CHC Update – County Sends it Back! Take Action!
Greetings friends,
Another reminder about tonight’s POSTPONED hearing, and a few more details about what comes next below.
Hearing Postponed; Recommendations Sent Back!!
Tonight’s hearing on recommendations for new regulations in the Indiana County conservation zone has been postponed, and the recommendations have been sent back to the planning commission for further work.
This is the right move by the county. The initial draft released in December conflicted with the current Oil and Gas act, would have likely been in further conflict with what eventually comes out of Harrisburg, and most importantly, this first draft failed to protect our county’s natural areas.
The Indiana County Planning Commission will again take up the amendments at their next regularly scheduled public meeting on February 8, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. at the Courthouse Annex, 827 Water Street, Indiana. It seems that Indiana County’s timeline on rewrites to the Conservation Zone seems to be tied to Harrisburg’s timeline on their Marcellus bill. Last week, PA Senate President Scarnatti suggested he’d like it done by Feb. 7.
If last year’s bills are an indication of what will eventually pass, there will be significant limitations on the way municipalities are allowed regulate gas drilling.
It’s not too late to make sure Harrisburg doesn’t tie the county’s hands. The PA House is still in negotiations, and needs to hear from their new constituents.
Many of you on this list have a NEW HOUSE MEMBER – including Rep. Dave Reed, who’s new district encompasses Yellow Creek, Brush Valley, Cherry Hill, and the entire conservation zone.
Contact them today, tell them not to block out county from doing the right thing. Tell them not to change the county’s zoning authority.
Hon. Samuel H. Smith
109 Indiana Street
Suite 3
Punxsutawney, PA 15767
(814) 938-4225
Fax: (814) 938-1950
109 Indiana Street
Suite 3
Punxsutawney, PA 15767
(814) 938-4225
Fax: (814) 938-1950
Hon. Joseph A. Petrarca
239 Longfellow Street
Vandergrift, PA 15690
(724) 567-6982
Fax: (724) 567-0006
239 Longfellow Street
Vandergrift, PA 15690
(724) 567-6982
Fax: (724) 567-0006
Rally @ Harrisburg, Jan. 17
This coming Tuesday, January 17, 2012, a Community Rights Rally is planned at 11:00 AM at the Capitol Rotunda in Harrisburg to show opposition to HB 1950 which if passed will strip local PA communities of their right to regulate Marcellus gas drilling through the zoning process. If this bill is passed, drilling and a host of other gas related activities such as compressor stations, frack ponds, and seismic testing will be permitted even in residential areas. Our objective now is to KILL THE BILL!
January 17 is also the day the PA Legislature returns from its recess. So please save the date and if at all possible come to Harrisburg to greet our legislators properly by protesting this outrageous piece of legislation.
WHAT: Community Rights Rally
WHEN: Tuesday, January 17, 2012, at 11:00 AM
WHERE: Harrisburg, PA, Capitol RotundaIf you are unable to come to Harrisburg, please consider calling your State Representative and Senator that day to let them know you still oppose HB 1950 and want to see the bill KILLED! The link below will take you to your state senator:
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/member_information/senators_alpha.cfm And the next link will take you to your state representative: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/member_information/representatives_alpha.cfm
January 17 is also the day the PA Legislature returns from its recess. So please save the date and if at all possible come to Harrisburg to greet our legislators properly by protesting this outrageous piece of legislation.
WHAT: Community Rights Rally
WHEN: Tuesday, January 17, 2012, at 11:00 AM
WHERE: Harrisburg, PA, Capitol RotundaIf you are unable to come to Harrisburg, please consider calling your State Representative and Senator that day to let them know you still oppose HB 1950 and want to see the bill KILLED! The link below will take you to your state senator:
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/member_information/senators_alpha.cfm And the next link will take you to your state representative: http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/member_information/representatives_alpha.cfm
As a signer of the continuing peitition opposing HB 1950, thank you for your continued support!
Ron Slabe
P.S. If you wish to view the original and continuing Petition Opposing HB 1950, please go to: http://signon.org/sign/petition-opposing-pa?source=s.em.cr&r_by=159796&mailing_id=1628
Coalition for a Healthy County 