M-U Issues Just One New Permit Last Week, Dec 29 – Jan 4
It hardly seems worthy of a post to update you on new permits to drill in the Marcellus/Utica when just one permit was issued. We suppose there may be a lag at the various environmental agencies that issue permits, but maybe not. The sole permit issued last week was in Washington County, PA, to Rice Drilling (aka EQT). The details of that well are in the report below. We will re-run our permit search next week to see if any additional permits appear for last week, Dec. 29 through Jan. 4. Read More “M-U Issues Just One New Permit Last Week, Dec 29 – Jan 4”
Last October, a seven-member, all-Democrat group of Pennsylvania House of Representatives members announced a six-bill legislative package aimed at regulating the “responsible development” of artificial intelligence (AI) data centers in the state (see 
Despite claims by anti-fossil fuelers that the Tenaska Westmoreland Generating Station in southwestern PA would spread disease and death if built, it’s been up and running since 2018, producing power and generating revenue for both its builders and the community. Oh, and everyone is in good health. However, the plant has been operating under a state permit since it opened. It needs a federal Title V permit for long-term operation. The state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the agency that issues such a permit and is proposing to do so, which (of course) has antis’ knickers in a twist (see 
Constellation Energy Corporation has finalized its acquisition of Calpine Corporation from Energy Capital Partners, becoming the largest electricity producer in the United States, with a generating capacity of 55 gigawatts. This merger integrates Constellation’s zero-emission nuclear fleet with Calpine’s natural gas and geothermal assets. Prior to the merger, Calpine owned 79 energy facilities across the country, generating some 27 gigawatts (GW) of electricity, with a significant number located in the eastern U.S. Many of Calpine’s facilities use natural gas to produce electricity. 
In November, Pennsylvania finally passed a budget—four months late. As part of the deal struck between Democrats and Republicans, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) carbon tax scheme was permanently ash-canned (see 
The short answer to the question posed in our headline is, “We sure hope so!” Yesterday, MDN reported that the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has officially adopted a final version of updated Environmental Justice (EJ) regulations (see 
The Baker Hughes rig count turned in its weekly report early last week, on Dec. 30 (Tuesday instead of the usual Friday), due to the holiday—for a second week in a row. The Marcellus/Utica rig count gained 1 rig four weeks ago in the Ohio Utica, bringing the total to 39 rigs. For the past four reports in a row, the M-U has maintained that count—the most rigs it has operated in more than a year. It’s a great way to start the New Year! Pennsylvania has held at 18 active rigs for seven consecutive weeks. Ohio has operated 14 rigs for four straight weeks (its highest in over a year). And West Virginia maintained 7 rigs, which it has operated since May 30. There were 24 rigs targeting the Marcellus and 15 targeting the Utica. The national count picked up 1 rig, bringing the total to 546 active rigs. 
On December 17, 2025, a casing failure and loss of well control occurred at one of three wells during fracking operations at a Range Resources pad in Washington County, PA. After gas pressure spiked to 2,000 psi, the company stabilized the well and later installed two kill plugs. Despite Range sending an immediate email notification, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) cited Range for failing to use the required website portal for instant alerts. Additionally, the company missed deadlines for a mandatory Area of Review report regarding potential “communication” with other O&G wells and/or water wells in the area. 
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is seeking public comment on water quality permits for Eastern Gas Transmission’s LN-10 pipeline replacement project in Armstrong and Westmoreland counties. Eastern Gas Transmission and Storage (EGTS) is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Energy. Construction consists of removing and replacing approximately 13.1 miles of 20-inch-diameter natural gas transmission pipeline. Covering Chapter 102 and 105 regulations, the applications are available for review via the Regional Permit Coordination Office. While no public hearings are currently scheduled, they may be requested. Comments are due by January 26. 
The Greene County Planning Commission recently voted 8-1 to approve Phase 1 of “Project Hummingbird,” a massive data center complex proposed for the former Robena Mine site in Monongahela Township. This initial phase focuses on land grading, reclamation, and site preparation for a “power island” featuring two natural gas turbines totaling 910 megawatts (MW) and a water treatment plant. The plant will use Marcellus/Utica gas to power it.