Council Confirms Act 13 Appeal Vote

Monday night, Council legally affirmed to appeal state Act 13, a new law that lifts local zoning regulations on Marcellus Shale drilling. 

Council took action last Monday in a 6-0 vote, but readdressed the issue on tonight's agenda as a precautionary legal move—council hadn't provided the proper notice last week.

Tonight's vote was essentially 5-0-1 with councilman Jim Berquist absent from the meeting.

Council decided to appoint councilman David Ball as a point man on the appeal. Solicitor Bill Johnson said the efforts wouldn't be done pro bono and will next head to Commonwealth Court.

No specific time frame for answers was predicted, but Johnson said he'd hope within a few weeks. 

"It's hard to tell," he said. "We're hoping they quickly act on the preliminary injunction, given the time the act requires. It places a dilemma with permits."

Peters resident Jet Miskis said she was in complete agreement with council and thanked them for their efforts.

The act goes into effect April 14. South Fayette, Cecil Township, Mt. Pleasant and Robinson Township have also joined in on the challenge. 

Have you followed us on Facebook and Twitter, and signed up for our daily newsletter?