A message from the Assistant Chief of Staff of Governor Martin OMalley Friends, Today, Governor OMalley proposed the most stringent and comprehensive health and environmental standards for Marcellus Shale drilling in the nation. Reflecting more than 3 years of extensive study and consultation with scientists, public health professionals, economists, industry experts, environmental and community advocates, and the Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission, we hope that these gold-standard best management practices become a model for federal action and other states where fracking is already under way. As a quick reference, Ive attached a highlights summary of some of the notable new and innovative BMPs proposed. We hope you will with share this news fondly with your colleagues, members, and social media networks. In mid-December, the Maryland Department of Environment will formally propose regulations to implement the reports recommendations. Notably, the regulations will requireme a landscape-scale plan for a company’s activities for at least the next 5 years, two years of pre-drilling monitoring, very protective location restrictions and setbacks, zero-discharge well pads, and required use of Best Available Technology for methane and achievement of zero methane emissions through offsets. Marylands Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission will have a comment period on the draft final report through December 8. I hope we can count on your support for these standards. With the incoming Governor-elect, it certainly will be an all hands on deck situation in the Maryland Generally Assembly to ensure that these critical safeguards are codified. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Additional details about Marylands Marcellus Shale Safe Drilling Initiative and the full report can be found online this afternoon at mde.state.md.us/programs/land/mining/marcellus/pages/index.aspx and mde.state.md.us/programs/Land/mining/marcellus/Documents/Final_Distribution_Draft_11.25.14.pdf Best, Olivia Olivia Campbell Andersen Assistant Chief of Staff | Governor Martin OMalley State House, Room 213 office: 410-974-2817 | cell: 410-507-7525 [email protected]
Posted on: Mon, 01 Dec 2014 23:27:57 +0000
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