Pittsburgh City Council this morning passed a resolution demanding the state impose a one-year moratorium on Marcellus Shale drilling while it considers tighter regulations for the drilling industry.

State Sen. Jim Ferlo, D-Highland Park, has introduced a bill that would require a moratorium on new drilling. Under his bill, existing drilling operations would be allowed to continue.

Though no drilling is occurring in the city now, drilling company representatives have been negotiating for access to properties in Lawrenceville.

The prospect of drilling has upset some residents, and Councilman Bill Peduto said the concern is statewide.

"It's a battle between the industry and the community," he said.

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