The state Senate Majority Policy Committee held a public hearing Thursday in Penn College’s Thompson Professional Development Center on issues surrounding the potential Marcellus Shale gas reserves. Convened shortly after 10 a.m., the hearing included testimony from panels of local government officials, industry representatives and environmental organizations. In welcoming attendees, state Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23rd) a member of Penn College’s Board of Directors called exploration of the Marcellus Shale one of the region’s most substantial issues of the past century and noted the college’skey supporting role as a partner in the Marcellus Shale Education & Training Center.