PA Marcellus News Digest
February 13, 2012
EPA investigating Washington County (PA) shale operations, Chesapeake fine cut in half by DEP, responses to passage of shale bill, Bradford County commissioners oppose impact fee, leaving municipalities in the lurch, Corbett raiding env programs to balance budget
Release
DEP Announces Feb. 22 Public Meeting on Jefferson County Drilling Permit
Wallaby
Feb. 13
Harrisburg – The Department of Environmental Protection will host a public meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 22, to discuss Flatirons Resources LLC’s proposal to drill a Marcellus Shale well in Brockway, Jefferson County.
The 6 p.m. meeting will be held at the Brockway Area Junior/Senior High School on Alexander Street.
Link: http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2012/2012021386.HTM
Wallaby
Feb. 13
Harrisburg – The Department of Environmental Protection will host a public meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 22, to discuss Flatirons Resources LLC’s proposal to drill a Marcellus Shale well in Brockway, Jefferson County.
The 6 p.m. meeting will be held at the Brockway Area Junior/Senior High School on Alexander Street.
Link: http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2012/2012021386.HTM
Articles
Bradford County Blow-Out Costs Chesapeake More Than $250K
NPR State Impact
Susan Phillips
Feb. 9
Link: http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/02/09/bradford-county-blow-out-costs-chesapeake-more-than-200000/
NPR State Impact
Susan Phillips
Feb. 9
Link: http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/02/09/bradford-county-blow-out-costs-chesapeake-more-than-200000/
Range Resources, Local Lawmakers Respond to Marcellus Shale Bill
All three state representatives from the Canon-McMillan area voted no on the bill—while Range Resources lauded the regulatory consistency the legislation brings.
Canon-McMillan Patch
Amanda Gillooly and Mike Jones
Feb. 8
State Rep. Jesse White voted "no" Wednesday on a Marcellus Shale bill that will enact an impact fee and various regulations—and said that anyone who did otherwise “will one day regret it.”
“For those who think this is a good deal—for what we got, the price was just too high,” he said minutes after the 101-90 vote in the House.
Link: http://canon-mcmillan.patch.com/articles/range-resources-local-lawmakers-respond-to-marcellus-shale-bill
All three state representatives from the Canon-McMillan area voted no on the bill—while Range Resources lauded the regulatory consistency the legislation brings.
Canon-McMillan Patch
Amanda Gillooly and Mike Jones
Feb. 8
State Rep. Jesse White voted "no" Wednesday on a Marcellus Shale bill that will enact an impact fee and various regulations—and said that anyone who did otherwise “will one day regret it.”
“For those who think this is a good deal—for what we got, the price was just too high,” he said minutes after the 101-90 vote in the House.
Link: http://canon-mcmillan.patch.com/articles/range-resources-local-lawmakers-respond-to-marcellus-shale-bill
DEP secretary answers questions on Marcellus Shale drilling
Republican Herald
Mark Gilger, Jr.
Feb. 10
ORWIGSBURG - State Sen. David Argall, R-29, and the Schuylkill County Chamber of Commerce co-hosted a lunch meeting Thursday with state Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Michael Krancer.
Link: http://republicanherald.com/news/dep-secretary-answers-questions-on-marcellus-shale-drilling-1.1269964
Republican Herald
Mark Gilger, Jr.
Feb. 10
ORWIGSBURG - State Sen. David Argall, R-29, and the Schuylkill County Chamber of Commerce co-hosted a lunch meeting Thursday with state Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Michael Krancer.
Link: http://republicanherald.com/news/dep-secretary-answers-questions-on-marcellus-shale-drilling-1.1269964
Mixed Bag Out Of Pennsylvania On Hydraulic Fracturing Chemical Disclosure
Environmental Defense Fund
Matt Watson
Blog
Feb. 9
Last night the Pennsylvania (PA) General Assembly passed legislation on fracturing fluid chemical disclosure that, on the whole, isn’t half bad – particularly considering where they started. Unfortunately, the bill contains a major flaw that prevents us from being able to hold it up as a model for other states to follow. Still, there’s quite a bit to be liked. More on that below.
