Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, along with lawmakers from around the state, continue to discuss something that is fairly new to the state -- Marcellus Shale drilling. 

Hancock County delegate Randy Swartzmiller says this meeting is the first of its kind for deep-well drilling. 

Local officials feel it is the state's job to take this step. 

"The state is responsible to take care of its cities, its towns and its counties and its residents thereof with regard to this type of industry and to lay out legislation and enact it," said Wellsburg City Manager Mark Henne. 

In this proposed bill, Swartzmiller says there are two big focuses: drilling companies would be required to keep wells a certain distance from homes and landowners would get an extended notification period before drilling would begin on a site. Henne thinks the bill is a way to make everyone happy as best they can. 

"…To carve out a balance between allowing the industry to make money and do what its aim is which is to get the gas out and at the same time to provide reasonable protections for the citizens," Henne said. 

Right now, "emergency rules" are in place as a temporary measure to make sure drilling is still done safely in the state until the new laws are passed. 

If all goes smoothly, Swartzmiller says the bill could be put to a vote as early as Wednesday.