Detroit News Reports – Oil, gas drilling moving into Michigan suburbs

Click here for article: Detroit News – Oil, gas drilling moving into Michigan suburbs

June 9, 2014 – The Detroit News staff writer, Jim Lynch, details some of the complicated issues surrounding the proposed oil and gas exploration of high density suburban areas including the City of Rochester Hills and Scio Township. The struggle between state and local control is central throughout.

Don’t Drill The Hills would like to point out an important distinction between cities and townships –unlike townships, Cities legally have much more control to put in place enforceable ordinances to mitigate drilling activities and maintain residential character as outlined in this MSU Extension article, and as evidenced by this ordinance in the City of Auburn Hills including a 1,000 foot setback from any residence, school or hospital, church or daycare.

Additionally, the City of Rochester Hills has a City Charter provision requiring a vote by the people on any proposed lease or sale of public parks, as detailed in the Don’t Drill The Hills Press Release.  The intent of the lawsuit is not to block drilling for oil, but to bring the matter to the residents of Rochester Hills for a vote as dictated by the city and state law.

What are your thoughts? Continue the conversation here or in the comment section of The Detroit News article.

Click here for article: Detroit News – Oil, gas drilling moving into Michigan suburbs

Click here for information on the lawsuit: Don’t Drill The Hills File Lawsuit Against the City of Rochester Hills