Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley’s executive order calling for a study on natural-gas drilling has upset some political opponents, who note that a similar proposal failed in this year’s General Assembly.
Mr. O'Malley, a Democrat, issued an order last week calling for a study into the economic and environmental effects of drilling the Marcellus Shale — a 95,000-square-mile Appalachian natural-gas reserve located partially in Western Maryland.
States including Pennsylvania and West Virginia already allow drilling, but Maryland’s study places an effective three-year moratorium within the state. A Maryland bill that called for a two-year study passed the House this year, but never reached the Senate floor.
Sen. George C. Edwards, Garrett Republican, criticized the governor’s unilateral decision and argued it was done in part to satisfy environmental groups that have long given him support.
“It’s a little disheartening that he did this,” said Mr. Edwards, whose district sits on the shale. “I think it’s somewhat political. Who you get support from is who you side with on those issues.”
Drilling supporters have touted the jobs and domestic energy that could be created, while opponents have raised concerns over drilling’s potential effect on drinking water.
The practice has proved controversial, as some studies have found high methane levels in drinking water near drilling sites, as well as illness in drill workers.
1 comment:
Yeah, "some studies found high methane levels in drinking water near drilling sites"
A closer look at those studies shows that the high methane levels were found in 1936 way before any gas drilling ever happened.
But since when do environazies ever let the thruth get in the way of a good story?
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