Strong state regulations hold operators to high standards with regulations that protect the environment. The natural gas industry is governed under a host of federal regulations, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act as well as a host of state regulations, including the Clean Streams Law and Oil and Gas Act.
As has been the case for decades, states are the primary regulatory body that oversee oil and gas development. Here in Pennsylvania, there are literally dozens upon dozens of regulations – from site construction through site reclamation and everything in-between – and numerous permits operators have to obtain from both state and federal regulators prior to developing a well pad, laying pipeline and constructing related midstream infrastructure.
As for community input, the Marcellus Shale Coalition (MSC) and its member companies engage communities on an ongoing basis. Individuals who own their mineral rights enter into an agreement with natural gas producers to develop their mineral estate. From that point forward, after a lease is signed, it’s really a partnership between the two entities. The MSC also created this website, LearnAboutShale, to engage the public and answer your questions.
