In March, Governor Corbett established the Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission to study the economic, social, and environmental issues related to natural gas development in the state.
The Commission’s report is supposed to guide the state.
Given what’s at stake, this is a great idea. But there’s a big hitch. Actually, two:
- The Commission is stacked with drilling companies and Corbett’s campaign contributors; and
- Corbett has repeatedly stated that jobs are his top priority when it comes to drilling, over all other considerations.
As a Pennsylvania resident, you know that many communities are already feeling the impacts of under-regulated industrial drilling on their water, health, and quality of life. Yet the Governor’s commission doesn t include public health experts, impacted residents, or citizen-based environmental organizations.
What to do?
You can tell Governor Corbett that Pennsylvanians deserve a balanced study, not an industry whitewash. Send him a letter telling him that the study should reflect what’s really happening with Marcellus Shale drilling. The state should listen to citizens and scientists not just oil and gas companies!
On April 27th, you can join environmental, labor, and citizens groups at a rally during the meeting of the Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission:
Wednesday, April 27, 11:30 am 1:30 pm
Outside the DEP office, Rachel Carson State Office Building
400 Market St., Harrisburg, PA 17101The Commission will meet from 10:30 am 3:30 pm; public comment starts at 3 pm and you can sign up to speak beforehand.
For information on the Commission and when it and sub-committees meet: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/marcellus_shale_advisory_commission/20074