Scarnati Discusses Drilling
By ANNE HOLLIDAY
WESB/WBRR News Director
One of the hottest topics in the state right now is oil and gas drilling – specifically in relation to the Marcellus Shale formation.
State Senator Joe Scarnati sent a letter to Governor Ed Rendell last week, which he believes "begins a process of getting an understanding of what's going on with drilling in the Commonwealth."
Specifically, he asked the governor what information his administration can share with the Legislature in respect to the Marcellus Shale and drilling.
The letter also addresses drilling on state land.
On Monday, the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced it is seeking bidders for more than 74,000 acres of state forest land in north central Pennsylvania.
The tracts up for bid are in the Tioga, Loyalsock and Tiadghton state forests in Tioga and Lycoming counties.
The state is allowing new drilling to resume, following a five-year moratorium.
More than 300 companies have expressed interest in drilling on the Commonwealth's state forests.
"There are major possibilities of gas finds in these areas, and we have to make sure our residents are protected, they know the law, that they know their rights, and we know what kind of permits are being issued by DEP," Scarnati said.
"Nobody can come on and drill without a permit from DEP," he added.
Scarnati, himself, has been approached by drilling companies to sign a lease.
"First and foremost," he said," contact an attorney. Do not sign anything without an attorney looking at it."
Drilling companies are "offering wild fluctuations and different prices to get your land and be able to have it," he said.
"This is an industry that will have a profound effect long term on the area," Scarnati said. "We have to balance the needs of drilling the gas, but yet making sure nobody is taken advantage of."
WESB/WBRR News Director
One of the hottest topics in the state right now is oil and gas drilling – specifically in relation to the Marcellus Shale formation.
State Senator Joe Scarnati sent a letter to Governor Ed Rendell last week, which he believes "begins a process of getting an understanding of what's going on with drilling in the Commonwealth."
Specifically, he asked the governor what information his administration can share with the Legislature in respect to the Marcellus Shale and drilling.
The letter also addresses drilling on state land.
On Monday, the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced it is seeking bidders for more than 74,000 acres of state forest land in north central Pennsylvania.
The tracts up for bid are in the Tioga, Loyalsock and Tiadghton state forests in Tioga and Lycoming counties.
The state is allowing new drilling to resume, following a five-year moratorium.
More than 300 companies have expressed interest in drilling on the Commonwealth's state forests.
"There are major possibilities of gas finds in these areas, and we have to make sure our residents are protected, they know the law, that they know their rights, and we know what kind of permits are being issued by DEP," Scarnati said.
"Nobody can come on and drill without a permit from DEP," he added.
Scarnati, himself, has been approached by drilling companies to sign a lease.
"First and foremost," he said," contact an attorney. Do not sign anything without an attorney looking at it."
Drilling companies are "offering wild fluctuations and different prices to get your land and be able to have it," he said.
"This is an industry that will have a profound effect long term on the area," Scarnati said. "We have to balance the needs of drilling the gas, but yet making sure nobody is taken advantage of."
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