Yet Another PA Township “Supports” Act 13 Lawsuit

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Wednesday night, Scott Township, PA commissioners unanimously voted to pass a resolution showing symbolic (but no real) support for the PA townships that have sued the State of Pennsylvania over provisions in the new Act 13 Marcellus drilling law. The lawsuit takes exception to state rules replacing local zoning laws that control oil and gas drilling.

Scott is just the latest municipality, in addition to Pittsburgh, Tullytown, Wilkinson, Luzerne, Buffalo, Hanover and other municipalities who have also expressed support, but refuse to actually join the lawsuit (see this MDN story).

Scott Township commissioners unanimously passed a resolution Wednesday night showing symbolic support for the communities fighting the state’s new Marcellus Shale law.

The resolution from the Scott Township commissioners at their voting meeting is merely symbolic, and municipal officials said they don’t plan to join the lawsuit. The lawsuit, which is being spearheaded by South Fayette Township, also includes Cecil, Peters, Mt. Pleasant and Robinson townships in Washington County.

A Commonwealth Court judge granted an injunction earlier this month delaying the implementation of the zoning rules. A decision on the legality of the law has yet to be made.

Scott Township last year passed its own natural gas drilling zoning ordinance, which would need to be altered if the state natural gas drilling law is upheld.*

Seems to MDN that the politicians in these “supporting” townships and municipalities are too cowardly to stick their collective political necks out and join the lawsuit. Instead, they prefer to let other municipalities carry their water for them.

*ChartiersValleyPatch (Apr 27, 2012) – Scott Township Shows Supports for Marcellus Shale Challenge