Oct. 03, 2017
HARRISBURG – A resolution introduced by Rep. Jonathan Fritz (R-Susquehanna/Wayne) urging the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) to cease consideration of a ban on natural gas drilling in the Delaware River Basin passed the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee on Tuesday.
On Sept. 13, Gov. Tom Wolf announced that his administration officially supports a permanent ban on natural gas drilling within the DRBC footprint. As a member of the DRBC, Wolf cast an official vote, confirming his position.
The Delaware River Basin Commission has introduced a resolution banning natural gas development within the 13,539 square-mile basin, effectively prohibiting drilling in Wayne and Pike counties.
“It boils down to fairness,” said Rep. Fritz. “With 10,000 natural gas wells elsewhere in the state, it begs the question, how can it be done safely in other basins, but it’s gauged as too risky in the Delaware River Basin? There is a very evident double standard here. Government, without the soundest of justification, should not put permanent bans in place. Doing so can have profound precedential, programmatic and legal consequences.”
Fritz’s resolution will now be considered by the full House.
Representative Jonathan Fritz
111th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Morgan Dux
717.260.6695
mdux@pahousegop.com
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