Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

NEW!

Subscribe to receive notifications of new Co-Sponsorship Memos circulated

By Member | By Date | Keyword Search

Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2015 - 2016 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	May 14, 2015 12:30 PM
From:	Senator Camera Bartolotta
To:	All Senate members
Subject:	Beneficial Use of Treated Mine Water

In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that will promote the beneficial use of treated mine water in oil and gas operations by clarifying liabilities associated with this water source. Promoting the beneficial use of treated mine water offers environmental benefits in that it can potentially reduce the withdrawal demand placed upon Pennsylvania’s rivers and streams. Under current law, the use of treated mine water by the oil and gas industry is deterred by a lack of clearly defined liability limits. As a remedy, this bill establishes two narrow limits on liability. First, the bill ensures an oil and gas well operator cannot be held liable for any perpetual treatment or abatement of mine drainage or mine pool water when acquiring treated mine water for well development. This will remain the obligation of the mine operator. Secondly, the bill clarifies that a mine operator offering treated mine water cannot be held liable for its offsite use by an oil and gas operator. This bill does not relieve a mine operator or an oil and gas operator from any of their respective environmental obligations under current law. The legislation is supported by the Pennsylvania Coal Alliance. I ask that you please join me in cosponsoring this legislation.

---