An advisory commission studying how to drill safely for natural gas in western Maryland will take public comments Dec. 8 on its recommendations to proceed, but with strict oversight. The 17-member panel appointed by Gov. Martin O'Malley will meet at 3 p.m. simultaneously in Baltimore and in Garrett County, where most of the state's gas extraction would occur.
In a draft report wrapping up three years of study, the commission proposed new state regulations and legislation to reduce risks of ground-water contamination, air pollution and other problems from hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," for gas. Industry officials have said the measures, if adopted, would be among the strictest in the nation. But some environmentalists contend the risks would still outweigh the economic benefits, and want to make what has been a de-facto ban permanent.
The commission members, who'll be linked by audio, will review their draft final report before allowing members of the public to make brief statements starting around 4:45 p.m., according to an agenda released Tuesday. The Baltimore meeting will be at the Maryland Department of the Environment, 1800 Washington Boulevard. The Garrett meeting will be at the county health department, 1025 Memorial Drive, Oakland. Written comments also will be accepted through Dec. 8.