Photo by Dhaluza – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link / Cropped from original

We invite you to join with us to learn more about the Extraction of Natural Gas from Marcellus Shale, its impact on our water and communities and how government is involved through permitting, taxation and regulation.

The Marcellus natural gas trend, which encompasses 104,000 square miles and stretches across Pennsylvania and West Virginia, and into southeast Ohio and upstate New York, is the largest source of natural gas in the United States. The Marcellus is an example of shale gas, natural gas trapped in low-permeability shale, and requires the well completion method of hydraulic fracturing to allow the gas to flow to the well bore.

The Indiana County League observed the issue and brought it to the attention of Leagues across PA at our state convention in June 2009. 27 League chapters organized study groups, sponsored public forums with experts representing various viewpoints, visited drilling sites, participated in webinars and other presentations at various colleges and universities and reached consensus on this important issue.

Our League Study required members to look at all sides of the Marcellus Shale issue and think about the needs of Pennsylvanians, our visitors and communities in the months and years ahead as we reached consensus and adopted our position. The facts and issues will continue to change, and we will continue to update this website as we learn more. Herein you will find educational materials and information about Natural Gas Extraction from Marcellus Shale to help us all learn more about this critical issue affecting all Pennsylvanians.

The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania’s Citizen Education Fund started an educational project in 2011 called, “The Straight Scoop on Shale Drilling”. Its purpose is to educate and engage the public regarding natural gas extraction from Marcellus Shale.

As part of this commitment, The Straight Scoop on Shale Drilling organizes a yearly conference “Shale & Public Health” featuring a large variety of experts speaking to topics related to shale drilling.

To further educate the public about environmental topics, The Straight Scoop on Shale Drilling supports other organizations by promoting their events.

DISCLAIMER: OPINIONS EXPRESSED ON THIS WEBSITE DO NOT REPRESENT OFFICIAL OPINIONS OF THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF PENNSYLVANIA CITIZENS’ EDUCATION FUND, THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF GREATER PITTSBURGH, OR OF ANY LOCAL LEAGUE PARTICIPATING IN “THE STRAIGHT SCOOP” PROJECT,  OR ANY OTHER SUPPORTER/FUNDER OF THE LEAGUE. THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS, A NON-PARTISAN ORGANIZATION, ENGAGES THE PUBLIC IN DISCUSSION AROUND ISSUES AND IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT OF OPINIONS EXPRESSED BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.