The Allegheny Township supervisors are the latest to plunge into the growing Marcellus Shale controversy.

They asked their solicitor last week for recommendations on the regulation of deep well gas drilling.

In addition, a group of township residents gathered this week to hear Penn State Extension experts discuss the issue.

Township officials cannot ban drilling, as some residents may want.

The state Oil and Gas Act of 1984 regulates drilling. Individual property owners sign leases, giving companies the right to drill on their land.

"It’s a rather gray area on what we can do," said Kathy Starr, chairwoman of the Allegheny supervisors.

She said officials want to be proactive and get ahead of the issue.

Unlike in neighboring Upper Burrell, Allegheny Township does not have a vocal group of residents with specific demands.