Legislation reintroduced by Pennsylvania Rep. Clint Owlett (R-Tioga and Bradford counties) would allow non-surface drilling on state lands, a memo to all House members said.
The legislation would help the country stop relying on Russian energy, Owlett said in the memo.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine made clear the devastating consequences of many countries relying on a geopolitical foe for their energy needs,” Owlett posted in his Jan. 2 memo. “Thankfully, we have the means within our Commonwealth and nation to increase our domestic production to become energy independent here in America and to provide our resources to help power our allies throughout the world.”
The legislation, Former HB 55, would require the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to establish a program leasing subsurface rights under state lands for oil and gas development. Owlett said the bill would allow the state to extract oil and gas resources in a way that preserves state lands by requiring the surface site be placed outside of state property.
Currently, there is a moratorium on new non-surface mining leases, he said. The new legislation would allow for the mining of those resources which would generate revenue that could go toward environmental protection within the state.
Owlett also said the legislation would help to generate energy resources which would bring down the price of oil and gas.
“As many people still struggle to afford gas for their cars and their home heating and electric bills amidst all the inflation we have been seeing, our government should be doing everything possible to encourage all energy production,” Owlett said.