Press Release

PUC Announces Special Hearing to Examine Marcellus Shale Jurisdictional Issues

Published on 3/11/2010

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today announced that it will hold a special en banc hearing on Thursday, April 22, 2010, to examine jurisdictional issues related to Marcellus Shale development.

“This development will unleash billions of dollars of natural gas production, and will have untold impacts on our economy,” said Vice Chairman Tyrone J. Christy and Commissioner Robert F. Powelson in a motion. “A recent Penn State study estimated that Marcellus will generate $13.5 billion per year in economic value and create 175,000 jobs by 2020 just to Pennsylvania. However, this development creates numerous issues and unanswered questions, many of which impact this Commission’s core functions. We believe that these issues need to be examined and these questions answered sooner rather than later so that we can fully protect the public while not stifling economic growth.”

The Commission voted 4-0 to hold the hearing on April 22, 2010. The Commission has jurisdiction over certain safety aspects as it pertains to natural gas pipelines. The hearing will not examine issues outside of the Commission’s jurisdiction such as water quality or other environmental issues.

More details will follow soon on the Announcements page of the PUC website as they are available. The four PUC Commissioners will conduct the en banc hearing to solicit comments from specific parties who are being invited. As part of the informal en banc hearing process, the Commissioners may pose questions to speakers after their testimony.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

# # #

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722