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Whereas, in 2003, the discovery of a "Super Giant" natural gas field named the Marcellus was announced and, for the most part was viewed as an economic godsend to Pennsylvania, a state that has seen decades of economic decline and population losses; and,
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Whereas, despite the profound changes the character of Pennsylvania's landscape, economy and, its government will see, little was done to prepare for this sea change event. There were no environmental or planning impact studies; no health risk assessments; and, no meaningful transparent public processes or discussions between state and local government; and,
Whereas, the Oil & Gas industry has initiated a drilling campaign in Pennsylvania in a policy vacuum and has unduly influenced state elected officials so that they may provide to them the path of least resistance to the riches that lie beneath the Commonwealth; and,
Whereas, the State Legislature is about to enact legislation that is to the detriment of local government and to those who reside in Pennsylvania's 2,661 municipalities; and,
Whereas, this pending legislation will strip away all local zoning and planning authority as it would apply only to the Oil & Gas industry. All others, be they corporate, institutional or governmental must still abide by local zoning and planning ordinances; and,
Whereas, any local ordinance that may impact the Oil & Gas industry must receive approval from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission - a non-elected body and the Commission would have the authority to, among other things, bring lawsuits against local governments on behalf of private parties, and in doing so render moot the ability for citizens to implement and effectuate local community-wide comprehensive planning and zoning codes.
Now, Therefore Be It Resolved That The Council Of The City Of Pittsburgh Does Hereby Convey This Sense Of Council To The State Assembly & Governor Of Pennsylvania:
The Council of the City of Pittsb...
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