Summary
In 2011, Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania adopted an ordinance banning natural gas drilling within the borough in order to protect residents and the environment. The ordinance declares that “the commercial extraction of natural gas in the urban environment of Wilkinsburg violates the rights of residents and neighborhoods and poses a significant threat to their health, safety, and welfare.” The ordinance gives residents the right to local self-government, a healthy environment, a sustainable energy future and water. The ordinance also recognized rights of nature to exist and flourish and its right to water.