Marcellus and Utica Gas, the Promise and the Reality

Robert Hinds will give a presentation on Macellus and Utica gas drilling in the Butler Library’s large meeting room. 

Robert Hinds taught geology and oceanography at Slippery Rock University for 32 years. Since retiring in 2002, he has taught geology and genealogy classes for the Institute for Learning in Retirement in Slippery Rock. His presentation titled “Marcellus and Utica Gas, the Promise and the Reality” will include a partial listing of the “promises” the gas industry have made to the people of Pennsylvania. These include energy independence for the United States, financial wealth for property owners, clean environmental practices, many new jobs, overall economic benefits, and nogas related health problems for the local residents. He will compare the “promises” to the facts that have been documented and incidents that have already occurred in many localities.

There will also be a short presentation on the status of the proposed PA legislation for HB 1950 and SB 1100 and its effects on local governments’ ability to effectively zone the drilling natural gas within their borders. This legislation's intention is to pre-empt local government's say in the development of their own townships.

Following the presentations, there will be time for questions and discussion.