In Pa. government, the play's the thing - Washington Greene PA Editorial Opinion - www.observer-reporter.com

The Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission is expected to make public its recommendations to Gov. Tom Corbett today. Some of the findings are already known: The panel is suggesting an impact fee on the industry to help local municipalities deal with the effects of gas drilling; and it also approved the practice of "pooling," a provision on the books in some states that can be used to force holdout landowners to lease their below-ground gas rights, a practice of which the governor disapproves.

What we will see today are the 96 recommendations approved by votes of the 30 commission members a week ago and sent to the governor. At that time, the public and press were permitted to witness the votes, but not what the members were actually voting for or against.

What we will not see are the other 104 recommendations that did not win approval. They will remain secret, because the Corbett administration maintains that the commission is exempt from the Sunshine Act. Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley, who is chairman of the commission, promised members that their policy suggestions "would remain confidential," according to the Harrisburg Patriot-News.

In Pa. government, the play's the thing - Washington Greene PA Editorial Opinion - www.observer-reporter.com