Elected officials in New Martinsville thought they were doing a good thing when they banned Marcellus shale gas drilling within city limits. The objective was to protect water wells from a potential threat.

But in light of the disapproval of citizens throughout the community and local business owners, the New Martinsville City Council will vote on the measure once again in September.

Other cities in the Northern Panhandle have faced a similar dilemma, and have consequently rescinded their bans.

Why are we bringing this up in the Tyler Star News? The answer is simple: Because a similar ban is not a far-fetched idea. It “could”?happen here in Tyler County. After all, we have companies in our back yard drilling in the same formation.

History often repeats itself, and these issues serve as proof.

Let’s learn from the mistakes of our neighbors and find a way to communicate with these companies to avoid problems, instead of imposing bans.