Republicans often say they are advocates of local control, repeating bromides such as "the people know better than the politicians or bureaucrats." But not when it comes to Marcellus Shale drilling in Pennsylvania.

On this subject, the politicians and bureaucrats are poised to tell the people that they know best -- and never mind the local concerns of residents of municipalities across the state who will have to live with the results. Harrisburg knows best.

Last week, the House Finance Committee approved along party lines House Bill 1950, which insists on a one-size-fits-all regulatory approach to drilling in the state. Local ordinances would be superseded by state law if the House bill passes.

Local governments around the state that tried to tailor their drilling ordinances to the wishes of their constituents will find out they have been wasting their time and money. In this area, that is bad news for townships such as South Fayette, Collier and Peters (where voters Tuesday faced a ballot question on a drilling ban).

Does the state government have a role in setting regulation? Of course it does. It should set the benchmark standards and have state inspectors in sufficient numbers and ability to ensure that the rules are followed. Indeed that is the situation now. Communities that have drafted drilling ordinances have sought to go beyond the provisions of the 1984 Oil and Gas Act.

That is as it should be. Local communities are not identical and their governments, acting on behalf of their residents, should have the right to insist on stricter regulations than the state-mandated norm.

As Richard Ward, the manager of Robinson in Washington County, which has put together zoning ordinances for drilling, told the Post-Gazette: "Personally, I take exception and I think the township takes exception to the notion that the state thinks they can regulate better than we can in our township."

Gov. Tom Corbett is apparently on board with this shameless power grab, which seeks to make life easier for drillers by making the rules uniform. But how about keeping life good for people in local communities by keeping their fortunes and destinies in their own hands?

Harrisburg doesn't know best. The people know best in this case and they should tell the politicians, before they lose their rights.

First Published: November 9, 2011, 5:00 a.m.