GLOBAL CLIMATE DEBATE

Pa. Proposes New Rules for Nat Gas Drilling

Pennsylvania officials are proposing stricter rules for natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale.

Gov. Ed Rendell says the state plans to hire 68 new inspectors to monitor a growing number of wells.

New proposed rules would lower the maximum well pressures, raise standards for well cement and pipes, and require drilling companies to restore water supplies they pollute.

The proposals are aimed at protecting drinking water supplies in drilling areas by preventing drilling chemicals from leaching into water supplies. There have been local reports of contamination from hydraulic fracturing, a method where a mixture of sand, chemicals and water is injected into the ground to extract the gas.

The plan has the support of an industry group, the Marcellus Shale Coalition and several environmental groups with concerns about drilling.

A 30-day comment period begins today. After that, the proposed rules will be sent to a state panel to be finalized.

Read the rules proposal here.

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