THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY WHITE, BOBACK, BRADFORD, BROWNLEE, CALTAGIRONE, DeLUCA, FABRIZIO, GEORGE, GOODMAN, HESS, HORNAMAN, KORTZ, KOTIK, MIRABITO, M. O'BRIEN, PASHINSKI, QUINN, READSHAW, STURLA AND YOUNGBLOOD, FEBRUARY 29, 2012

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES AND ENERGY, FEBRUARY 29, 2012  

A RESOLUTION

Encouraging corporations engaged in the Marcellus Shale industry

in this Commonwealth to adopt a set of principles known as

the "Marcellus Shale Principles."

WHEREAS, The Marcellus Shale geologic formation in the

northeastern United States is one of the largest known sources

of natural gas in the world; and

WHEREAS, Approximately two-thirds of the land area of this

Commonwealth is situated above this natural gas-bearing

formation; and

WHEREAS, Many communities in this area have historically

endured high unemployment rates; and

WHEREAS, Due to the vast amount of potential energy available

in the Marcellus Shale formation, corporations have descended

upon this Commonwealth to buy land, purchase leases, drill for

natural gas and build pipelines and processing facilities; and

WHEREAS, Since a reliable work force already exists in many

of these communities, the Commonwealth is investing in programs

and facilities to provide workers with training; and

WHEREAS, The Marcellus Shale industry has the potential to

provide steady, well-paying jobs for these workers, thereby

increasing their standard of living and stimulating local

economies; and

WHEREAS, A concerted effort should be made by corporations to

hire workers from these communities, including veterans, and

provide them with family-sustaining jobs and benefits; and

WHEREAS, The land on which drilling is taking place is not

only a source of potential energy and employment but is also the

foundation on which these communities have been built; and

WHEREAS, Responsible stewardship of this land by these

corporations is essential to protecting the environment and

thereby preserving the quality of life for residents in these

communities; and

WHEREAS, As new members of the community, it is imperative

that these corporations build and maintain relationships with

all stakeholders by sharing information and being open about

their practices; and

WHEREAS, If drilling for natural gas is to occur in the

Marcellus Shale formation, it should positively impact the

communities where it is taking place through the employment of

local workers, good stewardship of the environment and open and

transparent communication among all stakeholders; and

WHEREAS, The West Virginia Senate recently adopted a

"Marcellus Principles" resolution calling on corporations in the

Marcellus Shale industry to adhere to a set of principles to

guide their operations in the state; and

WHEREAS, The "Marcellus Shale Principles" to which

corporations should commit include:

(1)  Employing workers from the local community to fill

all industry jobs, including drilling, construction and

maintenance.

(2)  Being responsible stewards of the land where natural

gas is extracted, processed and delivered.

(3)  Maintaining open lines of communication with all

stakeholders in order to ensure the safety and security of

communities in which the industry is operating or developing

operations.

(4)  Respecting and applying these principles with

integrity and transparency;

therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives encourage all

corporations engaged in the Marcellus Shale industry in this

Commonwealth to demonstrate their commitment to the "Marcellus

Shale Principles" by executing a signed and dated endorsement of

these principles; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to

the Marcellus Shale Coalition and the Pennsylvania Independent

Oil and Gas Association.