HOEFFEL TO CHALLENGE CANDIDATES ON NATURAL GAS EXTRACTION:

Joe Hoeffel will discuss drilling in Southwestern PA

Who:       Joe Hoeffel, Democratic Candidate for Governor 

                Terri Davin, Friends of Dunkard Creek

What:          Joe Hoeffel, Democrat for governor, will discuss the economic development           potential and challenges to environment and infrastructure related to natural gas extraction in the Marcellus Shale.

Where:        Joe Hoeffel 2010 Headquarters, 214 North Highland Ave, Pittsburgh PA 15206

When:         12:00pm, Friday, April 30

* PHOTO OPPORTUNITY - Following the press conference, Joe Hoeffel and volunteers will make calls to voters around the state to discuss the Marcellus Shale issue.  

The press is invited to observe.

The extraction of Marcellus Shale natural gas represents a new economy for Pennsylvania with the potential to create thousands of jobs and build local economies, but it also opens up new environmental concerns and strain to existing infrastructure.  Terri Davin, a resident of Greene County and board member with Friends of Dunkard Creek, will talk about her concerns with drilling in her community, especially as it relates to the safety of our drinking water.  Joe Hoeffel will ask other candidates in the race for governor to join him in supporting a plan for responsible gas drilling with strong environmental regulation.  Hoeffel is calling for a moratorium on issuing drilling permits until enforceable wastewater regulations are in place and on leasing additional state land for drilling.  He is also calling for a severance tax that will meet the costs that the industry places on the state so that we get a fair deal from natural gas companies.