The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Today's Front Page

December 25, 2011

Illegal drilling ban to stay on books

Associated Press

MORGANTOWN — Morgantown is keeping a municipal ban on Marcellus shale gas drilling and hydraulic fracturing on the books even though a judge has declared it unconstitutional and unenforceable.

The Dominion Post says City Council has rejected a motion to rescind the ban for the second time in two months.

Repealing the ban might make it appear as if the city is rethinking its earlier position, argues Councilman Bill Byrne.

“It’s a mark in the sand about what Morgantown thinks is right,” he said earlier this week. “We need to stand strong.”

Morgantown tried earlier this year to ban deep horizontal drilling and fracking within municipal boundaries and up to a mile beyond. In August, though, a Monongalia County Circuit Court judge ruled the city had overstepped its authority. She said the state Department of Environmental Protection has sole regulatory authority over oil and gas operations.  

The ban was triggered by Northeast Natural Energy’s decision to drill two wells in the Morgantown Industrial Park, above the Monongahela River about a mile from a drinking water intake. The site, just beyond city limits, has been targeted for multiple protests.

The wells have since been completed and will be connected to Dominion Hope’s system to provide gas for the Morgantown market.

Mayor Jim Manilla, who wants to rescind the ban, said he has a problem with council extending its jurisdiction beyond city limits.

“I’m not talking about Marcellus shale,” he said. “I don’t think it’s right to infringe or try to put regulations on someone else’s property.”

Councilwoman Linda Herbst argues that allowing the ordinance to stand also gives a false sense of security to some residents who may incorrectly believe the city can enforce the ban.

But some residents urged council to let the ban stand until stronger state regulations are in place.

City Manager Terrence Moore said his staff is still researching ways to address Marcellus shale drilling through zoning laws, and the Planning Commission is expected to review a recommendation in March.

Text Only
Today's Front Page
  • FvilleVigil1 Fayetteville candlelight vigil

    Community members and local chuch leaders gathered Sunday evening for a Memorial Day candlelight vigil at Huse Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Fayetteville.

    May 28, 2012 2 Photos

  • 52nd season for Outdoor Dramas to begin June 12

    Theatre West Virginia’s 52nd season will be “Where Legends Live,” focusing on bringing to life West Virginia’s history and local legends.

    May 28, 2012

  • W.Va. political leaders honor nation’s veterans

    From snow-laden Valley Forge to the battered walls of the Alamo, on the blood-stained beaches of the French coastline, in the frigid mountains of Korea and the steamy jungles of Vietnam, and the blistering sands of Iraq and Afghanistan, there is one constant: American heroism.

    May 28, 2012

  • Bodies believed to be missing family found in woods

    Four bodies recovered from a wooded area in Nicholas County near Carl, off Brushy Meadow Creek Road, Saturday are believed to be a missing family from Rainelle, reported First Sgt. Michael Baylous, public information officer for the West Virginia State Police.

    May 27, 2012

  • founder1 Founder’s Day celebrates city’s history

    Coordinators were pleased with the number of people who attended the fourth annual Founder’s Day at Beckley’s founding father’s estate, now the Wildwood Museum.

    May 27, 2012 2 Photos

  • auction NIE Auction and Flea Market coming Saturday

    With more than 200 items to be auctioned off and more than 100 flea market vendors, no one will have to go home empty-handed at Saturday’s 17th annual Newspapers in Education Auction.

    May 27, 2012 1 Photo

  • wvsom WVSOM holds 35th commencement

    More than 170 freshly minted physicians walked across the stage Saturday morning during the 35th annual commencement ceremony at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.

    May 27, 2012 1 Photo

  • Beckley’s Founder’s Day a success

    Coordinators were pleased with the number of people who attended the fourth annual Founder’s Day at Beckley’s founding father’s estate, now the Wildwood Museum.

    May 26, 2012

  • WVSOM has 35th annual commencement ceremony

    More than 170 freshly minted physicians walked across the stage Saturday morning during the 35th annual commencement ceremony at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.

    May 26, 2012

  • school A fun day at school

    Students who participated in a school fundraiser at Cranberry-Prosperity Elementary School sprayed their principal Becky Smith during a hot Friday. Smith was decked out in flippers, goggles and floaties during the fun. Smith paraded past students as they drenched her with water guns.

    May 26, 2012 1 Photo