UPDATE: Senate to hold hearing on gas drilling

DALLAS — The Senate Majority Policy Committee will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, Nov. 18,, in Dallas to better understand and manage the opportunities and challenges posed by the development of the Marcellus Shale natural gas deposit in the Commonwealth. The hearing will be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Kennedy Room of the Banks Student Life Center at Misericordia University in Dallas. Senate Policy Committee Jake Corman (R-34) and Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) said the Senate panel will hear from testifiers on a wide variety of issues related to the Marcellus Shale, including: The history and status of Marcellus Shale in the Commonwealth and surrounding region. The experience of other states with similar resource development. The environmental impact of gas development and the Commonwealth’s current state of statute and regulation regarding drilling. The readiness of Pennsylvania’s various levels of government to properly manage the economic, environmental, infrastructure and social impacts of development. The economic impact of large-scale development of Marcellus Shale. Marcellus Shale is a type of marine sedimentary rock found in eastern North America. It extends throughout much of the Appalachian Basin, including parts of Pennsylvania. The shale contains largely untapped natural gas reserves, making it an attractive target for energy development. “The Marcellus Shale provides the state with tremendous potential for energy production, but we must also balance environmental concerns and make sure that any plan is well-thought out and would not have an adverse impact on the area,” Corman said. “The goal of this hearing is to seek as much input as we can on the issue and weigh the benefits and concerns before putting together any plan that would impact this valuable resource.” Among those scheduled to testify are representatives of the Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, a panel of industry officials, local government and school officials, and others with expertise in this area of energy.