(HARRISBURG)  Senate Bill 297, which would change the requirements for reporting gas well data to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) was unanimously approved by the state Senate today, according to Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock, the bills prime sponsor.

“The Commonwealth and our region are home to one of the largest natural gas deposits in the world.  An open reporting process would spur a substantial amount of interest into the amount of natural gas produced throughout the state and it will allay fears that gas companies are not candid in their reporting,” Yaw said.

The senator noted that current Pennsylvania law requires annual well reporting, but stipulates that this information be kept confidential for five years. However, many states, such as Texas, already post this information online on a regular basis.

Senate Bill 297 would require a six-month report and an annual report of all oil and natural gas well production to be posted on the DEP website.

“Improved transparency will entice more development as well as offer information to local communities on the amount of natural gas being produced in their townships,” Yaw said. “It will also give property owners more information on wells that may ultimately be drilled on their property.”

The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Contact: Adam Pankake
(717) 787-3280