Community Meeting Notes: Shale Gas Extraction

Meeting Purpose and Questions

The impact of Marcellus Shale natural gas development is a paramount issue for Pennsylvania communities and its people.  The number of new permits and drill sites in the Marcellus Shale formation is increasing rapidly across the state, and the current moratorium on drilling in the Delaware River Basin is likely to end in the near future. The Foundation is interested in having a discussion about Marcellus Shale and the role we could play to ensure that natural gas development occurs in a way that is protective of the natural resources and communities where drilling is occurring.  This is not a debate on whether or not natural gas development should occur in the Marcellus Shale region, but on what can be done to protect public health and the environment.  

In the last year or so, the Foundation has awarded grants related to Marcellus Shale issues out of the Environment & Communities’ water resources priority to support data analysis and research regarding gas extraction in the Delaware Basin and for statewide policy and advocacy to promote adequate regulation of the industry.  We invited representatives of the field to discuss potential approaches and priorities beyond those of our water program that should be considered to help ensure that shale development occurs in a way that is safe for communities and has the least impact on the environment as well as supports community and economic development. 

What specific issue(s) do you see as a priority relating to Marcellus Shale over the next couple of years, the next decade?  Why?  How might some of these issues be addressed?  Are there specific opportunities due to factors such as focus of strong leadership, sensitive areas or populations, etc? What external factors or concerns should the Foundation consider?

Major Points from the Discussion

Environmental/health Issues. Need to manage the environmental impact and understand the cumulative impact on public health, environmental health, and species. Air issues are a priority since the impact of extraction on air quality is compounded in the eastern United States (versus western) due to existing air quality issues.  There is limited information on cumulative impacts for water management and how to manage those impacts to protect public drinking water. It is the age old problem of environmental process going faster than environmental policy.

Community issues. The state of public debate on Marcellus Shale is terrible and the establishment of places where people can learn what experts are thinking over time is needed. There is tension between people who are profiting and those who are being displaced.  Some communities are experiencing increased homelessness and social service needs as a result of the arrival of new workers.  Some municipalities that are trying to be progressive in terms of zoning and establishing other infrastructure-related policies are being sued. The economic benefits of extraction not only affect core counties, but also adjacent counties. There is a need to train residents to secure extraction-related jobs and to understand what types of industries can be attracted to a region because they are high natural gas users.

Government/policy. A clear task in the next couple of years is to approve regulations specific to PA. There are significant questions about the degree to which industry and federal agencies understand PA geology.  PA local governments are not set up or given authority by the state to address issues that are not constrained by local boundaries, and regional-level services are critical to addressing impacts (e.g., infrastructure) of extraction on communities.  Drilling in PA is a long-term issue -- likely to last 100 years--how do we maximize benefits so we are not just left with down side of extraction?  Industry has been extremely successful at influencing the policy process and regulatory agencies. Not clear what the cumulative impacts are or how the extraction process will be managed and there is currently no format, venue, or process to obtain this information.

Data: There is little available data on ecosystem impacts and baseline chemistry. Different parties are doing small slices of data collection and there is not a lot of support for such work. Little-to-no health data exists, and there is no evidence that data on health issues are being collected. There is a huge need to use best available science to understand issues and best available technology to address issues and shape the policy conversation. There is limited access to data from other states and industry has data but it is considered proprietary. The public at large feels they do not have information. The industry has invested early and heavily in communications that have a particular frame and agenda, but there is nothing comparable coming from a neutral party or advocates on the other side.

Guidance to WPF

Information/data. Build a trustworthy body of information and data over time and look at cumulative impacts. Help transfer research/data into policy and help advocacy/legal organizations get access to experts on natural gas industry.

Media. High quality investigative journalism can help analyze data and provide objective information through a popular narrative. Support fact checking, awards to the press, white papers, etc.

Shareholder/market activity. Natural gas companies may be most influenced by their shareholders and private regulators, such as the insurance industry.  Work with shareholders to translate environmental and health concerns into shareholder resolutions and industry adoption of best practices.

Policy/regulations. Support development of good policies and advocacy organizations to push issues in the long-term, using good scientific information.  Create a Scorecard that regularly updates status of policy and regulations.

Public Space. Convene highly-regarded people from the natural gas industry, insurance, environment, and others to build consensus and a larger strategic approach.

Economic development. Ensure that job training and education (secondary, post secondary) is occurring to prepare local residents to access jobs in the natural gas industry or supportive sectors.

Local community assistance. Build the capacity of grassroots organizations and trusted nonprofits to help communities and the public address concerns with drilling, including access to lawyers as people consider leases and paid water quality monitoring pre- and post-drilling. Support local municipalities around zoning issues.