Are there long-term plans to address the rehabilitation of exhausted well sites and loss of economy in ‘Gas Towns’, i.e., the collapse of ‘Coal Towns’ & ‘Steel Towns’?

The entire shale development process—from construction of the site, drilling, completions, production and site restoration (rehabilitation) is tightly regulated by the Pennsylvania DEP. Once a well has finished producing, the company must submit a well site restoration plan. One of the MSC’s Recommended Practices is devoted to Site Planning, Development and Restoration.

Economic planning is a shared responsibility of state and local governments, and our industry actively participates in this process. While natural gas development activities fluctuate, based on market-driven factors, it’s critical to keep in mind that the Marcellus Shale is potentially the world’s second largest natural gas field – behind one in Iran of all places. Given the massive amounts of natural gas present and accessible here, large-scale development will be underway for all intents and purposes for decades – if not longer – to come.

Another far-reaching benefit of natural gas exploration can be seen in the new life it is bringing to manufacturing in the United States. This is a long-term impact that was highlighted in a recent NPR news story.