Bill > SB102

This bill modifies Pennsylvania's existing law regarding the distribution of fees from unconventional gas wells by introducing two key provisions: First, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is prohibited from distributing revenue to any municipality that has zoning ordinances deemed to unreasonably limit or prohibit future unconventional natural gas well development. The bill creates a presumption that a municipal ordinance unreasonably limits development if it imposes standards or conditions that conflict with or exceed those in Chapter 32 of state regulations. Second, if a party initiates litigation challenging the validity of a municipal zoning ordinance related to gas well development, the commission must place the municipality's potential revenue into a restricted account and withhold distribution until the litigation concludes. The purpose appears to be preventing local governments from creating regulatory barriers that could impede unconventional gas well development, with the bill serving as a mechanism to enforce compliance with state-level development standards. The legislation will take effect 60 days after its enactment.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=102