About 25 people, most from the Adams and Middlesex township areas who are opposed to shale gas wells near schools, attended a news conference this morning at the state Department of Environmental Protection office in Pittsburgh.

Three co-authors of a new study revealed their findings that the required shale gas well setbacks are insufficient and do not protect public health.

Patrice Tomcik, a field coordinator for the Mom's Clean Air Force and a member of the Mars parent group that has opposed the Rex Energy wells on Denny Road, coordinated the news conference.

DEP spokesman John Poister listened to all the information and accepted a copy of the study.

He said DEP officials will consider the study.

A full report will be in tomorrow's Butler Eagle.