To address the opportunities and challenges of exploring for natural gas in the Marcellus shale in much of Pennsylvania, Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences and Penn State Cooperative Extension is offering a series of online seminars running through May 2009. The Webinars will cover a variety of topics ranging from the local government's role in gas exploration to the effects of deep-well drilling methods on water supplies.
The Natural Gas Web Seminar Center will be providing "live" web-based educational programs and materials. The series is targeted at extension educators, federal and state agency representatives, and interested citizens.  Each web seminar will be offered from 1 to 2 p.m. on their particular dates.
Topics and dates are:
• March 18, 2009  Other Environmental Issues       
• April 16, 2009  The Marcellus Shale Resource
• May 21, 2009  Governments' Roles
Everyone is welcome to participate in these live seminars; however, you first must register at
http://naturalgas.extension.psu.edu/WebinarRegistration.htm
Presentations will usually last about an hour. To view live and previously recorded seminars you will need a high-speed Internet connection and sound. Participation in the web seminar does not require any special software. Previous sessions may be viewed by clicking on http://naturalgas.extension.psu.edu/webinars.htm
No computer?
If you do not have Internet access, the April and May seminars will be available for viewing at the Pike County Cooperative Extension office, 514 Broad St., Milford, PA. Call (570)296-3400 to reserve your seat. Limited seating is available. Previous sessions may be viewed at the office by setting up an appointment.