Md. Petroleum Group Criticizes Shale Drilling Study
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- The Maryland Petroleum Council says Maryland's governor is delaying investment in the state by ordering a study of the impact of drilling for gas in western Maryland.
The council issued a statement Tuesday saying Maryland is competing with more than 20 other states for resources and investment dollars and the governor's executive order will keep Maryland at the back of the pack.
Gov. Martin O'Malley announced Monday that he had signed the order.
The study will have three parts. The task force will present recommendations by the end of the year on legislation to tax drilling and establish liability standards. Recommendations on best practices for natural gas exploration and production are to be delivered by Aug. 1, 2012, and a final report is to be issued by Aug. 1, 2014.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
