitment clear while also committing the coalition and its members to continuous improvement and transparency across all operations, engaging in a fact-based dialogue with the community, and the implementation of state-of-the-art environmental controls at well sites and compressor stations.
Link: http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2012/2012042659.HTM

House Democrats to unveil plan to fix flawed Marcellus Shale law
Wallaby
April 27
HARRISBURG– The House Democratic Caucus will unveil its plan to fix Governor Tom Corbett’s flawed, anti-taxpayer, anti-middle-class giveaway to the multi-billion-dollar Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling industry (Act 13 of 2012).
Link: http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2012/2012043099.HTM

Articles

Sierra Club rally at the Pennsylvania State Capitol
Patriot-News
John C. Whitehead
(photo group)
Link: http://photos.pennlive.com/patriot-news/2012/05/sierra_club_rally_at_the_penns_6.html

Questions raised about Pa. drilling law injunction
Centre Daily Times
AP
April 26
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission wants answers from a court before it moves forward with its role in carrying out Pennsylvania's new law regulating the rapid growth of natural gas exploration
Link: http://www.centredaily.com/2012/04/26/3176295/questions-raised-about-pa-drilling.html

As SEC investigation begins, Chesapeake ends executive's controversial loan program
Post-Gazette
Erich Schwartzel
April 26
Chesapeake Energy said today it was ending a controversial investment program that allowed its top executive to borrow and mortgage against personal stakes in his company's wells.
link: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/business/news/as-sec-investigation-begins-chesapeake-ends-controversial-executive-loan-program-633259/

Brother of state representative accused of stealing opponent's sign
Inquirer
Bill Reed
April 26
The brother of state Rep. Marguerite Quinn, R-Bucks, stole a campaign sign outside a Doylestown Borough polling place Tuesday that criticized her and supported her Democratic opponent, a poll worker said Thursday.
Link: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/149109146.html

Washington, Greene lead region in Marcellus permits
Pittsburgh Business Times
Ethan Lott
April 25
Bradford County is the most active for companies receiving permits to drill in the Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania, with Washington and Greene counties having the most permits regionally.
Link: http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/blog/energy/2012/04/washington-greene-lead-region-in.html

Big energy companies getting ready for profitable drilling in our region
Meadville Tribune
Keith Gushard
April 26
MEADVILLE — It’s not if, but when natural gas drilling activity will increase in Crawford County, according to some local industry watchers.
Link: http://meadvilletribune.com/local/x296819273/Big-energy-companies-getting-ready-for-profitable-drilling-in-our-region

Official: City can handle water sale
Drilling firm ups request to 600,000 gallons per day
Titusville Herald
Mary Hill
April 27
The possible sale of Titusville's water for the purpose of drilling shale gas wells is expected to be discussed at city council's work session on Tuesday.

According to Randy Nebel, Public Works director, the Hunt Marcellus Group is now asking the city for an agreement to purchase a potential 600,000 gallons of bulk water a day for the extraction of shale gas — 200,000 more gallons than the company had originally proposed to purchase.
Link: http://www.titusvilleherald.com/articles/2012/04/26/news/doc4f98afae6b56e851654326.txt

Trouble With the Top Man
NY Times
Clifford Krauss
April 26
HOUSTON — Aubrey K. McClendon, Chesapeake Energy’s audacious chairman and chief executive, has ridden the busts and booms in natural gas like a rodeo cowboy. He became a billionaire as the company he co-founded aggressively outbid competitors for land leases and drilled highly productive wells in virtually every major shale gas field in the country. And he acquired trophy assets like an N.B.A. team and a $12 million antique map collection.
Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/27/business/energy-environment/chesapeake-energy-to-end-chiefs-compensation-plan.html?_r=2&hp

What does 'frack' mean to you?

Philly Burbs
Christina Kristofic
April 27
Republican Sean Corr didn’t like it when he saw signs that said his sister, Republican state Rep. Marguerite Quinn, “fracked you.”
Link: http://www.phillyburbs.com/my_town/doylestown/what-does-frack-mean-to-you/article_c615f5cd-a615-50ef-a8de-05db611a2e37.html#user-comment-area

PA House Democrats Marcellus Compact to fix Act 13

	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pa. House Democratic Caucus www.pahouse.com

House Democrats unveil ‘Marcellus Compact’ to fix flawed shale drilling law

Six-point plan puts Pennsylvanians first, rather than the multi-billion-dollar oil and gas industry

HARRISBURG, April 30 – House Democrats today launched a renewed effort to fix Gov. Tom Corbett’s industry-friendly Marcellus Shale law (Act 13), offering a six-point plan – the Marcellus Compact.

