Senator Jim Ferlo will join the Senate Democratic Policy Committee to host and moderate a town hall meeting that will include a panel of public safety, public health, environmental, and industry experts in the natural gas extraction field, as well as a public comment period.

The meeting will take place Thursday, April 28 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, Pittsburgh University Center, at 100 Lytton Ave (between Fifth Ave. and Bigelow Blvd in Oakland).

Senator Ferlo points out that Governor Tom Corbett’s Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Community and Economic Development Secretaries have been invited to testify. However, both have turned down the opportunity, while at the same time making appearances at House Republican hearings on the subject last week.

The meeting will focus on the opportunities that drilling in the Marcellus Shale offers, as well as the environmental, public health, economic and social challenges it presents.

Public participation is encouraged.  Those wishing to speak during the public comment section are encouraged to register with Sen. Ferlo’s office at 412-621-3006.  A full agenda is available on Senator Ferlo’s website.

The event will   also stream live online here.

(photo from Citizens for the Preservation of Rural Murraysville.  This site has a lot of articles and information on gas drilling)