Leach reacts to study that questions safety of greenhouse gas emissions

A study by Cornell University questions the safety of greenhouse gas emissions like those in the Marcellus Shale. Shale gas could prove to be more harmful than coal and oil emissions.

“The release of this most recent study contradicting previous claims suggests that we must be absolutely sure of the environmental impact of drilling before we begin,” Sen. Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery/Delaware) in reaction to the study.

Shale drills, as the research shows, dig larger wells, drill for longer periods of time, have a higher probability of problems occurring during the drilling process, release more gases during the drilling process and release more flowback waste.

Leach has proposed legislation suggesting a moratorium on Marcellus Shale drilling on state forest lands and a bill that would enact regulations on the drilling process in Pennsylvania.

WHYY’s Susan Philips will have a report on the Cornell study later.