AN ACT
Providing for a moratorium on the issuance of new well permits for natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale formation.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Short title.
This act shall be known and may be cited as the Marcellus Shale Natural Gas Drilling Permit Moratorium Act.
Section 2. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this act shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Marcellus Shale formation." A carbonaceous, organic-rich Middle Devonian-age black, low-density shale situated at the base of the Hamilton Group and strategically positioned above the Onondaga formation.
Section 3. Moratorium.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, there is hereby established a moratorium upon the issuance of new well permits under the act of December 19, 1984 (P.L.1140, No.223), known as the Oil and Gas Act, for natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale formation in this Commonwealth. The purpose of the moratorium shall be to provide additional time to enact and approve appropriate laws and regulations to protect the public health and safety.
Section 4. Expiration.
The moratorium under section 3 shall expire one year after the effective date of this section.
Section 20. Effective date.
This act shall take effect immediately.
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My comments:
1. We need new laws - pass them without delays.
2. This does not solve the problem or concerns related to old permits.
3. Ok with Moratorium on new state land leases - but prohibiting private landowners is not appropriate.
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