House Keeps Bill Moving Requiring DEP To Start Over On Conventional Drilling Regs

The House Tuesday considered amendments to Senate Bill 279 (Hutchinson-R-Venango) requiring DEP to start over to update its drilling regulations covering conventional oil and gas wells and creating the PA Grade Crude Development Advisory Council to the House Appropriations Committee

Rep. Garth Everett (R-Lycoming) proposed, then withdrew, an amendment taken from House Bill 1391 (Everett) that would have required oil and gas companies to pay leaseholders the minimum royalty amount they are owed by state law.

Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware), Minority Chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, offered two amendments, the primary one to eliminate the provision making DEP start over on setting updated standards for conventional drilling operations.   The amendment was defeated by a vote of 55 to 140.

The House referred the bill to the House Appropriations Committee which is scheduled to hold an off-the-floor meeting Tuesday to consider Senate Bill 279.

The language now in the bill is the result of an agreement between Senate and House Republicans and Gov. Wolf.