Md. Gas Drilling Panel Discussing Legislation

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- A state panel developing rules for natural gas drilling in western Maryland is discussing possible legislative proposals for the 2013 General Assembly.

The Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission meets Monday in Annapolis.

One proposal would require drillers to have pollution insurance of at least $1 million per loss.

Another would require state registration of those who negotiate for mineral rights from landowners. They would have to agree to abide by an industry code of ethics.

The panel also is considering proposing a tax on gas extracted from Maryland wells to monitor the impact of drilling.

And it's considering a possible law to protect landowners from surface damage caused by underground drilling.

The measures would govern drilling in the Marcellus shale, which underlies parts of at least five states, including Maryland.

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