WOZNIAK DISCUSSES COMPROMISE ON COAL BED METHANE EXTRACTION HARRISBURG, May 22, 2007 – State Sen. John N. Wozniak (D-Johnstown) today served as guest chair at a Coal Bed Methane hearing held by the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee to discuss his legislation that would give farmers the right to decide the fate of coal bed methane under their surface properties. “This issue if very important to me,” Wozniak said. “There are many farmers and lots of farm land in my district and it is my duty and responsibility to see that the rights of these farmers are not trampled on and at the same time ensure that the methane owners can adequately extract their gas and leave the owners’ property intact.” The legislation, Senate Bill 61, would allow property owners surface rights of first refusal of the purchase of the coal bed methane rights under their property. Wozniak added that currently, an entity can purchase the coal bed methane rights to properties that are privately owned, and the owner of the land does not have to be notified, nor does the owner have the right to refuse. “This is unfair to the property owners and I will work to find some way to rectify this issue amicably,” Wozniak said. Wozniak said methane's relative abundance and clean burning process makes it a very attractive fuel, but its extraction does cause concerns for the environment. At today’s hearing, Wozniak listened to the concerns from the Farm Bureau, Pennsylvania Coal Association, and methane drillers. He said he is interested in finding an amicable solution to allow the owner of the gas to extract their methane and to keep the surface owner financially whole. “I am working hard with my colleagues to see that this issue is resolved,” Wozniak said. “Hearing the concerns of all interested parties helps tremendously in the resolution of this issue. I look forward to further dialogue and hammering out a resolution on this issue.” Wozniak is also planning workshops to work on the language of his legislation with all interested parties.