An environmental advocacy organization is hosting two virtual forums on the intersection of local zoning ordinances and the oil and gas industry on Saturday and Monday.
Food & Water Watch, a national nonprofit with a regional office in Philadelphia, will host the public webinars from 9:30 a.m. to noon June 20 and another from 6:30 to 9 p.m. June 22. Each webinar will focus on different aspects of the oil and gas industry, according to the organization’s website.
Joseph Morowitz, a South Fayette commissioner who will be a panelist during Saturday’s webinar, said he is unaware of oil and gas businesses seeking approval to drill in South Hills communities.
“You just never know where the next intrusion is going to be. It’s good to stay on our toes and be aware of everything we can do,” he said.
He said he has taken part in three webinars hosted by Food & Water Watch so far that aim to educate local governments about zoning laws that set limits on oil and gas activity.
Each webinar will be comprised of local panelists.
On Saturday, the webinar will give a review of local zoning codes in several South Hills communities. The panelists are:
• Denny Puko, planning consultant
• Nick Mackereth, Local Government Planning Policy Specialist with the PA Department of Community and Economic Development
• Joseph Horowitz, South Fayette Township Commissioner
• David Vento, Plum Borough Councilman
• Nicole Ruscitto, Jefferson Hills Borough Councilwoman
• Patricia DeMarco, Forest Hills Borough Councilwoman
On Monday, the webinar will feature panelists discussing legal matters and public health impacts of drilling. The panelists are:
• John Smith, an attorney with Smith Butz Law
• John C. Dernbach, professor of Environmental Law and Sustainability at Widener University
• Patricia DeMarco, scientist and educator at Chatham University
• Edward Ketyer, fellow at American Academy of Pediatrics
• Sarah Rankin, public health nurse for SW PA Environmental Health Project
• Laura Dagley, Medical Advocacy Coordinator at Physicians for Social Responsibility
To register for the webinars, visit bit.ly/2Bk59iK.
