AJ News

Mauri Rapp Abington Journal Correspondent

DIMOCK- When it comes to the topic of Marcellus Shale drilling, most would agree that education is key when trying to understand the issues at hand. On Feb. 19, the League of Women Voters of Susquehanna County will begin a three-week series about Marcellus Shale drilling at Elk Lake Jr.-Sr. High School in Dimock.

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Part of the reason for the series, said Julanne Skinner, is to educate the public. “The League of Women Voters has always known that knowledge is power,” Skinner said. “We want to emphasize education when it comes to this issue.”

Another large part of the reason, she said, is the League of Women Voters is currently in the process of reaching consensus regarding the Marcellus Shale play. At the League’s statewide convention in June 2009, it was decided to study several aspects affected by Marcellus Shale drilling, including the environmental and economic impact of the business, taxation, regulation and permits. The upcoming lectures will contribute to that study, said Skinner.

The educational series will begin Friday with “Marcellus Shale: Air Quality Issues.” Panelists will include Mayor Calvin Tillman of DISH, TX, a town in the heart of the Barnett Shale play, which houses natural gas compression stations, metering stations, transmission lines and natural gas wells and gathering lines. Tillman has stated in news reports that air quality studies of DISH have shown high levels of carcinogens and neurotoxins, and has called for a moratorium on drilling in the Barnett Shale region.

Also attending the discussion will be Terry Bossert Esq., Vice-President of Governmental Affairs for Chief Oil and Gas LLC, which has natural gas operations in the Marcellus Shale region.

On Feb. 26, the League will host “Marcellus Shale: Water Quality Issues,” which will include two environmental consultants: Jerry Washo of Resource Environment Management Inc. and Jim Llewelyn of Appalachia Hydrogeologic & Environmental Consulting. Also in attendance will be Sharon Lynett, a field representative from Sen. Bob Casey’s office, who will discuss the Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act. The FRAC Act, as the bill has become known, will require natural gas companies to reveal the chemicals used during the hydraulic fracturing process.

The discussion will include Scott C. Perry, director for the DEP’s Bureau of Oil and Gas Management, who will discuss the DEP’s Total Dissolved Solids Standard for natural gas drilling. Skinner said that an industry representative has also been invited.

Ending the series on Friday, March 5 will be “Marcellus Shale: Legislation, Taxation and Regulation.” Panelists include Rep. Sandra Major, R-Montrose, who will address State House Bill 977. Major introduced HB977, which would extend the Oil and Gas Conservation Law to Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling, to the state senate February 2009. She will be joined by Rep. Tina Pickett, R-Towanda, who will discuss her bill, HB1205, which would amend the Oil and Gas Conservation Law to further protect water supplies in the Commonwealth. Panelists will discuss the Land and Water Protection Act, Lessors’ Royalty Protection Act and the Natural Resource Severance Tax Act.

Also on hand will be oil and gas law expert Lester Greevy Esq., as well as an industry spokesperson. Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Lycoming and Sen. Lisa Baker, R-Lehman Township, have also been invited.

Skinner said that one of the most important reasons for people to attend the series is to become informed about what is going on right outside their front door. “People don’t realize how big it is,” she said. She added that it is especially important for Pennsylvania residents to become better educated on the issues because they have been less effective and active when compared to environmental groups in neighboring New York. “The citizenry has to protect itself,” said Skinner.Each panel discussion will begin at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. For details, email LWVSC@frontier.com.