SMITHFIELD, PA., August 4, 2010 – As lawmakers consider the implications of a gas drilling boom across the state’s massive Marcellus Shale formation, state Sen. John Wozniak joined colleagues for a first-hand look at one drilling operation and a discussion of regulatory oversight.
“There is no question that the Marcellus Shale formation can provide jobs and energy well into the future,” Wozniak said. “But Pennsylvania’s industrial past provides warnings that without proper planning and oversight, the side effects will linger long after the energy and jobs have run out.”
Wozniak and the Senate Democratic Policy Committee toured an Atlas Energy drilling site near Smithfield in Fayette County. The lawmakers saw an active drilling operation, as well as procedures to collect and treat water used in the hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” process. The group visited the operation to gain knowledge of a how a drilling operation works, to meet personally with industry representatives and workers, and better understand how drilling impacts local communities.
“Technology has made it possible to get much more energy out of the shale,” Wozniak said. “But hydraulic fracking must be done in a safe, clean and careful way to protect the surrounding land and water. I’m impressed by the industry’s efficiency but I want to ensure they’re equally dedicated to ecology.”
As part of the 2010-11 budget agreement, lawmakers are expected to meet this fall to establish a severance tax on drilling as well as consider the impact of new environmental regulations being promulgated by state officials. Wozniak said lawmakers need to reach a balance that will allow the state to benefit from a valuable public resource but at the same time encourage investment in the local energy industry.
Wozniak was joined by police committee Chairman Richard Kasunic (D-Fayette, Somerset) along with Senators Jay Costa (D-Allegheny), Larry Farnese (D-Phila.), and Jim Ferlo (D-Allegheny) .
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