Maryland Legislature Considers Marcellus Shale Drilling Bills

The House Environmental Matters Committee will hold hearings on legislation related to drilling in the Marcellus Shale area in western Maryland.  A bill sponsored by Delegate Wendell Beitzel (R-Garrett) would require regulations to be sent to a legislative panel by the end of the year relating to natural gas exploration and production.

Delegate Heather Mizeur, D-Montgomery, is sponsoring separate legislation that would require drilling companies to demonstrate that wetlands, forests, critical habitats and existing communities would not be put at risk before wells are built and operated.

The Marcellus Shale is a natural gas-rich geological formation that extends from New York to Virginia. (AP)

House Bill 411
House Bill 415
House Bill 852