Link: http://blogs.edf.org/energyexchange/2012/02/09/mixed-bag-out-of-pennsylvania-on-hydraulic-fracturing-chemical-disclosure/
Environmental Defense Fund
Matt Watson
Blog
Feb. 9
Last night the Pennsylvania (PA) General Assembly passed legislation on fracturing fluid chemical disclosure that, on the whole, isn’t half bad – particularly considering where they started. Unfortunately, the bill contains a major flaw that prevents us from being able to hold it up as a model for other states to follow. Still, there’s quite a bit to be liked. More on that below.
Link: http://blogs.edf.org/energyexchange/2012/02/09/mixed-bag-out-of-pennsylvania-on-hydraulic-fracturing-chemical-disclosure/
Natural gas drilling on horizon in Bucks County
Philly Burbs
Amanda Cregan
Feb. 13
Gas drilling is coming to Bucks County.
Turm Oil is seeking to open the county's first natural gas well in Nockamixon.
Link: http://www.phillyburbs.com/my_town/palisades/natural-gas-drilling-on-horizon-in-bucks-county/article_34c7c342-d83c-5c61-84dd-609bf19ab008.html#.TzlbLi3NhEU.twitter
Philly Burbs
Amanda Cregan
Feb. 13
Gas drilling is coming to Bucks County.
Turm Oil is seeking to open the county's first natural gas well in Nockamixon.
Link: http://www.phillyburbs.com/my_town/palisades/natural-gas-drilling-on-horizon-in-bucks-county/article_34c7c342-d83c-5c61-84dd-609bf19ab008.html#.TzlbLi3NhEU.twitter
Shale impact bill gives away a lot for very little in return
Public Opinion
Matthew Major
Editorial
Feb. 13
In the weeks leading up to passage of an impact fee on Marcellus Shale gas drilling in Pennsylvania, supporters within the industry repeatedly cited the bill's setback requirements as an environmental protection counterbalance to its lack of local controls and relatively small revenue general potential.
Link: http://www.publicopiniononline.com/opinion/ci_19944573
Public Opinion
Matthew Major
Editorial
Feb. 13
In the weeks leading up to passage of an impact fee on Marcellus Shale gas drilling in Pennsylvania, supporters within the industry repeatedly cited the bill's setback requirements as an environmental protection counterbalance to its lack of local controls and relatively small revenue general potential.
Link: http://www.publicopiniononline.com/opinion/ci_19944573
EPA examining gas drilling in southwestern Pa.
Centre Daily Times
AP
Feb. 13
PITTSBURGH — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is examining the impact of natural gas drilling in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Link: http://www.centredaily.com/2012/02/13/3088530/epa-examining-gas-drilling-in.html
Centre Daily Times
AP
Feb. 13
PITTSBURGH — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is examining the impact of natural gas drilling in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Link: http://www.centredaily.com/2012/02/13/3088530/epa-examining-gas-drilling-in.html
Recorders of deeds may not reject multiple gas leases
Post-Gazette
Zack Needles
Feb. 13
In what attorneys said is a significant win for natural gas drillers, the Commonwealth Court has ruled that counties' recorders of deeds are required by statute to record all lease documents presented to them, including single documents containing multiple lease assignments.
Link: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12044/1209383-499.stm
Post-Gazette
Zack Needles
Feb. 13
In what attorneys said is a significant win for natural gas drillers, the Commonwealth Court has ruled that counties' recorders of deeds are required by statute to record all lease documents presented to them, including single documents containing multiple lease assignments.
Link: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12044/1209383-499.stm
Natural-gas fee may be too late
Inquirer
Arthur Sterngold
Feb. 13
With natural-gas drilling booming in Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale region, state lawmakers might seem to have chosen the perfect time to impose an impact fee on gas producers. The new fee has been projected to generate $191 million in retroactive 2011 fees, $220 million in 2012, and larger amounts over time.
Link: http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/20120213_Natural-gas_fee_may_be_too_late.html
Inquirer
Arthur Sterngold
Feb. 13
With natural-gas drilling booming in Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale region, state lawmakers might seem to have chosen the perfect time to impose an impact fee on gas producers. The new fee has been projected to generate $191 million in retroactive 2011 fees, $220 million in 2012, and larger amounts over time.
