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Important PIOGA Alert!
Urgent: Submit Concerns Before April 8th EQB Meeting on Proposed Setback Increases
This is a critical update regarding the upcoming Environmental Quality Board (EQB) meeting on April 8, 2025. At this meeting, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will recommend that the EQB accept a petition to study drastic increases in setback distances for shale gas wells.
We cannot stress enough how high the stakes are—this proposed rule will shut down new unconventional drilling in 99% of Pennsylvania.
Radical environmental groups, such as the Clean Air Council and Environmental Integrity Project, have petitioned the EQB to amend 25 Pa. Code Chapter 78a by imposing significant setback requirements:
- 3,281 feet from any building or drinking water well
- 5,280 feet from hospitals, schools, and daycare centers
- 750 feet from any surface waters (rivers, creeks, etc.)
This rule, if adopted, would effectively halt ALL new shale gas drilling in Pennsylvania, including new Marcellus drilling, by imposing setbacks that are unfeasible for the industry. While the DEP has clarified that recommending the petition does not guarantee rulemaking, the impact of this proposed change could be devastating for Pennsylvania’s oil and gas sector. Learn More>>>
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