May. 25, 2021
HARRISBURG – The state House today approved legislation sponsored by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint) that would ensure reasonable, responsible oversight of the conventional oil and gas industry.
“The notion that we have to choose between the industry and the environment is a false narrative that is harmful to workers, small business owners and our local economy, not to mention the state’s energy economy,” Causer said. “We can and should strive to develop regulations that will both protect the environment and ensure our 160-year-old conventional oil and gas industry can remain a vital source of jobs and energy in the Northern Tier.”
Watch Rep. Causer’s remarks during debate in the state House.
House Bill 1144 would enact the Conventional Oil and Gas Wells Act to govern the conventional, shallow-well oil and gas industry, which is vastly different from unconventional, deep-well drilling in the Marcellus shale. Characteristics specific to conventional operations include oil and gas well locations which are many times smaller than unconventional locations; operations in shallow low-pressure formations; low-pressure wells; and natural gas systems which mostly feed local consumers, such as homes, schools and hospitals.
“Nearly all of Pennsylvania’s conventional oil and gas wells are owned and operated by sole proprietors or small businesses,” Causer said. “These men and women live, work and raise their children in the same communities where they are drilling for oil and gas. They are capable of and committed to producing this valuable energy source while also ensuring clean air and water for themselves and future generations.”
The bill, which would serve as the framework for future changes to rules impacting the conventional industry, is the latest step in a years-long fight to stop the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from applying regulations intended to address the far more impactful unconventional industry to the smaller, conventional operations. A similar measure, Senate Bill 790, was approved by the House and Senate last year but was then vetoed by Gov. Tom Wolf.
“The industry is struggling immensely, and a significant cause of that struggle is the lack of understanding and purposeful misrepresentation of how our conventional oil and gas operations work in a safe and environmentally conscious manner,” Causer said.
The legislation was developed in large part by members of the Penn Grade Crude Development Advisory Council, which was created by Act 52 of 2016 to advise and assist DEP with regulatory changes impacting the conventional industry.
The council is also directed to develop a plan to increase production of Pennsylvania grade crude oil to more adequately supply refineries, such as American Refining Group, and look at ways to promote the long-term viability of the conventional oil and gas industry. Causer is one of 17 members of the council, which also includes representatives from DEP.
The bill passed by a vote of 113-88 and now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Representative Martin T. Causer
67th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Patricia A. Hippler
717.772.9846
phippler@pahousegop.com
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