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For Immediate
Release
3/2/11
Senate Approves White Bill on Spacing
Gas Wells and Coal Seams
Harrisburg – The state Senate today unanimously approved legislation
sponsored by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21) to establish adequate and safe spacing
between natural gas well clusters and workable coal seams.
Senate Bill 265 amends the Coal and Gas Resource Coordination Act to create
adequate and safe spacing between gas well clusters and workable coal seams. No
permit for a gas well covered by the act would be issued unless the well cluster
is located at least 2,000 feet from the nearest well cluster, unless the permit
applicant and the owner of the workable coal seam consent in writing.
"The purpose of this measure is to provide organized development between
natural gas wells and workable coal seams," said White. "Particularly with the
increase in natural gas development, Pennsylvania needs clear standards in place
for the safe, ordered extraction of these valuable energy sources."
Under the bill, absent an agreement, either the coal operator or the well
applicant may activate a dispute resolution process to resolve the spacing
issue.
The bill also requires the department to commission an independent study,
funded by the industry, update the Joint Coal and Gas Committee Gas Well Pillar
Study. The study would assess appropriate pillar size around an active/inactive
well or well cluster to protect the workable coal seam and ensure the safety of
coal miners, as well as any additional criteria or standards that should be
considered by the department.
Senate Bill 265 was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Contact:
Adam Pankake
(717) 787-9684
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