SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 12

(By Senators Klempa, Kessler (Mr. President), Unger, Prezioso, Plymale, Palumbo, Snyder, Green, Wills, Wells, Laird, Browning, Foster, McCabe, Minard, Yost, Fanning, Beach, Helmick, Jenkins, D. Facemire, Miller, Edgell, Chafin, Stollings, Kirkendoll, Hall, Boley, Barnes, Sypolt, Nohe, Williams and Tucker)

Encouraging corporations engaged in the Marcellus Shale industry in the State of West Virginia to endorse a set of operating principles to be known as the “Marcellus Principles” in the shale industry.

    Whereas, Marcellus Shale is one of the largest sources of natural gas in the world with a significant portion located in the State of West Virginia; and

    Whereas, Due to the vast amount of potential energy present in the Marcellus Shale, corporations have come to West Virginia to buy land, purchase leases, drill for gas, build processing facilities and construct pipelines; and

    Whereas, Many regions in West Virginia suffer high unemployment rates and, therefore, expanding businesses in the Marcellus Shale industry in these areas has the potential to provide good jobs for those workers who live near job sites; and

    Whereas, West Virginia has the skilled workforce necessary to build and maintain a safe and productive natural gas industry; and

    Whereas, Workers should be employed from the local area, alcohol and drug-free, well trained and paid a decent wage with benefits; and

    Whereas, Every effort should be made to hire veterans through successful programs such as “Helmets to Hardhats”; and

    Whereas, As stakeholders in West Virginia, we believe the economic development generated by Marcellus Shale in our state should create real improvements for our local communities by raising the standard of living among residents; and

    Whereas, We believe communities should have a voice in shaping the projects that depend on their human and natural resources; and

    Whereas, Corporations dependent upon our local resources should conduct business in a way that brings good jobs to our communities and protects our environment; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Senate:

    That the Senate hereby encourages corporations engaged in the Marcellus Shale industry in the State of West Virginia to endorse a set of operating principles to be known as the “Marcellus Principles”; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Marcellus Principles to which corporations should commit are: (1) To employ workers from the community to fill all industry jobs, including those in drilling, construction and maintenance; (2) to be responsible stewards of the land where natural gas is extracted, processed and delivered; (3) to maintain open lines of communications with stakeholders in order to ensure the safety and security of communities in which the industry is operating or developing operations; and (4) to respect and apply these principles with integrity and transparency; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That corporations in the Marcellus Shale industry should demonstrate their commitment to the Marcellus Principles with a written endorsement, signed and dated, that sets forth the Marcellus Principles and their commitment to it; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to the West Virginia Oil and Natural Gas Association and the Independent Oil and Gas Association.