Just Great! Big Fracking in West Va. holds up Corbett's public policy as defense

[Divernan]

At a standing room only public hearing in West Virginia, opponents of Marcellus fracking demanded a moratorium on new West Virginia fracking operations until tougher laws are passed, enforcement is "dramatically" increased, & frackers pay for the water they are using. The Frackers threaten back that opponents should look at the public policy of Pennsylvania, i.e, the frackers are hiding behind damn Governor Corbett and his Marcellus Shale Commission's mild recommendtions.

Marcellus meeting draws hundreds in W.Va.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
The Associated Press

MORGANTOWN, W.Va.
(excerpts)
"Our water's at stake here. There are problems, and this is an emergency," said Maidsville resident John Garlow. Although acting Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has called for emergency rules to govern the industry until legislation is passed, "we needed them two years ago."

"Permit fees should be raised enough to cover all costs, including the salaries for an army of state inspectors and full repairs to damaged roads, he said. Mr. Garlow also proposed a 2-cent to 10-cent fee for every gallon of water gas companies withdraw to support hydraulic fracturing operations.

"We are currently using gold, which is water, to mine silver, which is gas," said attorney Hiram Lewis, who represents people sued by drilling companies over mineral rights. The potential environmental and health consequences of poorly regulated industry outweigh the potential economic benefits, he argued.
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"West Virginia can learn from examining public policy in neighbors like Pennsylvania, he (an economist)said, cautioning that "if our policies are significantly out of line with other states . . . investment and jobs will go elsewhere.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11207/1163030-100.stm#ixzz1TDb8HWvM