Link here to Rigzone.com.
Two years ago, Denise Dennis delivered a dramatic denunciation of
Marcellus Shale natural gas development at a Philadelphia City Council
hearing. She equated drilling to the tobacco industry, and said that
"Pennsylvanians are the lab rats" for a massive shale gas experiment.
The Philadelphia resident had a powerful story: Her family owned a
historic 153-acre farm in Susquehanna County, where her ancestors were
among the first freed African Americans to settle in Pennsylvania just
after the Revolutionary War. She became a potent symbol in the shale gas
wars.
"The process for extracting natural gas from shale is as dirty as
coal mining," she testified to thunderous applause at the 2010 council
meeting.
So, why is this a big story? Fast forward two years.
Last week Dennis signed a lease allowing the Houston company to
extract the shale gas beneath her family's farm, which the National
Trust for Historic Preservation has called a "rare and highly
significant African American cultural landscape."
"I decided to stop demonizing the industry and to start negotiating with individuals," said Dennis. "I had to be realistic."
The reality was that most of the surrounding landowners had leased
their mineral rights, and gas drilling was going to proceed with or
without the Dennis farm.
Yup. Some state governments might be so wise.
"Your gonna do what?!?! Heeeeellll NO! Oh, you are gonna pay me how much? Here's the keys to the property, wants some lemonade, here's some sandwiches for the crew"
ReplyDeleteSandwiches for the crew? She will be signing on as part of the crew hoping she can help reach total depth sooner.
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