Seeing "great potential" in West Virginia's Marcellus Shale seam, acting Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin Wednesday expressed his disappointment in the Legislature's failure to pass regulation about the drilling.
"It was extremely disappointing to me that the Legislature was unable to pass a piece of reasonable legislation regulating this aspect of the industry," Tomblin said during his afternoon press conference.
He said the House bill contained significant differences from the legislation passed by the Senate; and "given the divide that exists, I do not believe that a special session (about the Marcellus shale) is warranted at this time."
"Until an agreement is reached, I will not waste the taxpayers money and call a session," Tomblin commented. "However, let me assure all parties that as governor I will see to it that the Marcellus Shale development will be regulated in a reasonable manner by our Department of Environmental Protection."
Tomblin explained that the DEP has the authority to establish needed regulations and thinks the gas drilling will be developed in an environmentally responsible fashion.
In order for the DEP to monitor and issue permits for the gas wells, and complete its job effectively and efficiently, Tomblin has requested an additional $2 million for the agency.
The money will enable the DEP to hire enough employees, which will be stationed in counties where the majority of drilling is expected to occur.
"It's a resource (the Marcellus Shale) that we must tap and one that we must take advantage of," Tomblin said. "When we do so we must do so in a way that is environmentally responsible. If we do this correctly, we can create jobs while protecting our environment."
Although Tomblin was disappointed in the lack of action to regulate the Marcellus shale, he is "very proud" of the Legislature's other session accomplishments. Among the actions Tomblin praised were the 1 percent decrease in the food tax, localized dropout prevention programs, tax increment financing and expanding the governor's cabinet to include a Veterans Affairs position.
Delegate Bill Hartman, D-Randolph, also expressed his frustration with the Legislature's inaction on the topic.
"I'm convinced something could have happened if they had wanted it to," Hartman said.
He explained that although there are very important issues, including surface and mineral owners' rights, the environment and water quality, that are linked to Marcellus Shale drilling, the fact that several players in state government are seeking the governor's seat may have held up legislation.
Hartman also said that both lobbying sides of the Marcellus Shale argument were engaged in significant "spinning" during the session.
As lawmakers are finishing up their post-legislative session duties with "Budget Week," Hartman said Other Post Employment Benefits will also continue to be discussed, even though no permanent decisions were made during the regular session.
Freshman Delegate Denise Campbell, D-Randolph, said she knows Marcellus Shale is a "hot topic," and members of the House are taking the issue seriously.
Campbell also said she thinks the Legislature did not want to rush a bill that would effect many people.
"Everyone put a 100-percent effort into working for the people of West Virginia," Campbell added.
Among the legislation Campbell is pleased to have seen make it through both the House and Senate are the reduction in the food tax and providing benefits to families with children with autism.
Another significant issue facing the Legislature is redistricting.
The state is expected to receive its U.S. Census results in April, and Hartman said he expects the Legislature to tackle redistricting during the summer.
Campbell said that House Speaker Rick Thompson has been discussing preparing a redistricting committee.
