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For Immediate Release
May 13, 2011
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Gov. Corbett Signs White Bill on Spacing Gas Wells and Coal
Seams into Law
Harrisburg – Gov. Tom Corbett
today signed into law legislation sponsored by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21) to
establish adequate and safe spacing between natural gas well clusters and
workable coal seams.
Act 2 of 2011 creates adequate and safe spacing between gas well clusters
and workable coal seams. No permit for a gas well covered by the act will be
issued unless the well cluster is located at least 2,000 feet from the nearest
well cluster, unless the permit applicant and the owner of the workable coal
seam consent in writing.
"With the increase in natural gas
development, Pennsylvania needs to have clear standards in place for the safe,
ordered extraction of these valuable energy sources," said White. "Enactment of
this new law will provide organized development between natural gas wells and
workable coal seams."
Under the new law, absent an
agreement, either the coal operator or well applicant may activate a dispute
resolution process to resolve the spacing issue.
The law also requires the
department to commission an independent study to conduct a comprehensive
evaluation and update of the Joint Coal and Gas Committee Gas Well Pillar Study.
The study will assess appropriate pillar size around a well or well cluster to
protect the workable coal seam and ensure the safety of coal miners, as well as
any additional standards that should be considered by the department for the
approval of pillars around wells penetrating a workable coal seam.
CONTACT:
Adam Pankake
(717) 787-9684 | 
