Pennsylvania’s environmental regulator will evaluate a proposal to increase the distance between new natural gas drilling sites and sensitive locations like homes, schools, and hospitals.
This follows a vote by the state’s Environmental Quality Board (EQB) to have the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) review a regulation that would increase the current 500-foot setback. The proposed changes would require a 3,281-foot (1 kilometer) distance from homes and a 5,280-foot (1 mile) distance from schools and hospitals. The rule would also prohibit gas development within 750 feet of surface water bodies.
The setbacks respond to evidence suggesting proximity to gas wells is linked to health issues, including respiratory illnesses and certain cancers. The gas industry denies these claims and opposes the changes.
Industry groups argue that the proposed setbacks would effectively ban new gas drilling in Pennsylvania, the second-largest gas producer after Texas, expected to increase drilling due to power demands from planned data centers.
Jim Welty, president of the Marcellus Shale Coalition, criticized the vote as “dangerous and short-sighted,” arguing it sends a negative message to stakeholders.
The DEP, which recommended the formal review, must evaluate the petition within 60 days unless more time is requested. The agency will then report back to the EQB, which will make a final decision.
The 12-5 vote is a win for the environmental groups proposing the changes since October 2024. The Environmental Integrity Project and Clean Air Council’s petition had previously faced strong opposition.
Lisa Hallowell, a senior attorney with the Environmental Integrity Project, expressed hope that the DEP and EQB would promptly implement the proposed setbacks to prevent further health impacts documented in multiple studies.
Current 500-foot setbacks have been linked to illnesses such as respiratory, neurological, and muscular problems, and infant health disorders. A University of Pittsburgh study found children living within a mile of fracking wells had higher lymphoma risks.
This study is among 2,300 worldwide associating fracking with health issues, as documented in a compendium by Physicians for Social Responsibility and Concerned Health Professionals of New York.
Advocates note the rule change would only affect new wells in Pennsylvania’s Marcellus Shale, where 13,000 wells have been drilled by the end of 2023.
The petition argues the EQB is mandated by Pennsylvania’s Oil and Gas Act to protect safety and property rights in gas development areas, citing laws granting the board authority to act.
However, the Marcellus Shale Coalition contests this, stating the EQB lacks authority and that existing setbacks are already stricter than those in other leading gas-producing states.
Additionally, 49 Republican state lawmakers urged the EQB to reject the petition, claiming it would make most of the state inaccessible for gas development.
The American Petroleum Institute’s Pennsylvania branch echoed concerns that the proposed setbacks would function as a de facto ban on gas development, limiting citizens’ rights to develop mineral resources.
The group noted the increased setback from homes would significantly expand the restricted area compared to the current rule.
Original Story at insideclimatenews.org