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Pulling back the curtains on wage-theft enforcement in MN; Trump's latest attack is on RFK, Jr; NM LGBTQ+ equality group endorses 2024 'Rock Star' candidates; Michigan's youth justice reforms: Expanded diversion, no fees.

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Lawmakers: Next Step Is Negotiating A Marcellus Compromise

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Monday, March 21, 2011   

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - With the failure of lawmakers to agree on how to reform rules for so-called Marcellus natural gas drilling, and with a call for a moratorium on new permits, legislators say the next step is to try to negotiate a compromise. Such drilling into the Marcellus Shale formation deep below ground often involves fracturing the rock with chemical means to free gas trapped in the formation.

Senator Mike Green, chair of the energy, industry and mining committee, says the senate passed a bill unanimously. The house was set to take up a stricter version when time ran out on the session, bringing demands for a special session. Green says he wouldn't favor a special session without negotiations on the two bills.

"We would be willing to sit down outside of special session, but I would discourage the governor from calling a special session without some sort of compromise close or on the horizon."

The house and senate versions differ on how close gas wells can be to houses and water wells. They also differ on the cost for permits, which would bring in money the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) needs for additional inspectors.

Delegate Ray Canterbury is one of several house Republicans who signed a letter requesting a moratorium on new Marcellus permits until the rules can be reformed. He says a lot of house members have been hearing from constituents who want protection from the increase in drilling. He says the only way to deal with this is in a special session.

"I think it would almost have to be. And I really got the sense that there was broad-based support for this bill, with the exception of some people within the gas industry who really didn't like it."

Acting governor Earl Ray Tomblin has so far refused to call a special session, but says he would be interested in seeing what negotiators come up with. Senator Green says the DEP can work with the current laws, but can't always protect landowners.

"The Department of Environmental Protection, they have the ability to regulate the industry and the drilling itself. The issues that the DEP cannot regulate are the surface owner issues."

Landowners note that as of now the DEP is badly shorthanded and does not have the authority to properly monitor effects of gas drilling on water supplies.


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