Editor: Pennsylvania’s modern shale gas producers are focused on responsible energy production throughout the life of a well — from planning and siting to proper plugging and reclamation. We agree that legacy wells abandoned prior to the shale revolution are a concern and our members are part of the solution by partnering with conservation groups and regulators to locate, remediate, and plug these wells as quickly and efficiently as possible.
It will take an “all-hands-on-deck” approach to addressing this longstanding issue, as your recent editorial recognizes (“Price bonds to cover cleanup costs,” Sept. 23), but it is important to note the state’s unconventional well bonds are actually higher than other major oil and gas producing states, according to a recent University of Pittsburgh analysis.
Pennsylvania’s modern regulatory framework for unconventional wells includes construction standards, plugging and site reclamation provisions and well bonding requirements, all designed to protect our shared environment today and for future generations. In fact, state law requires an operator to bear the full cost of plugging their wells and restoring the site, regardless of cost.
In addition to these proactive efforts and our modern regulations, more than $150 million from the state’s natural gas tax has been paid into the Marcellus Legacy Fund since 2012, which supports community and environmental programs, including well plugging efforts across the Commonwealth.
Heightened bonding requirements will make Pennsylvania even less attractive for job-creating new shale gas development, while not addressing the challenge posed by legacy abandoned wells. Our members are solutions-focused and look forward to working with government, third-party, and conservation groups to overcome this area of mutual concern.
David Callahan
President
Marcellus Shale Coalition
Pittsburgh
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