HARRISBURG, PA — In light of a historical collaboration with CNX Resources, Pennsylvania’s Shapiro Administration, led by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), is introducing policies requiring natural gas companies to publicly disclose the chemicals used in drilling and hydraulic fracturing earlier in the well-development process.
The heralded move ensures that all gas companies operating within the state fall under this scope of transparency. It reflects a critical next step in the administration’s commitment to addressing climate change, protect the constitutional rights of Pennsylvanians to clean air and pure water, and upholding the state’s heritage as a leading national energy producer.
The requirement to disclose chemical usage details, previously only available upon request within companies’ site-specific Preparedness, Prevention, and Contingency (PPC) plans, is now mandatory prior to drilling new unconventional wells. Furthermore, these PPC documents will now be accessible online, providing an added layer of transparency for concerned citizens.
Marking a significant milestone, CNX Resources Corporation has already disclosed the chemicals and additives used in its drilling operations publicly, and begun posting air monitoring results in real time for select operations across the state. This move signals a template for other companies to follow.
Governor Josh Shapiro acknowledged the significance of this reform. “My Administration is setting a new standard for Pennsylvania natural gas to be produced in a responsible, sustainable way and demonstrating how we can bring people together to get things done. We’re maintaining Pennsylvania’s proud energy legacy and our Commonwealth’s critical role in the nation’s energy economy, with an unwavering commitment to the health and safety of our communities.”
Beyond chemical disclosure, Governor Shapiro’s collaboration with CNX has also spurred DEP to undertake formal rulemaking and policy changes aimed at strengthening methane emission controls, drilling waste protections, and corrosion protections for gas transporting gathering lines.
In what’s touted as an unprecedented move, DEP will conduct a comprehensive independent study of unconventional natural gas wells in the nation, as it gets exclusive access to two future CNX well sites. This unique access will facilitate detailed, independent monitoring of air emissions before, during, and after the development of new wells. The outcome could be a community game changer as it offers greater transparency into the factual impact of natural gas development.
In words of DEP Interim Acting Secretary Jessica Shirley, “DEP is setting a new standard of transparency for Pennsylvania’s natural gas regulation and policy actions.”
Clearly, the Shapiro Administration is keen on fostering transparency, accountability, and responsible energy production in a bid to ensure Pennsylvanian communities have access to accurate and timely information about unconventional gas operations. As these sweeping changes come into play, the eyes of the country will be watching to gauge their success and potential rollout to other states.
For more information on the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, their website offers resources and updates.
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