(HARRISBURG) – Governor Rendell signed into law legislation sponsored by Senator Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming) that would establish reporting requirements for owners of gas wells.  This marks the enactment of the first regulatory legislation relating to Marcellus Shale.

Yaw said his legislation, Act 15, amends the Oil and Gas Act to require operators of Marcellus Shale wells to provide well production information to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).  That information will be made public in six months and be posted on DEP’s website.  Yaw said “previous law required DEP to keep production information confidential for a period of five years, so the change to six months is very significant.”

“As this new industry begins to grow and expand, it is important that we have information on the amount of gas being produced by each well,” Yaw said.  “This is important to ensuring transparency and proper record-keeping.”

Yaw stated, “I appreciate the support from my colleagues in the Senate and House in moving this legislation forward.”

Yaw said the new law enables companies to determine where natural gas production levels are higher, which will help to attract larger companies.  This will not only help the local economy but also encourage greater production and use of natural gas.

Contact: Adam Pankake
717-787-3280