O'Malley Promises No Harm From Gas Drilling

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley is promising there'll be no environmental harm if his administration issues new permits for natural gas drilling in western Maryland.

O'Malley said Friday in Annapolis that he would not apologize for protecting the natural environment to a greater degree than other states.

Two firms are seeking permits to recover natural gas in Garrett County through a process called hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.

The technique has been blamed for water contamination and reduced property values in parts of Pennsylvania.

O'Malley says his administration won't approve any fracking permits until he is assured it is environmentally sound.

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