"Company hopes to find gas in Upper Bucks"

By Amanda Cregan, Intelligencer, May 23, 2010:

New permits have given a gas drilling company a way in. Nockamixon officials and environmentalists are taking more legal steps to keep them out.

"Gasland" at County Theater June 2

Special screening of Gasland, a documentary film by Josh Fox
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
6:00 p.m. Reception
7:00 p.m. Screening
Panel discussion following the film
County Theater, Doylestown

Delaware Riverkeeper Network invites you to attend a special screening of Gasland, a documentary film by Josh Fox. The showing in Doylestown on June 2 will be the kick-off of a 20-stop tour of Gasland across Pennsylvania and New York in a run-up to the June 21st HBO premiere of Gasland, winner of this year’s Sundance Special Jury Prize. Josh Fox will appear at the screening and you can meet him at the reception beforehand; a lively panel discussion will follow the film. For more info: delawareriverkeeper.org. Watch the trailer at youtube. RSVP on Facebook (optional).

Letter to the Editor, May 13, 2010

State forests under attack

Intelligencer

To the Editor:

Most Pennsylvanians would be surprised to hear that our wild forests are often being sold off to the highest bidder for destructive practices that will do irreparable harm to these beautiful places.

For example, state officials have already opened up 700,000 acres of state forest lands for harmful gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale region. That's more than 40 percent of Pennsylvania's state forests. This means more roads, pipelines, well pads and truck traffic in our state forests. In turn, this means further lost habitat for our state's species and more pollution in pristine streams that serve as drinking water sources for downstream communities.

Sadly, this trend may continue. Many politicians in Harrisburg only see the short-term financial gain that can be reaped from our state forest lands, profit that will go to many of the richest corporations in the world, like Exxon-Mobil and Halliburton.

Luckily, there is a proposal to halt further leases for drilling in our state forests, House Bill 2235, introduced by Rep. Greg Vitali of Delaware County. If passed, this legislation will help keep parts of Pennsylvania's state forest wild for now and for future generations.

David Masur, Director
PennEnvironment
Philadelphia
www.PennEnvironment.org

"Gas industry pumping in funds"

By Gary Weckselblatt, Intelligencer, May 12, 2010:

GOP gubernatorial candidate Tom Corbett has received the most from the industry - $361,000.

"Court upholds Nockamixon zoning in battle with quarry"

By Theresa Hegel, Intelligencer, May 6, 2010:

Hanson Aggregates had challenged the validity of the township's ordinances after attempting to expand quarry operations along Route 611.

A Bucks County judge on Wednesday dismissed procedural challenges that not only would have allowed a Nockamixon quarry to expand but also would have invalidated the township's entire zoning ordinance.

Nockamixon officials said the decision vindicated everything they had been fighting for. . . .

"Tainted wells in Bedminster, Hilltown may get filters"

By Theresa Hegel, Intelligencer, May 4, 2010: "The DEP plans to add carbon filtration systems to 35 homes in Bedminster and Hilltown with high levels of TCE. . . . On Wednesday, the state Department of Environmental Protection will hold a public hearing outlining its proposal to install whole-house carbon filtration systems. . . ."

"Report: A clean Delaware River is vital to area's economic growth"

By George Mattar, Intelligencer, May 3, 2010:

While government officials say the economy is improving, an environmental group says officials have undervalued the importance of the Delaware River, which provides drinking water for millions and economic benefits for the region.

The Delaware Riverkeeper Network in Bristol focuses on that issue in a new report called, "River Value - The Value of a Clean and Healthy Delaware River." . . .

"DEP sets hearing on contaminated water in Bedminster"

Bucks County Herald, April 29, 2010:

The state Department of Environmental Protection will accept public comments on a proposal to protect Bucks County residents in Hilltown and Bedminster townships from contaminated well water at 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 5, in the Bedminster Township administration building, 3112 Bedminster Road. . . .

To present comments, register in advance by calling DEP Community Relations Coordinator Lynda Rebarchak at 484-250-5820.

DEP will accept written comments until June 18. The comments should be sent to David Ewald, HSCA project officer, DEP Southeast Regional Office, 2 E. Main St., Norristown, PA 19401-4915. . . .

Visit depweb.state.pa.us, or call 484-250-5900.