Link: http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/20120213_Natural-gas_fee_may_be_too_late.html
House GOPers: Marcellus bill a win for jobs
Central Penn Business Journal
Tim Stuhldreher
Feb. 9
Wednesday's passage of Marcellus Shale legislation marks a big win for Pennsylvania's economy, state House Republicans said.
“This legislation will ensure the continuation of job creation in the Commonwealth’s biggest growth industry,” York County Reps. Seth Grove, Ron Miller, Scott Perry, Stan Saylor and Will Tallman said in a joint statement following the vote on House Bill 1950.
Link: http://www.centralpennbusiness.com/article/20120209/CPBJ01/120209780/House-GOPers:-Marcellus-bill-a-win-for-jobs
Central Penn Business Journal
Tim Stuhldreher
Feb. 9
Wednesday's passage of Marcellus Shale legislation marks a big win for Pennsylvania's economy, state House Republicans said.
“This legislation will ensure the continuation of job creation in the Commonwealth’s biggest growth industry,” York County Reps. Seth Grove, Ron Miller, Scott Perry, Stan Saylor and Will Tallman said in a joint statement following the vote on House Bill 1950.
Link: http://www.centralpennbusiness.com/article/20120209/CPBJ01/120209780/House-GOPers:-Marcellus-bill-a-win-for-jobs
NEPA counties to raise millions or nothing under gas impact fee
Times-Tribune
Laura Legere
Feb. 13
Northeast Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale boom counties stand to raise millions of dollars this year through an impact fee on the deep gas wells.
Other regional counties with a handful of wells may get little or nothing.
Link: http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/nepa-counties-to-raise-millions-or-nothing-under-gas-impact-fee-1.1271067#axzz1mHtUsEHE
Times-Tribune
Laura Legere
Feb. 13
Northeast Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale boom counties stand to raise millions of dollars this year through an impact fee on the deep gas wells.
Other regional counties with a handful of wells may get little or nothing.
Link: http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/nepa-counties-to-raise-millions-or-nothing-under-gas-impact-fee-1.1271067#axzz1mHtUsEHE
Corbett raiding special funds
Times-Tribune
Robert Swift
Feb. 13
HARRISBURG - Gov. Tom Corbett is proposing a delicate balancing act with the state budget by buttressing it with money taken from a half-dozen special funds created through the decades.
Link: http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/corbett-raiding-special-funds-1.1271068#axzz1mHtUsEHE
Times-Tribune
Robert Swift
Feb. 13
HARRISBURG - Gov. Tom Corbett is proposing a delicate balancing act with the state budget by buttressing it with money taken from a half-dozen special funds created through the decades.
Link: http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/corbett-raiding-special-funds-1.1271068#axzz1mHtUsEHE
Marcellus Shale boom has pressed law firms to boost their staffs, but experts are in short supply
Post-Gazette
Drew Singer
Feb. 13
The same year Bill Caroselli finished law school, Bob Dylan first told the world that the times were a-changin'.
A half-century later, the birth of the multibillion-dollar Marcellus Shale industry has transformed the region's legal landscape, pushing lawyers like Mr. Caroselli to practice oil and gas law after decades of specialization in other fields.
Link: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12044/1209380-499.stm
Post-Gazette
Drew Singer
Feb. 13
The same year Bill Caroselli finished law school, Bob Dylan first told the world that the times were a-changin'.
A half-century later, the birth of the multibillion-dollar Marcellus Shale industry has transformed the region's legal landscape, pushing lawyers like Mr. Caroselli to practice oil and gas law after decades of specialization in other fields.
Link: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12044/1209380-499.stm
Gas bill: Shale drillers got the better part of the deal
Post-Gazette
Editorial
Feb. 13
Pennsylvania already has a love-hate relationship with Marcellus Shale gas drilling. Enthusiasm for the prospect of good jobs and generous payments to property owners who lease their land has been tempered by worries about the prospects for harm to the state's air, water, roads and quality of life.
