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SALISBURY, MD---Salisbury University’s Environmental Studies Colloquium Series concludes with the panel discussion “Environmental and Economic Implications of Natural Gas Drilling for Maryland” Wednesday, April 30.

The presentation is 7 p.m. in the Wicomico Room of the Guerrieri University Center. Panelists include American Petroleum Institute Executive Director Drew Cobbs, Dr. Tom Cawthern of SU’s Geography and Geosciences Department, The End of Country author Seamus McGraw and Chesapeake Climate Action Network Director Mike Tidwell.

In 2011, Maryland enacted a temporary moratorium on natural gas drilling in the state after advances in drilling technology spurred increased interest in the fuel. The Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission is expected to issue its final report with recommendations for moving forward this August.

Proponents of natural gas drilling have said it enhances U.S. energy independence and provides jobs. Others have said it accelerates climate change and threatens groundwater.

Sponsored by the ³ÉÈ˶¶ÒõEnvironmental Studies Department, admission is free and the public is invited. For more information call 410-543-6030 or visit the ³ÉÈ˶¶Òõwebsite at www.salisbury.edu.