Government Does Not Back Pennsylvania and New York Marcellus Shale Drilling Moratorium

Speaking on behalf of the Obama administration, Brig. Gen. Peter “Duke” DeLuca, the commander of the North Atlantic Division of the Army Corps of Engineers, declined to seek a temporary halt to Marcellus Shale drilling in Pennsylvania and New York.  Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-N.Y.) wanted DeLuca to use his seat on the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) to advocate for blocking drilling until after a “cumulative impact” study could be done.

Hinchey is seeking $1 million for the DRBC to study the cumulative effects of drilling in the basin, from which 5% of the country's population gets their drinking water.  DeLuca is not willing to put drilling on hold while waiting for years that it could take to complete the report.

DeLuca said, “the citizens of the basin are counting on the commission to make smart choices that allow for environmental protection to proceed together with economic development.”  Hinchey stands by his request for the report refuting DeLuca's stance by saying, “It is difficult to understand how the DRBC can consider the release of gas drilling regulations without a comprehensive assessment of the possible impacts in the Delaware River Basin.”

The vote allows continued limited exploratory drilling in the basin, but it does not allow for production wells until the regulations are refined and are in place.

If you have been injured by Marcellus Shale drilling, or are concerned about the impact the wells are having on your property, talk to an attorney who knows the Marcellus Shale drilling issues. The attorneys at Munley Law represent Marcellus Shale drilling victims who have suffered personal injury and those who have been harmed through the loss of enjoyment of their property. Contact us by submitting a free online claim evaluation.