Mon County Commission: Drilling Letter Gets Approval
Morgantown Dominion Post
2 June
2011
By Tracy Eddy
The Monongalia County Commission voted to sign, seal and deliver a
letter urging the governor and the state Legislature to come up with
better regulations for Marcellus shale drilling during its Wednesday
meeting.
Commissioners first agreed to write the letter during the commission’s
May 18 meeting.
According to the letter, commissioners are concerned with the recent
Marcellus shale drilling in Mon County. Two wells are being drilled in
the Morgantown Industrial Park, which is in an unincorporated part of
the county, near Dupont and River roads. Two permits have also been
issued for sites near Blacksville.
“This issue is becoming so widespread that you, as Governor, and the WV
Legislature must act quickly and responsibly to move towards an
acceptable resolution,” the letter states. “Future consequences are
unknown at this time. Please protect our citizens.”
The letter does not specifically mention a special session.
Commission President Asel Kennedy said the only way the state can come
up with better regulations quickly is for the governor to call a
special session.
“I would assume he would know that,” he said.
According to the letter, commissioners “strongly urge” the governor “to
take a leadership role in assuring the health, safety and welfare of
all West Virginians by working with the legislature to better control
drilling activities throughout the state” on behalf of the residents
the commission represents.
Commissioner Eldon Callen said he was pleased with the letter — it asks
the governor and the legislature to get something done in regard to the
issue.
“Their failure to act has caused a huge uproar,” he said.