Preliminary drilling ban approved

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH

Pittsburgh City Council has given preliminary approval to a ban on natural-gas drilling within city limits.

Council President Darlene Harris said the panel has concerns about the effects of drilling and industry chemicals on the health of residents.

Councilman Doug Shields, who introduced the measure that was approved 8-0 Tuesday, said officials could not let the industry “run unabated throughout our cities, towns and natural environment.”