Bill > SB712

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Oil and Gas law by updating definitions and plugging requirements for oil and gas wells. Specifically, the bill defines three key terms: "attainable bottom" (the depth that can be reasonably achieved when cleaning out a well), "reasonable effort" (cleaning out a well to at least 200 feet below protective casing or coal seam, and continuing until an additional 100 feet cannot be cleaned within an eight-hour shift), and "total depth" (the original drilling depth or the depth to which a well was plugged back with departmental approval). The bill also mandates that when plugging a well, operators must set a cement plug of at least 50 feet at the attainable bottom, confirm the depth and effectiveness of the plug, and then fill the remaining well bore to the surface with a solid column of cement. These changes aim to improve well plugging standards and ensure more thorough and consistent approaches to sealing abandoned wells. The bill 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=712