Pa. shale rules fall short, critics say

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Proposed legislation in Pennsylvania outlining development of the Marcellus shale play doesn't do enough to protect the state's environment, critics say.

In October, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett announced plans to implement a list of recommendations from a committee overseeing development of the Marcellus shale natural gas play in the state.

The commission issued 96 recommendations to detailing detail aspects ranging from fees to offset the effect of natural gas development to enhanced environmental standards.

Yet bills before state's legislation don't strike the proper balance between local and state zoning laws dealing with natural gas drilling, critics say.

"We can't afford to settle for legislation that addresses only some of the issues or leaves out critical details that will impact our communities and our environment," Matthew Ehrhart, Pennsylvania executive director for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, said in a statement.

Ehrhart's group teamed with the Pennsylvania Environmental Council in critiquing state proposals.

Natural gas production from the Marcellus shale gas play in Pennsylvania was reported at 1.87 billion cubic feet per day during the first half of 2011, a 22 percent increase over production reported in the second half of 2010.