Borough council last week approved a ban on natural gas drilling in the borough.

The borough is the latest local municipality to ban natural gas drilling within its borders. The city of Pittsburgh, West Homestead, Baldwin Borough and Wilkinsburg have passed bans on hydraulic fracking. Other municipalities in the region are considering similar bans.

Forest Hills Mayor Marty O'Malley understands the concerns of his neighbors.

"This [ban] is a mirror image of the Pittsburgh ban. It's our obligation as elected officials to protect all of our local citizens," Mr. O'Malley said. "My support of the ban was based on the fact that there is scientific evidence that this hydraulic fracking causes problems with the environment and problems with health."

Forest Hills is a bedroom community, the mayor added. "We don't have the open space available where those drilling rigs wouldn't be encroaching on the lives of people," Mr. O'Malley said.

Elizabeth Donohoe, a resident who opposes fracking and leads a petition against it in the borough, spoke to council before its vote on the issue.

"Speaking for many of your constituents -- in fact, over 400 residents signed a petition that is still in circulation -- I thank you for doing the work necessary to help you understand that a limited, conditional use ordinance will not protect this town from industries who are bent on extracting what they want from beneath our feet," Ms. Donohue said. "Only by banning polluting industries from within the borders of our borough will you -- our elected officials -- uphold the Pennsylvania Constitution, which guarantees us the safety of our water and air."

Forest Hills Council member Devon Woods commented on the ban before it was approved. "This is something I feel very strongly about. I believe this is the most important decision we on council will make this year," she said.

After the vote council President Frank Porco called the decision "an easy vote. Our strategic plan is to make sure Forest Hills is viable 20 years down the road."