Corbett proposes increase in fracking under State Parks and Forests (he can do it on his own)

[JPZenger]

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2014/02/corbett_budget_natural_gas_dri.html#incart_m-rpt-1

Excerpt:

"The state would sign leases allowing horizontal drilling from well pads on private lands to reach gas under state forests. It would also allow the state to sign new leases for existing well pads on state lands.

In order to sign any new leases, Corbett would have to rescind Gov. Ed Rendell's executive order placing a moratorium on drilling on public land. Corbett would replace that with a "more tailored" order, said Patrick Henderson, the state's Energy Executive.

There are currently 226 approved Marcellus Shale-related well pads on state forest land, according to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Those pads have 568 wells drilled in them."

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http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2014/02/marcellus_shale_tom_corbett_fracking_impact_fee_gasland_natural_gas_severance_tax_impact_fee_act_13.html

Editorial excerpt:

"Corbett can implement his plan without seeking legislative authorization, administration spokesman Jay Pagni said. That may be legal, but it would be a mistake.

Pennsylvania holds its public lands in trust for the taxpayers. As such, state officials have a solemn responsibility to safeguard them for future generations, not mortgage them in the expectation of short-term economic gain.

Shale drilling has a welcome place in Pennsylvania's current and future economic prosperity – but it can make that valuable contribution without opening the state's parks and publicly owned forests to further industrial activity. "