Special Session for West Virginia Legislature

Governor Earl Ray Tomblin reportedly will call the legislature into special session beginning Sunday evening at 5 p.m. to deal with policies on the development of Marcellus shale in West Virginia.  A special legislative committee has been working on and approved a bill last month addressing Marcellus shale development. The bill includes increases in permit drilling fees, requirements for casing for the drilling area, and rules regarding proximity of drilling sites to residences.  Reportedly, representatives of the Tomblin administration met with stakeholders this week in an effort to reach a compromise on the legislation.  It is anticipated that Governor Tomblin's bill will include several proposed changes to the committee's bill.  Governor Tomblin announced yesterday that he would probably call the legislature into special session next week to deal with Marcellus shale policy during the 25^th Annual Project BEST breakfast at Oglebay Park’s Wilson Lodge.  We will update with details of the Governor’s bill as soon as it is made available.