A recent community meeting led by the Mountain Watershed Association discussed the proposal to place a gas well for fracking of the Utica Shale between Indian Creek & Laurel Ridge State Park. Although this was announced several months ago, it is still in very early stages. Environmental review, water impacts & other reports have to be completed before drilling can start. There was standing room only in this meeting room.

I follow efforts in the Pennsylvania legislature to speed permitting of energy projects. HB502, would remove the opportunity for local residents to voice their concerns, because an appointed committee would grant permits without environmental review.

HB502 did not move out of the House Environmental Resources Committee. However, with erroneous statements by energy leaders

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