Nov 7, 2013 1 min read

State Rep. Jesse White is looking for a group of local residents interested in Marcellus Shale-related issues to join his new organization. White, D-Cecil, announced Thursday he is seeking 10 to 15 people to participate in his Marcellus Shale Citizens Advisory Council, which would host public forums and address different aspects of the natural gas drilling industry.

White said the goal of the group is to raise public awareness, hear input from residents with diverse viewpoints and backgrounds, and also to provide feedback to legislators. Topics could vary from the economic impact of drilling to environmental and property rights issues. White plans to post videos of the public forums online.

“For those of us living in Southwestern Pennsylvania, the debate has evolved beyond whether or not drilling should happen; it’s been here for nearly a decade,” White said in a news release. “This is about going beyond the talking points, finding out what people want to know and then having an informed, civil debate.”

Anyone interested in joining the council can contact White’s Cecil constituent service office at 724-746-3677 or contact White via Facebook at www.facebook.com/repjessewhite.