KASUNIC BILL WOULD PROTECT WATER SOURCES

            HARRISBURG, March 10 - As a check and balance to increased natural gas drilling, a state Senate committee has approved a bill sponsored by Senator Richard A. Kasunic (D-Fayette/Somerset) that would allow for the regulation of the entire drilling process to ensure clean water supplies and public safety.

            “One of the most prevalent concerns raised with increased gas drilling is the affect it will have on groundwater,” Kasunic said.  “My bill (Senate Bill 1092) would allow state inspectors to make sure our groundwater is not adversely affected by drilling.”

            Under the Kasunic bill, the state Environmental Quality Board could regulate and inspect the design, construction, and operation of gas and oil wells to prevent the contamination of ground water.

“As I have said before, I fully support the economic benefits and jobs that the Marcellus Shale offers to our area,” Kasunic said.  “However, we must ensure that drilling is done in manner that does not compromise our water sources or the safety of our citizens.”

Kasunic also indicated that is important for the state to take the lead on this issue. 

“We need uniform regulations throughout the entire sate on this issue to ensure consistent enforcement,” Kasunic said.

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