Link: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12044/1209814-192.stm
Post-Gazette
Editorial
Feb. 13
Pennsylvania already has a love-hate relationship with Marcellus Shale gas drilling. Enthusiasm for the prospect of good jobs and generous payments to property owners who lease their land has been tempered by worries about the prospects for harm to the state's air, water, roads and quality of life.
Link: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12044/1209814-192.stm
Fawn, Frazer poised for additional Marcellus gas drilling
Tribune-Review
Mary Ann Thomas, Aspinwall Herald
Feb. 12
With wells on the way and a pipeline coming, Fawn and Frazer are poised for more Marcellus shale well action.
Link: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_781263.html
Tribune-Review
Mary Ann Thomas, Aspinwall Herald
Feb. 12
With wells on the way and a pipeline coming, Fawn and Frazer are poised for more Marcellus shale well action.
Link: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_781263.html
Former fuel line tested for leaks ahead of tie-in to shale wells
Tribune-Review
Jodi Weigand, Valley News Dispatch
Feb. 12
A former diesel and jet fuel transmission line that runs through Buffalo Township is being tested for leaks in preparation for tie-ins from Marcellus shale gas wells in the area.
Link: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/regional/s_781264.html
Tribune-Review
Jodi Weigand, Valley News Dispatch
Feb. 12
A former diesel and jet fuel transmission line that runs through Buffalo Township is being tested for leaks in preparation for tie-ins from Marcellus shale gas wells in the area.
Link: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/regional/s_781264.html
Rural loophole curbing Pennsylvania pipeline inspections
Inquirer
Craig R. McCoy and Joseph Tanfani
Feb. 12
Pennsylvania regulators are taking steps to begin safety checks of some natural gas pipelines in the Marcellus Shale regions - hiring inspectors and drafting new rules that will bring the state in line with the rest of the nation.
Link: http://articles.philly.com/2012-02-12/news/31052330_1_gas-pipelines-rural-areas-marcellus-shale
Inquirer
Craig R. McCoy and Joseph Tanfani
Feb. 12
Pennsylvania regulators are taking steps to begin safety checks of some natural gas pipelines in the Marcellus Shale regions - hiring inspectors and drafting new rules that will bring the state in line with the rest of the nation.
Link: http://articles.philly.com/2012-02-12/news/31052330_1_gas-pipelines-rural-areas-marcellus-shale
Terminology aside, Pa. natural-gas levy became inevitable
Inquirer
Angela Couloumbis
Feb. 12
HARRISBURG - You say "fee." I say "tax."
But here in the Capitol, at least, it doesn't matter much anymore, since no one is calling this deal off.
Link: http://articles.philly.com/2012-02-12/news/31052315_1_local-impact-fee-marcellus-shale-natural-gas
Inquirer
Angela Couloumbis
Feb. 12
HARRISBURG - You say "fee." I say "tax."
But here in the Capitol, at least, it doesn't matter much anymore, since no one is calling this deal off.
Link: http://articles.philly.com/2012-02-12/news/31052315_1_local-impact-fee-marcellus-shale-natural-gas
Shale drillers drinking from Slippery Rock Creek
Beaver County Times
Eric Poole, Calkins Media
Feb. 11
WAYNE TWP. -- Over the last several thousand years, Slippery Rock Creek carved out a gash through the center of what is now Lawrence County, leaving behind, among other things, McConnells Mill State Park's distinctive rock faces.
Link: http://www.timesonline.com/news/local_news/shale-drillers-drinking-from-slippery-rock-creek/article_d69833e6-61d3-5f24-bc7e-bd24611bdbe1.html
Beaver County Times
Eric Poole, Calkins Media
Feb. 11
WAYNE TWP. -- Over the last several thousand years, Slippery Rock Creek carved out a gash through the center of what is now Lawrence County, leaving behind, among other things, McConnells Mill State Park's distinctive rock faces.
Link: http://www.timesonline.com/news/local_news/shale-drillers-drinking-from-slippery-rock-creek/article_d69833e6-61d3-5f24-bc7e-bd24611bdbe1.html
Man pleads guilty to dumping millions of gallons of waste
Tribune-Review
Jennifer Reeger
Feb. 11
A Greene County businessman pleaded guilty on Thursday to 13 of 98 charges of illegally dumping millions of gallons of waste across Western Pennsylvania counties for more than six years.
