Today, Councilman Dowd introduced legislation to protect citizens from drilling and excavation dangers. Until now, the City of Pittsburgh has had no regulations concerning oil and gas production, leaving the City no recourse to deal with drilling permits approved by the state. Because zoning legislation takes effect upon introduction to Council, the legislation introduced by Councilman Dowd acts as a temporary protection until a final bill is passed. In the meantime, the Councilman looks forward to working with his colleagues to revise this bill to best protect the city from environment hazards stemming from natural gas drilling within the limitations of Pennsylvania law. Many residents of Council District 7 have expressed deep concern about this issue, and Councilman Dowd and the District 7 staff share your anxiety. We will do our best to share information with you regarding informational events on this topic and opportunities to share your questions and concerns. We also encourage you to contact your legislators at the state and national level about this issue, particularly given the larger role that they will play in determining where and how the natural gas companies can drill. You can find information about state regulations, FAQ's, and up-to-date information on permits and wells on the PA Dept. of Environmental Protection Oil & Gas Management Program webpage. http://www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/minres/oilgas/new_forms/marcellu s/marcellus.htm (Full press release attached.) Emily Keebler * Office of Patrick Dowd * Pittsburgh City Council District 7 510 City-County Building * 414 Grant Street * Pittsburgh PA 15219 * 412 255 2140 emily.keebler@city.pittsburgh.pa.us <mailto:emily.keebler@city.pittsburgh.pa.us> * www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/district7 <http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/district7>