MARCELLUS SHALE CAUCUS HOLDS ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING Reps. Critz and Reed Conduct Organizational Meeting

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Congressman Mark Critz (D-PA) and Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY) conducted the organizational meeting of the Marcellus Shale Caucus this morning.  The meeting, which was part of the process of getting the new caucus into operation, was procedural in nature.  The caucus currently has eleven members from New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.  Critz and Reed will co-chair the caucus.

"This initial meeting offered an opportunity to get organized and begin mapping out a procedural outline for the caucus," commented Congressman Critz. "The various issues surrounding Marcellus Shale exploration have far-reaching impact on our districts. I am pleased that we are moving forward."

"We discussed some ideas on what the best forums might be for experts from all sides of Marcellus Shale development to participate in," Congressman Reed added. "The goal of the caucus is to bring people together and cut through some of the emotion so we can focus on the science."

Both members emphasized that while individual caucus members may have taken public stands on Marcellus Shale issues, the goal of the caucus is not to promote any particular agenda but rather to conduct open discussion and debate.  The caucus is considering holding field hearings in member districts to hear from front line leaders in the industry and local citizen groups.  

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