Marcellus Shale News Wire
A Collection of Marcellus Shale and Gas Drilling Articles from Pennsylvania and Beyond
PennEnvironment Research and Policy Center
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Taking The Marcellus Shale Gas Boom From Rush to Responsibility
By Arthur Sterngold
August 2, 2012
http://articles.philly.com/2012-08-02/news/33001895_1_marcellus-shale-shale-gas-marcellus-production
After four years of rapid growth, Marcellus shale gas drilling has slowed. However, gas production may continue to development for the next few decades. Gas producers must earn greater public acceptance by proving their practices are environmentally and socially responsible.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Officials: Shale Zoning Ruling Will Be Upheld
By Janice Crompton
August 2, 2012
The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania recently ruled zoning mandates involving the Marcellus Shale gas industry, including in the state’s Act 13 law, to be unconstitutional. Gov. Corbett’s office announced that it would appeal the decision to the State Supreme Court. However, local officials this week expressed confidence that the decision would be upheld.
Star-Telegram
Lack of Funding Stalls Answers to Any Fracking Health Concerns
By Kevin Begos
August 1, 2012
http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/08/01/4146330/lack-of-funding-stalls-answers.html
In the spring, Pennsylvania stripped funding that included a statewide health registry to track respiratory problems, skin conditions, stomach ailments and other illnesses potentially related to gas drilling. The impacts of hydraulic fracturing are debated, and without credible answers lawsuits over public health and environment impacts are likely to increase.
Cranberry Patch
Cranberry Officials Keep Original Marcellus Shale Drilling Plan
By Akasha Brandt
August 3, 2012
In a unanimous vote, the Cranberry Board of Supervisors rejected the proposed amendment to the township’s current zoning laws for oil and gas companies. The amendment intended to adjust to the zoning laws of the recently overturned Act 13. The consensus among the Cranberry community is that the township should be allowed to create their own zoning laws.
Standard Speaker
Agency Wants Impact Fee Revenue To Benefit Housing Above Shale
By Robert Swift
August 3, 212
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency is seeking proposals for projects to receive revenue from gas drilling impact fees earmarked to meet affordable housing needs in the Marcellus Shale region, officials announced Wednesday. Affordable housing was identified by lawmakers as an impact of drilling because an influx of workers in small towns and rural areas has led to a scarcity of housing and an increase in prices.