Natural gas development is safe, well-regulated and generates significant benefits for Pennsylvanians – as the record at Allegheny County’s Deer Lakes Park proves. Rather than deprive citizens of the public benefit future development could bring, Council should respect the County Executive’s veto to maintain status quo and focus on policies that attract investment and growth to our county.
Let the record be clear – Allegheny County and its residents have already benefitted substantially from the development of natural gas resources, which is consistent with the County’s public trust. With no disturbance to the park land itself, natural gas continues to be developed from more than a mile beneath Deer Lakes Park and has generated more than $10 million in revenue for the county. Much of this has been reinvested into the park for a new playground and facilities – all at no cost to the taxpayer.
Suggesting otherwise is “just propaganda to benefit political interests,” as County Executive Fitzgerald said last week.
Deer Lakes Park is just one example of the more than 10,000 unconventional natural gas wells that have been responsibly developed statewide. Across the county at Pittsburgh International Airport, revenues from unconventional natural gas development on the property are funding the airport’s massive renovation, with the gas used on-site for clean power generation.
The MSC represents the companies, men and women across our region who safely develop natural gas, lay and operate pipelines that move product to our homes, and build the manufacturing and power plants that run off it. We’re proud of the work we do to safely generate the energy our communities need and are absolutely committed to the most responsible, highest environmental standards.
Dave Callahan
Marcellus Shale Coalition
Robinson Township
(The writer is president of the Marcellus Shale Coalition.)