HARRISBURG – The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, chaired by Senator Gene Yaw (R-23), today approved two bills.
Senate Bill 411 (Senator Kasunic) – Would limit the treatment liability of entities that choose to utilize acid mine water (AMD) for hydraulic fracturing of oil/gas wells, or other industrial uses.
Senate Bill 411 would provide liability protection from the perpetual treatment of AMD at its source when the end use is for hydraulic fracturing or industrial use. An AMD treatment project eligible for this liability protection would be vetted thru a DEP process developed in the Environmental Good Samaritan Act (Act 68 of 1999). This liability protection was a policy recommendation that was acknowledged in the report issued by the Governor’s Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission.
Senate Resolution 29 (Senator Yaw) – Directing the Center for Rural Pennsylvania to study the residential, commercial and industrial extension of natural gas distribution infrastructure by collecting and analyzing information on the estimated demand for natural gas service in un-served and under-served areas of the Commonwealth; estimated price consumers are willing to pay for access or conversion to natural gas service; regional differences in consumer demand and willingness to pay for natural gas service; and relevant economic information on the costs and benefits to expand natural gas distribution infrastructure.
The Center would be responsible to report its findings, plans, and recommendations to the General Assembly no later than August 1, 2013.
The committee unanimously supported both legislative measures.
Contact: Adam Pankake
(717) 787-3280