Governors Race: Candidates Talk Fracking
Charleston Gazette
18 April 2011
By Ken Ward Jr.
In Sunday’s Gazette-Mail, our political staff asked the Democratic
candidates for governor of West Virginia this question:
Do you believe West Virginia needs new regulations for oil and gas
drilling? If so, what specific requirements should be in the
legislation?
Here are their answers:
Jeff Kessler –
Yes. More DEP inspectors and regulations that include protection of our
water resources; protection of landowner surface rights; repair of our
roads and highways; fair distribution of the production royalties to
mineral right owners; that West Virginia residents are employed in the
industry and that adequate severance dollars are collected.
John Perdue -
Before we start drilling in the Marcellus Shale, we should first set
regulations that will allow us to extract the gas in an environmentally
safe way, provide protections for our water supply and establish
landowner’s rights.
Natalie Tennant -
Responsible development of our natural resources will allow West
Virginia to create thousands of new jobs and strategic investment in
education, research and technology. We must, however, ensure we protect
our environment, our roads and our communities. We must also ensure
companies hire West Virginians for West Virginia work.
Rick Thompson -
Yes, and that’s why I proposed a special session to deal with the
issue. Producers need a process that is understandable, attainable and
reasonable.
Communities need to be assured that their groundwater and
infrastructure are protected and surface owners need assurance their
rights are protected.
Earl Ray Tomblin -
Yes. The Marcellus Shale presents an enormous economic opportunity, and
I support drilling in a responsible and reasonable manner. I proposed
additional funding for inspectors to ensure compliance with
regulations, and I will continue pushing the Legislature to provide
that money and adopt reasonable regulations.