October 11th, 2011 by WCBC Radio
The Maryland Marcellus shale advisory committee conducted its first meeting two months ago at Rocky Gap and after a month off- meetings are slated for the each of the next three months. Governor Martin O’Malley appointed the commission ināJune after competing bills on the issue failed to get through the General Assembly. Those who favor drilling point to the potential economic boon it could mean for the Allegany and Garrett counties- while critics are concerned about the impact on groundwater and drinking water. The technique would likely be used if drilling began in Western Maryland. Chairman David Vanko, a dean in science and mathematics at Towson University, said that while Allegany and Garrett counties are the focal point in this debate- the issue has statewide ramifications…