Citizens Marcellas Shale Commission

Dear RDA Members,
We are pleased to announce that a new commission launching this week will give you, as a citizen of Pennsylvania, an opportunity to share your views about drilling in the Marcellus Shale.

Former state Representatives Carole Rubley and Dan Surra will co-chair the Citizens Marcellus Shale Commission, which will hold hearings across Pennsylvania to gather citizen perspectives on the Marcellus Shale and produce a final report for policymakers. Williamsport is included in the list of 5 hearing locations; see full schedule below.

“Marcellus Shale development will have a huge impact on our Commonwealth and it is critical that we get it right,” Surra said. “This commission will give citizens an opportunity to add their voice and bring some necessary balance to this critical debate.”

“The Commission will give the people of Pennsylvania an opportunity to weigh in on this important issue,” said Rubley. “Their input should inform state policies to ensure gas drilling is conducted in a responsible manner.”

Earlier this year, Governor Tom Corbett’s Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission, heavy with industry representatives, produced a report and recommendations on shale drilling.

The Citizens Commission was formed by eight leading civic and environmental organizations to give Pennsylvanians living with drilling in their backyard a place to speak out and recommend action.
The Governor’s commission told only part of the story. The citizens of Pennsylvania have a different story to tell.

The Commission will hold five hearings across Pennsylvania, beginning on Wednesday, August 31 in southwestern Pennsylvania. Each hearing will be held from 6-9 p.m., with the first hour reserved for expert testimony and the remaining two for public input. The Responsible Drilling Alliance will be represented on the Commission by Board of Directors member, Barb Jarmoska.

At the end of the hearing process, the Commission will produce a report documenting the opinions and concerns of citizens and deliver that document to Governor Corbett and the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

It is RDA's sincere desire that you will be on hand at Lycoming College the evening of September 13. Please plan to attend this important public meeting to share your views and personal stories about the positive or negative ways drilling has made a personal impact on your life.

The hearing schedule is:
SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Aug. 31, 2011, 6-9 pm at South Fayette Middle School, 3640 Old Oakdale Rd., McDonald, Pa.
SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Sept. 6, 2011, 6-9 pm: The Free Library of Philadelphia, 1901 Vine St., Philadelphia, Pa.
NORTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Sept. 13, 2011, 6-9 pm, Lycoming College Academic Center, Room D001, Williamsport, Pa.
Sept. 14, 2011, 6-9 pm, Wysox Volunteer Fire Company, Lake Road, Wysox, Pennsylvania
CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA
Week of Sept. 18, 2011, Harrisburg, Pa. (to be arranged)

You can sign up to participate at these hearings at the Commission’s web site: http://citizensmarcellusshale.com or by calling Stephanie Frank at 717-255-7181

SPONSORING ORGANIZATIONS: Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, Clean Water Action, Keystone Progress, League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania, Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania, Penn Environment, Sierra Club, Pennsylvania Chapter, and the CLEAR Coalition.
--
Responsible Drilling Alliance, Board of Directors
Ralph Kisberg
Robbie Cross
Mark Szybist
Barb Jarmoska
Janie Richardson

Email: info@responsibledrillingalliance.org
Website: http://www.responsibledrillingalliance.org
Address: Responsible Drilling Alliance, Box 502, Williamsport PA 17703