Title
Resolution to Extend Oil and Gas Well Drilling Moratorium
Body
Whereas, at a special meeting held on August 26, 2014, the Rochester Hills City Council adopted Resolution No. RES0190-2014 establishing a six (6) month moratorium, through February 26, 2015, on the consideration, review or action by any City boards, departments, officials, employees and/or agents on applications, proposals, requests, permits, approvals, zoning compliance or certificates regarding oil and gas well siting and drilling operations in the City, and that during the moratorium period, no oil and gas well siting or drilling shall be allowed to take place in the City; and
Whereas, the purposed of the moratorium was to allow time, while maintaining the status quo, for the state legislative process to proceed regarding Senate Bill 1026; and also for the City to further study, consider and adopt, within the confines of applicable state and federal law, appropriate local regulations of oil and gas well siting and drilling in the City; and
Whereas, the City Council’s moratorium resolution also directed the City’s Planning Commission to consider, develop and recommend to City Council local ordinances to regulate oil and gas well siting and drilling, pipelines and other aspects of oil and gas exploration, development, processing and transport as determined to be appropriate, necessary and lawful to protect and balance property rights; protect, preserve and conserve our environment, natural resources and community character and values, and to protect and promote the public health safety and general welfare of the City and its residents; and
Whereas, although Senate Bill 1026 has apparently failed to garner enough support to be enacted, the City’s Planning Commission continues to study, consider and develop appropriate local regulations on oil and gas exploration and development and has held public meetings including a recent public hearing with presentations from MDEQ officials and questi...
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