Gas Development May be Slowed

The new natural gas development boom in Pennsylvania may be slowed down significantly as the result of new restrictions and regulations being put in place by the state Department of Environmental Resources, according to at least one legislator.

Rep. Sam Rohrer of Berks County has called for the Rendell administration to lift the new restrictions that are hurting drillers working to develop the huge Marcellus Shale gas deposits in northern and western Pennsylvania.

"What this administration needs to do is work to remove any stumbling block that is in the way that would prevent or discourage the development of this Marcellus Shale gas deposit," Rohrer said. "This is the opportunity for this administration to do what it has said they want to do, and that is to help to make this Commonwealth more energy independent and to help lower the cost of energy. Now is the time for this Governor to step to the plate and remove the barriers that have been put in place by the Department of Environmental Protection. "