Legislative Takeover Prevails by Slim Margin
Dear RDA Members and Friends, With yesterday's passage of House Bill 1950, the legislative takeover of Pennsylvania by the gas industry is now complete. Thanks who all of you who made an effort to help defeat the bill. In spite of our valiant attempts, industry lobbyists won out with a final vote of 101-90. Here in Lycoming County, Rep Mirabito said NO to the bill, Garth Everett voted YES. The bills passage provides for such unacceptable measures as drilling in any municipality, a compressor station permitted only 750' from a school or a family home, and a well pad placed only 300' away. We do acknowledge that for folks living in low population municipalities in shale country where no zoning currently exists, these unacceptable setbacks are certainly an improvement over previous state law.
But let's make it clear why we were against the statewide implementation of zoning via this bill: These setback distances were defined without any scientific data to justify them. Without atmospheric modeling or significant continuous air monitoring data of industry emissions at these setback distances, they have zero validity. The setbacks are arbitrary at best, and do not ensure the health of PA residents who may be forced to reside in close proximity to gas wells and facilities. Local communities need the ability to deal with the industry's presence as they see fit, and to make local decisions as to where to allow gas industry operations. With HB 1950 as the law of the land, this is no longer possible.
There is much work to be done to convince your friends and neighbors of why we must reverse what this group of gas-lobby-friendly legislators has allowed. Take heart that your voices were heard in Harrisburg, and that with only 6 more NO votes, this bill would not have passed. Let's move forward and continue to put pressure where we can, to advocate for best management practices currently being ignored by the industry, and to focus on changing the makeup of the legislature in the coming elections.
We are not that far away from the possibility of ending the Corbett-era nightmare. Some excellent alternative voices made themselves heard in our legislative chambers this week. As market forces come down on the gas industry in response to its greed and lack of foresight, those of us here in dry gas country have something of a breather due to the slowdown in drilling activity. Let's use that time to our advantage; disclosing valid risks with sound science, and revealing the truth about the legal and regulatory loopholes now being enjoyed by the gas industry.
Perhaps Reverend Leah Schade, pastor of the United in Christ Lutheran Church in West Milton said it best in the email she send out after yesterday's PA House vote. The Headline of her message read: Fracking Bills Passed, PA Poised to Enter Marcellus Dark Age. Rev. Schade went on to say, "Be of strong courage and resilient faith, even in this time of frustration, anger, and disappointment. We must not lie down and be silent. We must speak out of love and compassion for all our neighbors in the human and Earth community. This is the work we are called to do!"
RDA agrees, and invites each of you to join us in the task that lies ahead.
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