The House advanced Wednesday legislation seeking to ensure responsible oversight of the conventional oil and gas industry in a way that would both protect the environment and safeguard industry stability within the Commonwealth.
Senate Bill 790, sponsored by state Sen. Joseph B. Scarnati (R-25), would enact the Conventional Oil and Gas Wells Act to govern the conventional, shallow-well oil and gas industry. The legislation does not seek to protect unconventional, deep-well drilling in the Marcellus shale.
“The conventional oil and gas industry has long been a cornerstone of the economy in my district and areas across the Northern Tier, providing thousands of good, family-sustaining jobs,” state Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) said. “This bill will help preserve those jobs by removing the threat of unreasonable and unnecessary regulations from the backs of our conventional producers in favor of rules that are relevant and appropriate to these shallow-well operations.”
Causer added that the bill would also help ensure that gas and oil can continue as a vital energy source for Pennsylvania homes and businesses.
Characteristics of conventional operations include oil and gas well locations many times smaller than unconventional sites, operations in shallow low-pressure formations, low-pressure wells, and natural gas systems that feed local consumers rather than intrastate or interstate systems.
“Nearly all of Pennsylvania’s conventional oil and gas wells are owned and operated by sole proprietors or small businesses,” Causer said. “They live, work and raise their children in the same communities where they are drilling for oil and gas. They are capable of and committed to producing this valuable energy source while also ensuring clean air and water for themselves and future generations.”
The legislation is the latest step in a years-long fight to stop the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from applying regulations to smaller, conventional operations intended to address the more impactful unconventional industry.
Senate Bill 790 was developed in part by members of the Penn Grade Crude Development Advisory Council, of which Causer is one of 17. The council, which also includes DEP representatives, was created by Act 52 of 2016 to advise and assist DEP with regulatory changes that affect the conventional industry.
Causer said the bill will help serve as the framework for future changes to rules impacting the conventional oil and gas industry.
Senate Bill 790 passed by a vote of 109-93 and now goes to the Senate for consideration.