Thursday, September 09, 2010
DNR Director Considering Drilling In State Forest
WEST VIRGINIA....
Frank Jezioro, director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, says, at the request of lawmakers, he's exploring the possibility of allowing drilling for natural gas beneath state forest land. Jezioro says a complex issue is being made more complex because West Virginia may soon be under new leadership. Governor Joe Manchin is on the November ballot for the U.S. Senate, and, if he wins, a special election likely would be needed to select a new governor. Drilling in state forests requires the written approval of the governor and, with the possibility of a new governor and possibly a new DNR director, things are somewhat at a standstill. Allowing drilling in state forests also wouldn't be undertaken without asking for public input. Jezioro says, although the forests are deeded to the DNR, they belong to the citizens of West Virginia. Senate Finance Chairman Walt Helmick, D-Pocahontas, says drilling leases could give the DNR a needed boost in revenue, and Jezioro agrees.
Frank Jezioro, director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, says, at the request of lawmakers, he's exploring the possibility of allowing drilling for natural gas beneath state forest land. Jezioro says a complex issue is being made more complex because West Virginia may soon be under new leadership. Governor Joe Manchin is on the November ballot for the U.S. Senate, and, if he wins, a special election likely would be needed to select a new governor. Drilling in state forests requires the written approval of the governor and, with the possibility of a new governor and possibly a new DNR director, things are somewhat at a standstill. Allowing drilling in state forests also wouldn't be undertaken without asking for public input. Jezioro says, although the forests are deeded to the DNR, they belong to the citizens of West Virginia. Senate Finance Chairman Walt Helmick, D-Pocahontas, says drilling leases could give the DNR a needed boost in revenue, and Jezioro agrees.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 9:44 AM 
