A group of Butler Township residents is exploring possible legal action in hopes of preventing natural gas drilling in residential zones in the township.

The Section 27 Alliance group met Saturday at the Butler Public Library to discuss the Krendale and Schaffner Road gas well sites in the township, and to judge the residents’ interest in fighting the wells in court.

More than 50 residents attended the meeting, which lasted about two hours.

“We cannot depend on our elected officials to make reasonable decisions,” said Joseph McMurry, a founding member of the alliance.

The alliance named itself after Article 1, Section 27 of the state constitution, which says people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and aesthetic values of the environment.

“We decided to name our group what we’re for, not what we’re against,” McMurry said.

The group is not fighting natural gas drilling in general, just in residential zones. It claims the well pads near homes decrease property values, are a nuisance to neighbors, and bring a strong concern for safety of residents.

Organizers of the group said they already have met with a law firm in Pittsburgh that specializes in environmental law. The group did not disclose the firm.

McMurry asked the residents in attendance if they would be interested in contributing money to a lawsuit, and more than half raised their hands when asked if they would contribute more than $100.

The group expects to have another public meeting at the library after another meeting with the law firm.