WHEREAS,
On March 25, 2010, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown introduced and City Council of Philadelphia passed a resolution calling on the Delaware River Basin Commission to halt hydraulic fracturing operations until a full environmental impact assessment has been conducted; and
WHEREAS,
On June 17, 2010, Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. introduced and City Council of Philadelphia passed a resolution authorizing hearings on the economic and environmental impacts of Marcellus Shale drilling; and
WHEREAS,
On September 21, 2010, State Representative Tony Payton, Jr. introduced House Bill 2754 in the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania known as the Statewide Marcellus Shale Natural Gas Drilling Moratorium; and
WHEREAS,
On September 28, 2010, City Council of Philadelphia, Joint Committees on Transportation and Public Utitilies & The Environment held hearings concerning a City Council resolution on the economic and environmental impacts Marcellus Shale drilling will have the Philadelphia region; and
WHEREAS,
As a result of the City Council hearing there was evidence presented that strongly suggests hydraulic fracturing should be halted until the Federal Environment Protection Agency completes and releases a study on the effects of Marcellus Shale drilling; and
WHEREAS,
House Bill 2754 will provide for a Statewide Moratorium on natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale and establishing the Marcellus Shale Drilling Study Commission; and
WHEREAS,
The purpose of the Marcellus Shale Drilling Study Commission shall be to study and analyze the environmental, social and economic impacts of Marcellus well drilling in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS,
The Marcellus Shale Drilling Study Commission will recommend changes to the Commonwealth's statutory and regulatory framework to ensure the protection of the public and the environment as well as successful promotion of the natural gas industry; and
WHEREAS,
The Marcellus Shale Drilling Study Commission shall provide a comprehensive report of the study that will thoroughly investigate the impact of Marcellus Shale well drilling in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and make recommendations on improvements to Pennsylvania's law and regulations to ensure the protection of the public and the environment; and
WHEREAS,
The City Council of Philadelphia urges the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania House of Representatives to pass House Bill 2754 calling on a Marcellus Shale drilling moratorium and creation of a Marcellus Shale Drilling Study Commission; and
WHEREAS,
Through implementing the recommendations of the Marcellus Shale Drilling Study Commission the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will ensure the protection of the public and the environment; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA,
Calls upon on the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, House of Representatives to pass House Bill 2754 calling on a 3 year Moratorium on Marcellus Shale drilling, drilling activities and establishing the Marcellus Shale Study Commission.
End
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