Noting that the new law provides one of the lowest tax rates in the nation on natural gas drillers and weak environmental protections, House Democrats unveiled their Marcellus Compact – a promise to put the interests of Pennsylvanians first, rather than the oil and gas industry for whom, and by whom, Act 13 was written.

"House Democrats are committed to a strong Marcellus Shale law that puts Pennsylvania taxpayers, workers and families first, unlike the current law supported by Governor Corbett and his allies, which is a sweetheart deal for the multi-billion-dollar oil and gas industry," said Democratic Leader Frank Dermody, D-Allegheny. "The Marcellus Compact places Pennsylvania’s priorities where they ought to be – with the people who live and work here, not with wealthy, multinational oil and gas corporations."

The Marcellus Compact includes components to:

· restore municipal zoning authority by eliminating Act 13’s override of local zoning provisions;

· ensure tax fairness for Pennsylvanians by imposing a reasonable statewide tax on natural gas drillers for the life of the well;

· protect critical natural resources by increasing environmental setbacks and bonding requirements;

· increase transparency and safety by establishing a public online tracking system for fracking wastewater storage and disposal; prohibiting drilling in floodplains; and placing a moratorium on discharging drilling wastewater into surface waters;

· guarantee the rights of patients to full medical disclosure and transparency when their health might have been affected by fracking chemicals; and

· make jobs a priority by establishing a Marcellus Shale Job Creation Tax Credit to provide incentives for companies to hire Pennsylvania workers.

"Taken together, all six of these bills represent the Marcellus Compact – our promise to put the interests of Pennsylvanians first," said Democratic Whip Mike Hanna, D-Clinton/Centre. "House Democrats promise to be the people’s voice and their advocate in Harrisburg, because it’s clear they’re not being heard by this governor or his Republican allies."

Hanna’s bill would ensure the big oil and gas industry pays its fair share of taxes in Pennsylvania, while Dermody’s bill would restore the zoning rights of communities to determine how best to regulate drilling – including in areas with streams, public water supplies, schools, playgrounds and churches.

In addition to Act 13’s weak fee and zoning override, the Corbett Marcellus Shale law also includes inadequate environmental safeguards that provide little real protection for the public water supply, air and land. That’s why Rep. Phyllis Mundy, D-Luzerne, and Rep. Steve Santarsiero, D-Bucks, proposed bills that put the health of the environment ahead of the oil and gas companies’ interests.

"The Corbett Marcellus Shale law falls woefully short of providing adequate protections of our public water supply and critical environmental resources," Mundy said. "The Marcellus Compact – including my bill – aims to fix those glaring failures in this new law.”

"The Corbett-Republican Marcellus Shale Law gave the oil and gas drilling industry a free pass to wreak havoc on our water supply, our air and our land," Santarsiero said. "The Marcellus Compact corrects those injustices and puts the interests of Pennsylvanians first by protecting our environment for today’s residents and for future generations."

The Marcellus Compact also seeks to repair a distressing and potentially dangerous provision in the Corbett Marcellus Shale law which could prohibit doctors from providing critical health care information regarding drilling activities to their patients.

Rep. Matt Bradford, D-Montgomery, is sponsoring a bill in the Marcellus Compact that would make explicit the right of doctors to get certain information from drilling companies and share it with patients and other medical providers without violating confidentiality agreements.

“Politicians shouldn’t come between doctors and their patients. Public health should be our primary concern when it comes to legitimate questions raised by medical professionals,” Bradford said. “Ensuring public health requires open dialogue between medical professionals, their patients and the public. My bill makes clear that neither politicians, nor multi-national corporations, should stand in the way of public health.”

The Marcellus Compact also places a top priority on creating jobs for Pennsylvania workers in the Marcellus Shale natural gas industry. Rep. Rick Mirabito, D-Lycoming, is sponsoring a bill in the Marcellus Compact that would create a Marcellus Shale Job Creation Tax Credit program.

"The Marcellus Shale law ignores the needs of our workers and provides no incentives to help create jobs for Pennsylvanians," Mirabito said. "My bill in the Marcellus Compact is aimed at giving more Pennsylvania workers the chance to benefit from this incredible economic growth that the natural gas industry has brought to our region. Yes, this industry is creating jobs, but we can do better for our workers."

Dermody noted that House Democrats have taken the lead on pushing legislative strategies aimed at creating jobs and improving Pennsylvania’s economy. In October, House Democrats unveiled JumpstartPA,

a 10-point plan to boost the economy and get Pennsylvanians back to work.

"Where is Governor Corbett’s jobs plan? Where is his leadership on the issues that matter most to middle-class Pennsylvanians?” asked Dermody. "For the past 15 months, Governor Corbett and his Republican allies in the legislature have proven time and again that their priorities are out of whack.

"It’s time we put Pennsylvanians first."