Council postpones Marcellus Shale vote
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Pittsburgh Council today postponed a planned vote to ban Marcellus Shale gas drilling within the city limits, pending a public hearing set for Nov. 4 at 6 p.m.
Councilman Doug Shields made several amendments to his proposed drilling ban, including exempting existing shallow gas wells. He contrasted those wells with drilling into the Marcellus, a mile below ground, which he characterized as "a heavy, industrial use that the city of Pittsburgh is expected to endure, and not have any standing on the zoning side, or standing as to what our rights are."
Councilman Patrick Dowd has introduced legislation that would place severe restrictions on where drilling can occur, but would fall short of a complete ban. Legal experts have told council that a full ban might be nixed by courts.
The public hearing will occur in Council Chamber, in the City-County Building, Downtown.
First Published October 20, 2010 1:51 pm
