HARRISBURG – The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee approved a slate of bills today to reform Impact Fee distribution, address power generation needs, improve oil and gas well plugging and rename Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), according to Chairman Gene Yaw (R-23).
“Each of these bills represent a thoughtful step toward strengthening Pennsylvania’s energy policy,” Yaw said. “We’re advancing practical solutions that prioritize fairness, support investment, enhance grid reliability and promote energy independence.”
Among the bills approved today were two measures sponsored by Yaw and Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-46). Senate Bill 102 prohibits counties that ban natural gas development on public lands from receiving their share of Impact Fees and Marcellus Shale Legacy drilling funds.
“These dollars have been critical in supporting local economic development, infrastructure improvements, environmental projects and emergency preparedness and response efforts – all of which are vital to communities and all of which cost a lot of money,” Yaw said. “So, when a county actively pursues drilling bans on public land, it seems reasonable to reinvest that money elsewhere.”
Senate Bill 712 improves the abandoned and orphaned oil and gas well plugging process in Pennsylvania by clarifying what constitutes a reasonable effort in plugging to the attainable bottom, improving predictability and the use of orphaned well plugging funds.
“These bills reflect our commitment to fairness, accountability and responsible resource stewardship,” Bartolotta said. “Senate Bill 102 ensures Impact Fee dollars go to the municipalities that allow and are directly impacted by natural gas development—communities where they are truly needed. Senate Bill 712 adds clarity and consistency to Pennsylvania’s well-plugging process, making our state more attractive for contractors and ensuring nearly $400 million in federal funds are used efficiently to address legacy wells.”
“We very much appreciate Sen. Yaw and the committee advancing Senate Bill 712,” said Jim Welty, President of the Marcellus Shale Coalition. “This legislation will address current ambiguity that has frustrated operators looking to plug orphan and abandoned wells while helping to ensure that Pennsylvania receives its full share of federal well plugging funding.”
Additionally, the committee advanced two other measures sponsored by Yaw. Senate Bill 704 aims to address electric generation shortfalls by directing state agencies to work together to identify suitable sites for natural gas projects. Senate Bill 682 changes the name of DEP to the “Department of Environmental Services,” which Yaw said shifts the focus from enforcement to partnership.
Each of the bills now move to the full Senate for consideration.
For more state-related news and information, constituents can visit Senator Yaw’s website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com or follow him on Facebook and X @SenatorGeneYaw.
CONTACT:
Elizabeth Weitzel
717-787-3280