DEP’s Proposed Drilling Reg Changes, Drilling Permit Fee Increases Move Ahead
DEP’s Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board Tuesday gave the Department of Environmental Protection its recommendation to go ahead with proposed changes to drilling regulations in Chapter 78 required by Act 13 of 2011.
The Board also heard a presentation on the proposed revisions to the well permit fees, which agency staff said were moving forward through the regulatory process.
At the meeting, DEP staff said the agency would be forming a series of work groups during the public review period for the Chapter 78 changes to look more deeply into several key issues. The size and make-up of the work groups are still to be worked out.
Click Here for the latest available documents circulated at the Board meeting.
Earth Day Message From The PA Growing Greener Coalition
For all of us involved in the PA Growing Greener Coalition, every day is Earth Day.
Our member organizations work 365 days a year to restore our streams and rivers, conserve land, protect our drinking water, create parks, preserve farms and save our historic treasures.
Together, we keep Pennsylvania growing greener.
But what a difference a year makes.
Last year on Earth Day, we were fighting the largest cut to conservation funding in state history with the proposed elimination of the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund.
We were also fighting the permanent elimination of the farmland preservation program as we know it, putting our family farms - and our local food supply - at risk of being lost forever.
The good news is that by working together we won!
Thanks to the strength of the Coalition and our partners, the Legislature rejected the proposed cuts and restored funding for these critical programs to continue Pennsylvania's preservation legacy.
However, our work is never over.
The Commonwealth continues to face serious threats to environmental protection because of dwindling funds, weakening policies, and political obstacles.
The Coalition is committed to advocating for public funding to conserve and protect land, water, wildlife habitat, and historic places, and to ensure well-managed parks and recreational areas throughout the state.
If you have not yet signed our statement of support, please take a moment to do so by visiting our website, where you can also make a donation to the Coalition.
Together, we can help ensure that Pennsylvania continues its legacy of conservation and preservation - on Earth Day and every day.
Thank you.
Sincerely, Andrew Heath, Executive Director, PA Growing Greener Coalition 