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Marcellus Shale, Climate Change, Money, Politics and the Environment
A mix that calls for optimism and caution
First in a series
By Sharon Corderman
As American economist and author Thomas Sowell said, “There are no solutions...there are only trade-offs.”
That philosophy could certainly be applied to the fortuitous, lucrative, and potentially harmful opportunities to capitalize on the Marcellus shale and climate change now facing Pennsylvania and its residents. Income generated by gas drilling is being used to fill state budget gaps and, at a closer level, promises a cash influx to landowners who sign drilling leases. With today’s high energy demands, new sources of natural gas are crucial and exploiting those reserves is seen as critical to addressing global climate change. Gas industry executives testified before the U.S. Senate last week that natural gas is a key element of making the vision of a lower-carbon energy future a reality.
The consequences of seized opportunities are also a reality. In late August, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) challenged permits issued to Fortuna Energy and Ultra Resources for drilling activities in Tioga and Potter counties. Nearly half of Pennsylvania lies within the Chesapeake Bay watershed (including all of Tioga and about half of Potter counties) and the foundation was issued greater mandates for restoration of the bay by presidential order earlier this year. CBF contended that not only did the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) strip review authority from local County Conservation Districts - a move made in April - but it “instituted an expedited stormwater permitting process that does not allow for public participation or meaningful agency review of permit applications.”
“Instead of protecting the environment, DEP is rubber stamping permit applications without any formal review,” said CBF’s Pennsylvania Executive Director Matt Ehrhart. “Wild trout streams and their tributaries, and exceptional value wetlands that should receive extra protection under the law are at risk due to the lack of thorough DEP oversight.”
By Sharon Corderman
As American economist and author Thomas Sowell said, “There are no solutions...there are only trade-offs.”
That philosophy could certainly be applied to the fortuitous, lucrative, and potentially harmful opportunities to capitalize on the Marcellus shale and climate change now facing Pennsylvania and its residents. Income generated by gas drilling is being used to fill state budget gaps and, at a closer level, promises a cash influx to landowners who sign drilling leases. With today’s high energy demands, new sources of natural gas are crucial and exploiting those reserves is seen as critical to addressing global climate change. Gas industry executives testified before the U.S. Senate last week that natural gas is a key element of making the vision of a lower-carbon energy future a reality.
The consequences of seized opportunities are also a reality. In late August, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) challenged permits issued to Fortuna Energy and Ultra Resources for drilling activities in Tioga and Potter counties. Nearly half of Pennsylvania lies within the Chesapeake Bay watershed (including all of Tioga and about half of Potter counties) and the foundation was issued greater mandates for restoration of the bay by presidential order earlier this year. CBF contended that not only did the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) strip review authority from local County Conservation Districts - a move made in April - but it “instituted an expedited stormwater permitting process that does not allow for public participation or meaningful agency review of permit applications.”
“Instead of protecting the environment, DEP is rubber stamping permit applications without any formal review,” said CBF’s Pennsylvania Executive Director Matt Ehrhart. “Wild trout streams and their tributaries, and exceptional value wetlands that should receive extra protection under the law are at risk due to the lack of thorough DEP oversight.”
Chesapeake Bay Foundation wins challenge, DEP revokes permits to Ultra and Fortuna
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