Senate Policy Committee Takes Testimony on Impact of Marcellus Shale

State Sen. Jim Ferlo admitted Thursday’s public hearing was hardly the time or place for many concerns he has with Marcellus Shale drilling in the state. But it didn’t stop him from blasting both the state Department of Environmental Protection and some of the major players in the industry.

“We’ve given the industry pretty much free range,” said Ferlo, D-Allegheny County, during a portion of the state Senate Democratic Policy Hearing.

The policy committee hearing was hosted by state Sen. Tim Solobay, who represents five southwestern counties in the heart of the Marcellus shale formation. The event brought together industry officials, state regulators, educators and local officials to discuss the broad impacts of gas drilling.

Ferlo also took shots at the DEP, saying that submitted testimony from DEP Secretary Michael Krancer had “whimsical views” of the oil and gas industry, and environmental impact of the industry, and said it was “upsetting” how “dismissive of public criticism” Krancer was in his statement.

Ferlo’s comments came throughout the more than two-hour hearing, which brought together the policy committee and three panels—one on job creation and training, the second on impacts to local environment and infrastructure and last with members of the industry, who gave a report on the state of Marcellus Shale drilling.

Local labor and job-training officials said Pennsylvania needs to do more to make sure the local workforce is prepared for potentially high-paying jobs.  

With starting pay often exceeding $75,000 per year, local workers are missing out because they don’t have the money up front to get the training needed, said Dr. Joseph Ianetti, director of the Western Area Career & Technology Center.

Kenneth Broadbent, business manager of the Steamfitters Local 449, said the region that was once well-known for its blue-collar workforce is not adequately training a new generation.

“There are going to be more people retiring and we need people who can work with their hands,” he said. “We need to train more people to get into the trades.”

Chartiers Township Supervisor. Harlan G. Shober, Jr., said the drilling industry has boosted tax revenue and improved local roads.

“We have a very good relationship with the companies,” he said.

Scott Roy, vice president of government affairs at Range Resources, one of the region’s most active drilling companies, said his company has been actively working with local officials to minimize the impact of drilling.    

“We realize that the tremendous opportunity to develop the shale comes with an even greater responsibility here,” he said.

After the hearing, Sen. Lisa M. Boscola, D-Lehigh County, who chairs the committee, said Pennsylvania lawmakers still have significant challenges ahead in monitoring the rapidly expanding Marcellus shale drilling industry.

“The enormous potential for job growth and economic expansion has made this region a center for development,” Boscola said. “One thing that brings them all together is the need for the legislature to catch up with the rapid expansion to protect the environment and make sure the local workforce is trained to take the jobs that are available.”

Solobay agreed, and said communication is key when it comes to drafting legislation regarding Marcellus Shale drilling.

“It’s all about working together,” he said after the meeting.