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03/29/2024 04:48 AM
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20210&cosponId=36371
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House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: October 20, 2021 03:41 PM
From: Representative Danielle Friel Otten
To: All House members
Subject: Setback Distances for Natural Gas Well Sites and Related Infrastructure
 
The Office of Attorney General’s 2020 Grand Jury Report on the natural gas industry highlighted the misconduct of certain companies in relation to the drilling practice known as hydraulic fracturing (fracking). Upon the conclusion of the grand jury’s two-year investigation, several legislative recommendations were made in an effort to strengthen protections for the environment and the citizens of our commonwealth. 

Currently, under Section 3215 of Title 58 (Oil and Gas) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, certain setback distances are provided relative to the location of unconventional natural gas wells near buildings, streams, wetlands, etc. However, the grand jury concluded that the current setbacks do not provide adequate protection for the environment or for public health and safety and, therefore, should be increased to 2,500 feet.

My proposed legislation increases setbacks for unconventional natural gas well sites and imposes a 2,500-foot setback to certain related infrastructure, such as: 
 
  • Natural gas compressor stations
  • Pits, impoundments, and storage tanks that contain drilling cuttings, flowback water, produced water, hazardous materials, chemicals, fuels, condensate, solid waste, and other waste.
This legislation also follows the grand jury’s recommendation to further increase setbacks for schools and hospitals, to 5,000 feet.

As Attorney General Josh Shapiro stated, “Our government has a duty to set, and enforce, ground rules that protect public health and safety. We are the referees; we are here to prevent big corporations and the powerful industries from harming our communities or running over the rights of citizens.” I agree with the Attorney General, and I believe that as legislators, we must do all we can to protect the residents of our commonwealth and our constitutional right to clean air and pure water.

I hope you will join me in support of this important legislation.



Introduced as HB1465