Gas Leases in Allegheny County Spike

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Center for Social and Urban Research say the number of properties leased for oil and gas exploration in Allegheny County jumped by 322% from 2008 to 2009. The finding was part of a study that looked at county real estate data from 2003 to May of 2010. The research show about 7% of the county has been leased for exploration since 2003. Researchers say the spike in 2009 can be attributed to the interest in Marcellus Shale drilling.