Range Resources: Pulling Out of Mt. Pleasant On the Table

A Range Resources spokesman said Wednesday that while legal action and the possiblity of discontinuing operations in Mt. Pleasant Township are 'on the table,' the company doesn't want to resort to that.

Jim Cannon explained to those who attended the public meeting at the Hickory Fire Hall that sending two letters to area residents was an attempt to ensure those affected remain informed.

He reiterated that the correspondence was not intended to be threatening in nature, and that Range Resources wants to find "middle ground" with township supervisors on two issues—the type of ordinance that it approves and the subject of bunk housing.

Cannon said that Range is in favor of an ordinance that would allow drilling as a permitted rather than conditional use because knowing the conditions in advance allows the company to plan its operations more effectively.

He also mentioned North Bethlehem Township, which was recently sued by a drilling company over language in its zoning ordinance—conditions Cannon said "superceded state and federal law."

And the draft version of Mt. Pleasant's ordinance, he said, includes some language that is challengable.

"We don't want to challenge anyone here," Cannon said. "All we want is middle ground, and we just can't seem to get there."

Read the full story tomorrow on Canon-McMillan Patch.