WCBC

October 19th, 2014 by WCBC Radio

The candidates were asked about whether they supported drilling for natural gas in western Maryland. Brown, a Democrat, said drilling in the Marcellus shale presents a tremendous economic opportunity, but he wants to ensure it can be done without causing health or environmental problems. 


"I believe that we can achieve a balance, develop the natural gas, and we can do it without disturbing the rural legacy and putting Marylanders at undue risk," Brown said. "If we can do that, then I'll support moving forward in developing natural gas in the Marcellus shale in Maryland." 


Hogan, however, criticized delays under Gov. Martin O'Malley's administration. Hogan, a Republican, said he believes enough data has been collected to move forward. 


"It's something that I would try to bring to a head, make a decision and move forward as quickly as we possibly can," Hogan said, citing the economic lift drilling could provide in a part of the state that could use the help.