Governor Tom Wolf was elected based upon a platform that promised to keep a closer eye on the growing Marcellus Shale natural gas industry in Pennsylvania. To back up his campaign promises, Governor Wolf has nominated John Quigley to serve as the new Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection. In recent years Mr. Quigley has been an outspoken critic of the way natural gas exploration and drilling, especially fracking, have been regulated across the Commonwealth. Since Mr. Quigley’s nomination to head the DEP is subject to Senate approval, Harrisburg insiders are expecting quite a few fireworks at his confirmation hearing. Expect Mr. Quigley to field some pointed questions on his very public positions from conservative State Senators.
Elsewhere in Pennsylvania it appears that the dramatic drop in oil prices and the continuing low market price of natural gas have claimed a significant proposed construction project in Berks County. Canadian Ember Clear Inc. recently announced that it will not be building it’s planned one billion ($1,000,000,000) natural gas to liquid plant in the County. Although the plant was opposed by some residents, it appears that economic factors took a toll on the big project.
In the meantime, billions of dollars in pipeline projects are currently under construction throughout Pennsylvania. One project being constructed by Williams Pipeline called the Atlantic Sunrise Pipeline has run into some opposition. The 178 mile, $3 billion federally regulated pipeline is planning on running through Annville Township, Lebanon County. Last week the Township voted to oppose the project over watershed and sewerage concerns. Annville is the second township opposing the big project.
The personal injury law firm of Dougherty Leventhal Price LLP continues to be a leader in representing the injured and killed throughout the Marcellus shale regions of Pennsylvania.
