Photo from the PA DEP

With the unanimous support of the City Council, in November 2010 a ban on Marcellus Shale drilling in Pittsburgh became law. Now there is concern that after the passage of ACT 13 in February 2012, Mayor Ravenstahl had the City Solicitor contact the Public Utility Commission in order to initiate removal of the ban. Residents of Pittsburgh are urged to contact Mayor Luke Ravenstahl ( luke.ravenstahl [@] pittsburghpa.gov or 412-255-2626 ) and demand that the Marcellus drilling ban be left in place.

Also urge your Council member to resist any removal of the drilling ban.

Some points the Mayor and Council members should be reminded of:

• The danger of re-industrializing the city.
• Risk of water contamination, from drilling, seepage, and leaks.
• Increased air pollution, from rigs, traffic, and compressors.
• Possibility of drilling rigs in Schenley and Riverview Parks.
• Danger of methane leakage on the health of young people and old.
• Impact of truck traffic on city streets and its many bridges.
• Difficulty of implementing any evacuation plan in the city’s narrow streets