Coalition executive director Kim de Bourbon says part of the organization’s mission is to inform the public about what records and information they are entitled to under the law.

“No matter what your position is on shale gas drilling, factual information is critical to the debate,” she said. Pennsylvania’s current Right-to-Know Law, which requires the state to turn over certain records upon request, went into effect in 2009.

The panel discussion is designed to help citizens understand the issues surrounding gas-drilling operations and how to get information from state authorities.

The session will be held on Thursday, May 9, at 6:30 p.m.,at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Squirrel Hill, located at 5801 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh.

Panelists include Gayle Sproul, an attorney with Levine, Sullivan, Koch & Schulz; Kevin Begos, Associated Press Pittsburgh correspondent, and Robert Donnan, a citizen/activist.

The seminar is free and open to the public.

The Pennsylvania Freedom of Information Coalition is a nonprofit, volunteer group working to help the public understand and use the state’s open records and open meetings law, and works with citizens around the state to increase government transparency. Its website at www.pafoic.org offers information and resources about the state’s Right to Know Law and Sunshine Act, as well as an interactive forum where members can post questions and get answers about government access.

###