update on municipalities fighting the new MS law

[bikerfish]

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/04/judge_halts_zoning_limits_in_p.html

I guess the industry forgot to write that judge a check.

 

[Gudgeonville]

if they are going to put a hold on that portion of the act, they should halt all payments under the new act to any municipality until it is settled. as well as any new environmental requirements.

 

[bikerfish]

I agree.
the trouble I have with the entire thing is that it stripped away any authority the local municipalities had. I think local governments should be involved in the process. the new law essentially says they don't care what local residents and their government have to say, they are going to drill anyways.
this doesn't always mean the local govs are against drilling, they would just like a say in the matter, just like they do with any other industry that might be in their community. statewide rules are fine, but there should be room for locals to have their voice also.

 

[wetnet]

Is this a direct quote? Senior Deputy Attorney General Howard Hopkirk argued that the state created the municipal planning code, and municipalities have no right or standing to complain about perceived harm to its residents if the state pre-empts parts of it.

I'd make sure this statement is accurate.

You need to be careful what you read or read into it and what is not written in. I doubt very much that there is a "No right to complain" code. If you must complain don't do it without options. No one like to listen to whining with no solution.

Just my opinion.

 

[bikerfish]

here is a link to the new law form pennfuture, still a long read, but it's put into a readable form. read and decide for yourselves.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/48182083/drilling/NewOilAndGasLaw%20full%20report%20final.pdf