http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/01/18/changing-priorities-science-funding-slashed-under-corbett-administration/

http://mediasite.cidde.pitt.edu/mediasite/SilverlightPlayer/Default.aspx?peid=689293c50f404f12b8c628b8f2285780

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZptKESRzio&feature=youtu.be

https://picasaweb.google.com/chec.pitt/ShaleGasDrilling

A court case that many believe has the potential to upend 100 years of case law and God knows how many Marcellus gas leases in Pennsylvania hinges on what the everyday definition of “minerals” was in 1836.

Attorneys at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney who appealed the case to the Supreme Court on Friday say they simply want the high court to reaffirm what’s been “bedrock” property law for more 100 years.

The case involves John and Mary Butler, owners of 244 acres in Susquehanna County, and the heirs of Charles Powers, who in 1881 was granted “one-half the minerals and Petroleum Oils” under the property.

Powers’s heirs argue that they are entitled to half the Marcellus gas under the property as well.

Susquehanna County President Judge Kenneth Seamans ruled against that claim in January 2010, citing what’s known as the “Dunham Rule” - a Supreme Court ruling that has stood since 1882 that a conveyance of “minerals” in a deed does not include oil and gas unless specifically stated. The Powers deed makes no mention of gas.

Powers’s heirs appealed that decision to the Superior Court, arguing that the Dunham Rule should not apply, but rather a 1983 ruling that found U.S. Steel owned the natural gas contained in the coal it owned – not the property owner who had retained the right to drill through the coal for oil and gas.

As the attorney for the heirs put it to the Superior Court: “Whoever owns the shale, owns the gas.”

To read the rest of this article click on the below link.

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/10/marcellus_shale_bellwether_leg.html

GAS TRUTH is giving support to the CITIZENS MARCELLUS SHALE COMMISSION that has been formed by 8 organizations that want to get out the truth about the effect of Shale Gas drilling on Pennsylvania.  Governor Corbett formed his Gas industry dominated “Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission”.  Now we have our opportunity to get the real truth out about Shale Gas.

The CITIZENS MARCELLUS SHALE COMMISSION is meeting in Hearings around the state.  On Monday, September 26th between 6 and 9 PM the COMMISSION will come to Harrisburg.

Attend the Harrisburg Hearing:

Monday, September 26, 2011
3 to 5 PM   AND    6 to 9 PM
Widener Law School   — Room A-180

Register to participate by calling

STEPHANIE FRANK at 717-255-7181

HACC York Campus is sponsoring a special outdoor screening of the Emmy award-winning film, GASLAND.  GASLAND’s Director, Josh Fox will answer questions following the film.  GASLAND is the story of the effect of Fracking for Natural Gas on families and communities of the US.

The event is free and will happen rain or shine.  In case of rain, the film will be shown in the CSS (Shiloh) Building.

The outdoor screening will be behind the Goodling Building of HACC – York Campus at 2010 Pennsylvania Avenue in York, PA.

The Sautners from Dimock put up a billboard that has a picture of their dirty water and the words “FIX IT” on Rt. 29 in the heart of Cabot Oil & Gas territory. As soon as it went up, they held a press conference.  Angry pro-gas neighbors were also there –  and Cabot spokesman George Stark.

Read the details here: http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/controversial-billboard-depicting-contaminated-water-comes-down-1.1184658#axzz1UBDbLfOQ

Below is note from Erica about the upcoming Waterdog training at Ives Run.

Hello Everyone

I just wanted to remind everyone that we are hosting another Advanced Waterdog Training on August 11^th at Ives Run from 5-9 pm.  Please let me know if you can make it and also please feel free to share it with others that have attended waterdog trainings.

Thank you

Erica Tomlinson

Watershed Specialist

Tioga County Conservation District

570-724-1801 ext 118