With chants loud and signs high, protesters ensured that their messages were heard outside of the state Capitol on Tuesday as Democrat Tom Wolf was sworn in as governor.
Shouting "ban fracking now" during the ceremony, anti-fracking activists rallied in the dozens.
"We're here today to send the message to Governor Wolf that he needs to ban fracking in Pennsylvania. At the very least, we need a moratorium while we study the impacts on our communities, while we review the science," said Karen Feridun, a Kutztown resident and founder of Berks Gas Truth.
Fracking, which entails extracting natural gas by drilling into shale rock layers, is a controversial operation that Wolf has shown no signs of eliminating.
He has, however, been quoted as favoring an extraction tax, unlike his predecessor Tom Corbett.
"That would be a huge mistake," said Feridun. "It would only institutionalize drilling."
During his inauguration speech, Wolf didn't specifically mention fracking, although he did state that Pennsylvania is "blessed" with natural resources.
"Now to the protestors here today, I say, help me develop these opportunities in a way that is clean, safe and sustainable," he said.
Among other protesting groups present were gun rights advocates, determined to voice their concerns.
"We want to let Tom Wolf know... that we don't want to let him infringe on our 2nd Amendment rights," said Donna Merritt, of Exeter Township.
Merritt represents Citizens for Liberty and the Berks Tea Party.
"We believe in the Constitution. We want to keep it and we want to speak out for it," she said.
Wolf has gone on the record in support of universal background checks and banning sales of assault weapons.
"Today is a day for celebration for him, but it's also a day for him to understand that we're here and we won't go away," said Helen MacMinn, of Robeson Township.
Wolf told the audience Tuesday that he is open to hearing people out.
"What we need today is leaders who are willing to listen to each other and learn from each other," he said. "And work together to give all Pennsylvanians a shot at a great life."
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