Link: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_781169.html
Jennifer Reeger
Feb. 11
A Greene County businessman pleaded guilty on Thursday to 13 of 98 charges of illegally dumping millions of gallons of waste across Western Pennsylvania counties for more than six years.
Link: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_781169.html
Regulating shale operations: Public Utility Commission would get new role
Post-Gazette
Erich Schwartzel
Feb. 12
The Marcellus Shale legislation awaiting Gov. Tom Corbett's signature would introduce a quiet player into the divided, often loud, world of gas drilling: the Public Utility Commission, a relatively unknown state agency suddenly charged with determining which communities are illegally regulating gas extraction.
Link: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12043/1209512-28.stm
Post-Gazette
Erich Schwartzel
Feb. 12
The Marcellus Shale legislation awaiting Gov. Tom Corbett's signature would introduce a quiet player into the divided, often loud, world of gas drilling: the Public Utility Commission, a relatively unknown state agency suddenly charged with determining which communities are illegally regulating gas extraction.
Link: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12043/1209512-28.stm
Marcellus shale vote divides Alle-Kiski area lawmakers
Tribune-Review
Jodi Weigand, Valley News Dispatch
Feb.11
Five of the nine state leaders that represent most of the Alle-Kiski Valley voted against a set of rules regulating the Marcellus shale natural gas drilling industry.
Link: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/valleynewsdispatch/s_781152.html
Tribune-Review
Jodi Weigand, Valley News Dispatch
Feb.11
Five of the nine state leaders that represent most of the Alle-Kiski Valley voted against a set of rules regulating the Marcellus shale natural gas drilling industry.
Link: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/valleynewsdispatch/s_781152.html
EPA probing Washington County shale operations
Federal agency looking for violations in air, water, soil
Post-Gazette
Don Hopey
Feb. 13
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is investigating whether specific Marcellus Shale drilling and compressor station operations in Washington County have caused environmental damage that violates federal regulations.
Link: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12044/1209896-503-0.stm
Federal agency looking for violations in air, water, soil
Post-Gazette
Don Hopey
Feb. 13
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is investigating whether specific Marcellus Shale drilling and compressor station operations in Washington County have caused environmental damage that violates federal regulations.
Link: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12044/1209896-503-0.stm
Smith criticizes Miller, McLinko
Democrat says it would be ‘foolish’ for county not to accept impact fee money; Miller plans to vote ‘no’ on proposal
Morning-Times
Kristy Westbrook
Feb. 11
TOWANDA– Following Bradford County Commissioner Doug McLinko’s comments to The Associated Press this week, the county’s two other commissioners weighed in on their thoughts on the state’s proposed impact fee on the Marcellus Shale drilling operations.
Link: http://www.morning-times.com/news/2012-02-11/Front_Page/Smith_criticizes_Miller_McLinko.html
Democrat says it would be ‘foolish’ for county not to accept impact fee money; Miller plans to vote ‘no’ on proposal
Morning-Times
Kristy Westbrook
Feb. 11
TOWANDA– Following Bradford County Commissioner Doug McLinko’s comments to The Associated Press this week, the county’s two other commissioners weighed in on their thoughts on the state’s proposed impact fee on the Marcellus Shale drilling operations.
Link: http://www.morning-times.com/news/2012-02-11/Front_Page/Smith_criticizes_Miller_McLinko.html
Drillers cut natural gas production as prices drop
Drilling companies cut natural gas production as prices drop, but consumers, others benefit
Yahoo News
Kevin Begos, AP
Feb. 12
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- As natural gas prices continue to drop, the recent nationwide boom in drilling is slowing. Drillers don't make money if prices go too low — and drilling wells isn't cheap.
Link: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/drillers-cut-natural-gas-production-183401348.html
Drilling companies cut natural gas production as prices drop, but consumers, others benefit
Yahoo News
Kevin Begos, AP
Feb. 12
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- As natural gas prices continue to drop, the recent nationwide boom in drilling is slowing. Drillers don't make money if prices go too low — and drilling wells isn't cheap.
Link: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/drillers-cut-natural-gas-production-183401348.html
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