Next Task Force Meeting Tuesday, Feb. 14

Gunzburger Building, Coudersport, 7 pm

Open to the public.

Program details to be announced.

Task Force Survey Results.The Public Education Committee of the Potter County Natural Gas Task Force conducted a survey of attendees to determine what changes could be made to improve the operation and focus of the organization. There were 45 responses. Some shared specific suggestions or observations. Thank you to all who participated. For a summary of the survey results, click here.

In recognition of the far-reaching consequences of increased drilling for natural gas in Marcellus Shale formations identified throughout much of Potter County, in April 2009 Commissioners Doug Morley, Susan Kefover and Paul Heimel formed the Potter County Natural Gas Task Force. Almost immediately, the organization began to grow and its mission broadened.

Mission: Purpose of the Natural Gas Task Force is to identify key issues; research facts and examine trends; review and propose public policy regarding the economic, environmental and social impact of gas exploration of the Marcellus Shale in Potter County; and educate the public on gas exploration and related topics.

Membership consists of a broad cross-section of individuals representing the natural gas industry, water specialists, emergency services personnel, elected officials, environmental scientists, educators and numerous business interests.

Meetings are held bimonthly. Because of the complexity of the natural gas issue and its many implications, the Task Force has formed five study committees that meet independently and report to the larger group at each meeting. These committees are focused on the following issues:

Water Quality: Jim Clark, Pete Ryan, Judy Bear, John McLaughlin and Robert Volkmar.

Employment/Training and Industry Technical Issues: Helene Nawrocki, Susan Kefover, Terry Cole, Dick Ford, Gerald Kane, Bob Veilleux, Neal Goodenough and Tom Veazey.

Public Education: Curt Weinhold, Paul Heimel, Ron Doughtie and Mary Ann Heston.

Public Safety/Law Enforcement: John Hetrick, David Saulter, Glenn Dunn and Lucinda Weakland.

Township & Borough Impacts/Planning: Larry Hirst, Charlotte Dietrich, Doug Morley and Tom Jacoby.

Anyone who is interested in joining the Task Force, serving on a study committee and/or being added to the organization’s mailing list should contact Paul Heimel at 814-274-8290, Extension 203.

Please see the References/Links tab under the Marcellus Shale/Natural Gas header on this website for links to the Natural Gas Roundup newsletter and further information and links related to Marcellus Shale natural gas development in Potter County.