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WHEREAS, it has been discovered that natural gas lies in the Marcellus Shale rock formation thousand of feet below the earth's surface and can be released and captured by means of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing;
WHEREAS, it is known that the mixture of water and chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing, often referred to as “frac water”, typically contains flammable liquids and known carcinogens;
WHEREAS, natural gas is a valuable resource upon which most Americas rely for modern conveniences and the center of an industry that has the potential to bring jobs and tax dollars to Pennsylvania;
WHEREAS, further investigation into the hazards and benefits of this industry must be conducted before it can be determined to be in the best interest of the residents of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the City of Pittsburgh;
WHEREAS, the implementation of a one-year moratorium on Marcellus Shale well drilling would provide time for Pennsylvania's leaders to fully study this issue knowing that during that time no additional harm will be brought to the state from this activity;
WHEREAS, the Marcellus Shale Well Drilling Commission would be created to analyze the environmental, social and economic impacts of Marcellus Shale well drilling and, prior to the conclusion of the moratorium, make recommendations for regulation in the state of Pennsylvania;
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NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh, does hereby endorse Senate Bill No. 1447, as introduced by State Senator Jim Ferlo, of Allegheny County; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh, does hereby call upon the members of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee to pass Senate Bill No. 1447 out of committee and for the full state legislature to pass this bill when it comes to the floor for a final vote; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution shall be transmitted to the Penn...
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