>Bonding over shale
A debate over Western Maryland’s Marcellus Shale geologic formation, a rich natural-gas reserve, divided urban and rural legislators and pitted Republicans against Democrats — which, some say, is two ways of describing the same thing.
Del. Wendell R. Beitzel, R-Garrett, backed drilling as a boon for Western Maryland and tried several times to defeat or amend the bill, but skeptics say the drilling method has potential dangers.
The formation is in Garrett County and parts of Allegany County. (An analysis of the bill states that it’s in Washington County, too, but Beitzel said that’s not true.)
The final vote was 98-40, mostly with Democrats supporting the slowdown and Republicans opposed.
One exception was Del. John P. Donoghue, D-Washington, who voted with local Republicans, including Beitzel, LeRoy E. Myers Jr., Andrew A. Serafini, Neil C. Parrott and Michael J. Hough.
Afterward, Donoghue said Marcellus drilling is an economic issue, particularly as energy prices soar.
“I think the folks in Garrett County probably need an injection of some good luck,” he said. “And if it comes through the drilling, I think that’s terrific. They can desperately use the jobs and the money.”
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