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South Union supports gas exploration

By Rebekah Sungala 2 min read

South Union Township supervisors unanimously adopted a resolution supporting the continued development of natural gas from the Marcellus shale formation. At Wednesday’s meeting, supervisors Rick Vernon, Thomas Frankhouser and Robert Schiffbauer voted 3-0 to adopt the resolution, noting that responsible development will stimulate economic activity in the local economy.

“The township of South Union and Fayette County are benefiting from the responsible development of natural gas from the Marcellus shale geological formation,” the resolution states, further noting that the industry’s growth will result in a needed increase in tax revenue during uncertain economic times.

Schiffbauer, who made the motion to adopt the resolution, said all efforts to promote the growth of the natural gas industry should be made and that development should not be hindered.

“I think we should be taking every step we can to develop our own natural energy resource,” he said.

Schiffbauer said it’s wrong to try and deter progress by hindering the industry’s growth when no strong evidence has been presented to show that the responsible drilling and removal of natural gas is harmful.

“To try to take steps to stop it without any good reason is certainly detrimental,” he said.

On the contrary, Schiffbauer said the Marcellus shale resource should be tapped into and developed to its fullest potential.

The resolution indicates that many township residents are already benefiting and/or will benefit from the industry’s growth, noting that natural gas is a clean-burning fossil fuel that can potentially be used for transportation, electric generation and heating, among other things.

“The township of South Union is confident in the rules and regulations of the commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the United States of American to firmly and safely regulate the environmental impact of the development of the Marcellus shale geological formation,” the resolution states.

Also, the resolution states that domestic natural gas production will ensure that Pennsylvania and the United States continues on the path to energy independence and economic competitiveness.

“The township of South Union fully supports the continued responsible development of natural gas from the Marcellus shale geological formation,” the resolution concludes.

Vernon, who is board chairman, and Frankhouser, who serves as township secretary, both signed the adopted resolution.

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