Bill > SB1120

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Oil and Gas laws by establishing a private right of action, which means individuals or entities who are or may be negatively impacted by oil and gas activities can now file civil lawsuits to enforce compliance with state regulations. Specifically, people can sue the state department if it fails to perform its required duties, or sue other parties they believe are violating oil and gas regulations, rules, standards, or permit conditions. However, if the state department is already actively prosecuting a civil action against a violator, private individuals cannot file a separate lawsuit but can intervene in the existing case as a matter of right, without being required to provide financial bond. The bill allows such legal actions to be filed in either the Court of Common Pleas or Commonwealth Court. Importantly, the bill does not prevent individuals from pursuing other legal remedies that already exist and does not interfere with existing emergency response regulations. The new law will take effect 60 days after its passage, providing a mechanism for more direct public enforcement of oil and gas regulations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb1120