Department of Energy Hearing

A U.S. Department of Energy Hearing on hydraulic fracturing was held in Washington County on Monday Night.

The hearing drew about 400 people, either in favor of or against hydraulic fracturing the controversial gas extraction technique that breaks up shale deep underground through unconventional methods. The technique has been responsible for water and air pollution, social ills and linked to domineering company practices in communities across the Marcellus Shale region.

An industry trade group, Energy in Depth provided all-expenses paid trips for pro-drilling landowners to travel from Northeastern Pennsylvania and New York to the meeting. Anti-drillers protested beforehand.

Both sides cheered and jeered as members of the Secretary of Energy Advisory Board listened to testimony from person after person.

Before the testimonials board member John Deutch said they were listening to hear the steps that should be taken to improve shale production in the country in an effort to reduce dependency on foreign energy.