DUBOIS – Council Member Diane Bernardo presented before council House Bill No. 2213 for the rest of the city council to consider supporting.
The primary sponsor for the bill is state Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 Houtzdale. The bill amends the act of Dec. 19, 1984, entitled “An act relating to the development of oil and gas and coal; imposing duties and powers on the Department of Environmental Resources.”
Bernardo said that the main objective of the bill is to “give more regulatory oversight of the drilling.” She also said that Marcellus Shale is here to stay and there is no umbrella to protect the citizens, which this bill would do.
Bernardo proposed that council support the bill and she would write a letter on behalf of council. Jim Aughenbaugh recommended that her motion be changed to state that they would support the “intent” of the bill.
Councilmember Eddie Walsh was excused from the meeting and Randy Schmidt voted against supporting the intent of the bill.
Schmidt was questioned by Lester Smiley, who was in the audience, as to why he would not support such a bill if the intent is to protect the people. Schmidt responded by saying that he would not support it until the final draft is presented. He said there are too many instances in which bills are changed. Schmidt said he would rather wait until he has read the final draft before he puts his name on the “intent” of a bill.
Bernardo and Aughenbaugh voted to support the intent of the bill.
John “Herm” Suplizio reminded council and members of the public that the Aug. 5 work session would be held at 6 p.m. at the DuBois Middle School and questions would be fielded regarding Marcellus Shale.