Bill > SB1083

This bill amends Pennsylvania's oil and gas well location restrictions by significantly expanding the distance requirements for drilling unconventional gas wells near various structures and water sources. Specifically, the bill increases the horizontal drilling distance from 500 to 2,500 feet from buildings and water wells, and introduces new restrictions requiring unconventional gas wells to be at least 2,500 feet from water wells, surface water intakes, and water supply extraction points, and 5,000 feet from reservoirs. The bill also adds a new provision prohibiting well drilling within 5,000 feet of schools and hospitals. For cases where these distance restrictions would prevent oil and gas rights owners from accessing their resources, the bill allows for a variance process where well operators can submit a plan with additional safety measures to the department. The department can then grant a variance with specific terms and conditions, and can extend its permit review period by up to 15 days when reviewing such requests. These changes aim to provide greater protection for water sources, buildings, and community facilities while still maintaining a pathway for oil and gas development. The bill will take effect 60 days after its enactment.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb1083