HARRISBURG – A bill to improve emergency management and response at Marcellus Shale wellsites received the approval of the Senate Wednesday.  The bill was sponsored by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20).

“There are many different views and disagreements over policy about the gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale”, noted Baker.  “But there is at least one thing on which there is a broad consensus – the necessity of being prepared to react and respond when something goes wrong.  Whether it involves where wells are being drilled or facilities are operating.

This bill provides for the emergency preparedness required to protect the health and safety of our communities, and safeguard the environment against trouble turning into catastrophe.

Senate Bill 995 requires drillers to implement the most basic rules of public safety: to plan for disaster, to share their emergency plans with the people who will implement them, and to have 911 information at their fingertips. 

The bill also requires drillers to inform state and local officials of wellpad locations and access roads.  In this way, the Commonwealth better protects the health and safety of first responders and the public.
 
“Senate Bill 995 fills a gaping information hole”, said Baker.  “When something goes wrong, having emergency information posted at the site, and a plan that is shared with key emergency personnel, are vital parts of a risk reduction plan.”