Here in Pennsylvania, we have some of the strongest regulations in place to ensure that hydraulic fracturing is done in a way that protects our environment and our neighbors. The tightly-regulated development of clean-burning American natural gas is without question an industrial process. And like all industrial activities, there is some risk. But natural gas producers and government officials continue to work collaboratively to ensure this risk is mitigated at every step of the process. By leveraging new, more efficient technologies and putting in place common sense regulatory safeguards, the shared goal of protecting our environment continues to be achieved all while producing abundant supplies of clean-burning, job-creating American natural gas.
In addition to strengthening the regulations that govern hydraulic fracturing, the Marcellus Shale Coalition worked with Governor Rendell’s administration to modernize Chapter 78 of Pa. Code to further strengthen the well construction and casing requirements for Marcellus Shale wells. As a result of these changes, Marcellus wells now have at least four (4) strings of steel casing and layers of cement to protect ground water resources.
Additionally, our Guiding Principles are anchored by our industry’s commitment to protecting our environment, in addition to the host of state and federal regulations that govern natural gas development. After all, we live here too – and want to ensure a clean environment for future generations.
