The Associated Press reports that “the start of natural gas drilling near the Pittsburgh International Airport was cheered Monday by Pennsylvania politicians from both parties.”  

“The ceremony to celebrate the recent start of drilling featured remarks by Republican Gov. Tom Corbett, Democratic County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, Republican U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy and local leaders.”  

“Fitzgerald said the vast majority of people he talked to support the Consol Energy Inc. project, which ultimately could bring more than $500 million in royalties to the Allegheny County Airport Authority. Consol, which is based in nearby Cecil, plans to drill a total of 45 wells from six pads over the next few years. The wells will tap into the gas-rich Marcellus Shale about 7,000 feet underground.”