The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee has approved a series of bills aimed at reforming energy policies in Pennsylvania. These reforms include changes to the distribution of Impact Fees, improvements in oil and gas well plugging processes, and a proposed renaming of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The announcement was made by Committee Chairman Gene Yaw.
“Each of these bills represent a thoughtful step toward strengthening Pennsylvania’s energy policy,” Yaw stated. “We’re advancing practical solutions that prioritize fairness, support investment, enhance grid reliability and promote energy independence.”
Among the approved measures are two bills sponsored by Yaw and Senator Camera Bartolotta. Senate Bill 102 seeks to prohibit counties that ban natural gas development on public lands from receiving their share of Impact Fees and Marcellus Shale Legacy drilling funds. Yaw emphasized the importance of these funds for local economic development, infrastructure improvements, environmental projects, and emergency preparedness.
Senate Bill 712 aims to improve the process for plugging abandoned and orphaned oil and gas wells by clarifying what constitutes reasonable efforts in plugging to an attainable bottom. This bill is intended to enhance predictability in using orphaned well plugging funds.
“These bills reflect our commitment to fairness, accountability and responsible resource stewardship,” Bartolotta commented. She noted that Senate Bill 102 ensures Impact Fee dollars go to municipalities directly impacted by natural gas development while Senate Bill 712 adds clarity to Pennsylvania’s well-plugging process.
Jim Welty, President of the Marcellus Shale Coalition, expressed appreciation for the advancement of Senate Bill 712: “This legislation will address current ambiguity that has frustrated operators looking to plug orphan and abandoned wells while helping ensure that Pennsylvania receives its full share of federal well plugging funding.”
The committee also advanced two other measures sponsored by Yaw. Senate Bill 704 addresses electric generation shortfalls by directing state agencies to identify suitable sites for natural gas projects. Meanwhile, Senate Bill 682 proposes changing DEP’s name to the “Department of Environmental Services,” aiming to shift focus from enforcement to partnership.
All approved bills will now proceed to the full Senate for consideration.
For further information or updates on state-related news, constituents can visit Senator Yaw’s website or follow him on social media platforms Facebook and X @SenatorGeneYaw.
