The Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP) yesterday released a new online search tool for the public which enables anyone to search through electronic documents filed by Marcellus Shale drillers. Last year the DEP created new regulations for shale drillers called Chapter 78a (see PA’s New Chapter 78a Drilling Regs Go into Effect Oct 8). Some of the new regulations were challenged in court by the Marcellus Shale Coalition in a lawsuit that is not yet resolved (see Marc. Shale Coalition Files Lawsuit to Block PA Chapter 78a Regs). However, a portion of 78a that requires drillers to file paperwork electronically was not challenged and has gone into effect. The DEP wants to share that information with the public via a new website (found here). While more information faster is generally a good thing, in this case we expect antis to use the information to try and spin and lie about the industry. Perhaps that’s the cost of free speech? Here’s the announcement about the new tool, along with a screenshot…
