Seward collecting input as Marcellus Shale talks continue
Posted by CITIZEN POWER ALLIANCE at 9:35 PMIt is unclear if state lawmakers will place a moratorium on horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, which are techniques used to extract natural gas from underground reserves.
Regardless of whether or not a bill reaches the legislature floor in the coming weeks or after a summer recess, government agencies charged with regulating the process are yet to take a stance on the divisive issue.
At stake: The future of using the techniques to tap into the natural gas reserve in the Marcellus Shale, which mainly expands beneath much of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia.
The decision involves two main factors: Potential environmental impacts and possible revenues for residents, localities and the state government.
Much of the debate centers around the process of hydraulic fracturing.
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