Congressman Sestak Holds a Forum on Natural Gas Drilling

On April 7, 2010, Senatorial Candidate Joe Sestak spoke at a natural gas drilling forum at the Peace and Justice Center in downtown Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. I attended the forum from the beginning to the end.

Natural gas drilling is probably the most complicated and contentious issue in the state, and the stakes are enormous. Natural gas drilling has the potential to develop tens of thousands of urgently needed jobs, provide millions and millions of dollars for rural communities where the money is desperately needed, and make a major contribution to energy independence for the entire nation. Sestak stated that two separate and distinct studies have been completed on the volume of natural gas that is available. Sestak said that the first study estimated approximately 35 trillion cubic feet of natural gas which could supply America's needs for two years. A second study estimated 383 trillion cubic feet which could supply America's needs for fifteen years. At the same time, the project is loaded with environmental problems, risks, and potential disasters.

The Congressman has a comprehensive and balanced approach to the issue. Sestak wants to drill for the gas, develop the jobs, and protect the environment at the same time. He wants to bring the best minds in government, business, and the environmental movement together to develop the best possible plan. He stressed that he is determined to develop a plan that will allow us to drill and protect the environment at the same time. He acknowledged that there is enormous pressure to develop the jobs and revenue right now. In response he said that, drilling can be compatible with the environment. We need courage from legislators to hold off until we can get it right.

The Congressman pointed out that he is supporting legislation on this issue that will protect the environment. He is a co-sponsor of the Fracturing Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals (FRAC) Act. This bill would amend the Safe Drinking Water Act to repeal the exemption from restrictions on underground injection of fluids near drinking water sources which has been granted to hydraulic fracturing operations. The bill also requires oil and gas companies to disclose the chemicals they use in fracking fluids.

Headed To The White House

Congressman Sestak's comprehensive philosophy and approach to the issue appears to be headed for the White House. Congressman Kanjorski's approach is just about identical as he also wants to get it right before the drilling starts. Kanjorski wants to develop a national energy institute in Wilkes-Barre where economic, scientific, and environmental research can influence public policy and develop a comprehensive master plan.

Congressman Kanjorski plans to present his proposal to President Obama. Kanjorski said Vice President Biden has already expressed his support.

Congressman Sestak really hit a home run in Wilkes-Barre. He demonstrated that his approach, philosophy, and policies are compatible with the leadership in Wilkes-Barre. He is ready to represent Wilkes-Barre and the entire state in the United States Senate where he can make a difference.

Sources:

Elizabeth Skrapits, Sestak: Sides in drilling debate must work together, The Citizens' Voice Newspaper, April 8, 2010.

2. Michael R Sisak, Kanjorski: W-B could host energy institute, The Citizens' Voice Newspaper, April 10, 2010.