Two legislative proposals related to the natural gas industry, sponsored by Senator Camera Bartolotta, have advanced through the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. The bills now await consideration by the full Senate.
Senate Bill 102 aims to restrict municipalities that impede or ban future natural gas development from receiving Act 13 Impact Fee payments. These fees, distributed by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, are intended for infrastructure projects such as road and bridge repairs and housing.
Bartolotta emphasized the purpose of these fees: “The Impact Fee was carefully constructed to compensate municipalities that hosted or were in proximity to natural gas development for any impacts they experienced. Impact Fee dollars were never intended to go to municipalities that prevent harnessing Pennsylvania’s natural resource for our benefit.” She added, “My bill would stop this unfair practice.”
Senate Bill 712 seeks to enhance the process of plugging abandoned and orphaned wells in Pennsylvania. It proposes a consistent standard for determining reasonable efforts when plugging wells, which is expected to improve predictability and fund utilization.
Bartolotta noted challenges with current regulations: “The lack of current clarity has discouraged plugging companies from pursuing opportunities in Pennsylvania in favor of undertaking work in Ohio and West Virginia, which have more predictable processes for obtaining state agency approval.” She highlighted the importance of action as Pennsylvania stands to receive nearly $400 million in federal funds dedicated to well-plugging: “We need to take action now so funds are used as efficiently as possible.”
For further information, contact Katrina Hanna at 717-787-1463.
