Pittsburgh City Council bans gas drilling

Less than a week after a major rally in their city against fracking, the Pittsburgh City Council banned Marcellus Shale gas drilling inside city limits by an 8-to-0 vote on Nov. 9.

“We cannot let this industry run unabated throughout our cities, towns and natural environment,” said City Councilman Doug Shields, who was also a featured speaker at the Nov. 3 anti-fracking rally. Council president Darlene Harris raised concerns about the effects of drilling and industry chemicals on the health of residents, stating “I can’t vote any other way.” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Nov. 10).

The council’s vote challenges court rulings that give the state the authority over drilling. Supporters hope the council’s action will encourage other communities to follow suit in defying the gas industry, which has started hydraulic fracturing or fracking in other areas of Pennsylvania.

The Pittsburgh Council ban was crafted by the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund, whose spokesperson Ben Price reported hearing from three other municipalities interested in their own bans within hours of the vote.

Price called the proposed ban “a local bill of rights,” noting that city residents should have rights to exclude drilling in their neighborhoods, no matter what rights the state gives to corporations. (PPG)

The Marcellus Shale Coalition representing the gas industry accused Shields of wanting to deny private property owners their “fundamental rights.” The industry is suggesting a legal challenge to the Pittsburgh ban.

Council members indicated they are up for a legal fight. “I’d love to have some discovery here,” said Councilperson Bruce Kraus. “I am not about to gamble with some of the most basic human rights people possess — clean air and clean water, safe environments in which to live and raise families.” (PPG)