Pennsylvania

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25 New Shale Well Permits Issued for PA-OH-WV Nov 27 – Dec 3
December 8, 2023December 8, 2023

New shale permits issued for Nov 27 – Dec 3 in the Marcellus/Utica were much improved over the previous few weeks. There were 25 new permits issued last week versus 14 issued two weeks ago and just one new permit three weeks ago. So the trend is our friend! Last week’s permit tally included 15 new permits in Pennsylvania, 8 new permits in Ohio, and 2 new permits in West Virginia. Three companies tied for top place with 4 permits each: Seneca Resources in PA, Ascent Resources and Encino Energy in OH.
Read More “25 New Shale Well Permits Issued for PA-OH-WV Nov 27 – Dec 3”
Anti-Drilling/Fossil Fuel | Hydrogen | Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Statewide PA

Skeptical PA Dems Turning Against Hydrogen Hubs & Blue Hydrogen
December 7, 2023December 7, 2023

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Pennsylvania Democrats face a conundrum. They love getting other people’s money (i.e., “government” money). They love any energy source *other* than fossil fuels (they have an irrational and deep-seated hatred of fossil energy). They even love the idea of hydrogen as an alternative energy source. But they don’t know what to do with the coming hydrogen hubs. Their patron saint, Joe Biden, has promised billions in government (other people’s) money for two hydrogen hubs that will, at least peripherally, benefit Pennsylvania (see Hydrogen Hub Winners Announced – WV Takes Prize in M-U Region). Republicans love the coming hubs (see PA Republican Legislators “All-In” on Regional Hydrogen Hubs), which is enough to sour the Dems against them. Sad, isn’t it? Two key Democrat legislators, State Senator Katie Muth (D-Chester/Montgomery/Berks), chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Policy Committee, and State Senator Carolyn Comitta (D-Chester), Democratic Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, co-hosted a public hearing on Monday on the proposed development of hydrogen infrastructure in Pennsylvania. It was pretty much a hate-fest against hydrogen.
Read More “Skeptical PA Dems Turning Against Hydrogen Hubs & Blue Hydrogen”
Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Regulation | Statewide PA

PA DEP Spending $44M This Yr, $76M Next Yr to Plug Orphaned Wells
December 7, 2023December 7, 2023

In May, MDN told you that since taking office in January, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has been a major dud — someone who doesn’t know how to lead (see Secretive PA Gov. Josh Shapiro a Major Dud Since Taking Office). He’s bereft of any idea of what to do and how to do it, especially with respect to energy issues. Since that time, our opinion has not changed. The state STILL does not have a fully completed budget for this year. Talk about a do-nothing leader! So we found it amusing to read the headline for Shapiro’s latest press release: “Governor Shapiro Gets Stuff Done: Shapiro Administration Plugs More Than 130 Orphaned & Abandoned Wells in Just 11 Months, Surpassing the Total Over the Previous Eight Years Combined.”
Read More “PA DEP Spending $44M This Yr, $76M Next Yr to Plug Orphaned Wells”
Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Potter County | Wastewater

Roulette O&G Withdraws Injection Well Plan for Potter County, PA
December 6, 2023December 6, 2023

Earlier this year, Roulette Oil & Gas LLC received approval from the federal EPA to build a shale wastewater injection well in Clara Township in Potter County, PA (see EPA Approves Potter County, PA Injection Well, Waiting Now for DEP). On March 31, the Clara Town Board passed an amended version of its 1987 ordinance governing injection wells (see Clara Township Adopts Modified Ordinance Banning Injection Wells). The newly amended ordinance bans all injection wells in the township — something that is (according to our understanding) illegal under Pennsylvania state law. However, before Roulette could begin drilling, the state Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP) needs to approve the well. Following a DEP public hearing on July 25 in Coudersport, PA, where “emotions ran high,” the DEP extended the public comment period (see PA DEP Extends Deadline to Comment on Potter Injection Well Plan). Just coming to light now is that Roulette withdrew its application for the well in September…
Read More “Roulette O&G Withdraws Injection Well Plan for Potter County, PA”
Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Regulation | Statewide PA

Marcellus Shale Coalition Analyzes PA DEP Enviro Justice Policy
December 6, 2023December 6, 2023

On August 17, the Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP) posted an Interim Final Environmental Justice Policy to guide DEP’s permit application reviews and outreach efforts in environmental justice areas throughout the Commonwealth (see PA DEP Issues Interim “Final” Shale-Drilling-is-Racist Regulation). New Environmental Justice (or EJ) policies are a euphemism for regulations that prohibit drilling and pipelines built in neighborhoods of color or economic hardship zones because, says the left, those people can’t fight them. It is a uniquely dystopian and prejudiced view of the world. We call it “all shale drilling is racist” regulations. Completely repugnant. But the Shapiro DEP forged ahead with implementing these new policies and a new website tool aimed at helping to identify EJ regions.
Read More “Marcellus Shale Coalition Analyzes PA DEP Enviro Justice Policy”
Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Research | Statewide PA

IFO: PA NatGas Production, Wells Spud Both Decreased in 3Q
December 5, 2023December 5, 2023

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Yesterday, the Pennsylvania Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) released its latest quarterly Natural Gas Production Report for July through September 2023 (full copy below). There were 102 new horizontal wells spud (drilled) in 3Q23, a huge decrease of 56 wells (-35%) compared to 3Q22. However, 3Q’s spud number was up nicely from the 89 drilled in 2Q23. Natural gas production volume was 1,870 billion cubic feet (Bcf) in 3Q23, down 10 Bcf (-0.5%) from 1,880 Bcf produced in 3Q22.
Read More “IFO: PA NatGas Production, Wells Spud Both Decreased in 3Q”
Accidents | Energy Companies | EQT Corp | Greene County (PA) | Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Regulation

DEP Allows EQT to Continue Work at Greene Well Frac-Out Site
December 1, 2023December 1, 2023

In July 2022, MDN brought you news of a possible frac-out, or “inadvertent return” that happens when drilling mud pops out of places where it’s not supposed to — places outside the borehole being drilled (see Possible Frac-Out Reported at EQT Well Site in Greene County, PA). A landowner who lives near a well being drilled and fracked by EQT in Greene County complained her water well was fouled by EQT’s drilling and that a nearby abandoned well was releasing fluids and natural gas. According to the PA Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP), EQT confirmed some of its fluids were “communicating” with the abandoned well. A year later, in August of this year, the nearby community of New Freeport, where the frac-out happened, said the situation remained unresolved (see Possible Frac-Out Near EQT Pad in Greene County…One Year Later). It’s resolved now. On November 29, the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board (EHB) accepted a settlement agreement between the PA Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP) and EQT involving appeals of DEP actions related to the frac-out. The deal allows EQT to resume fracking at two well pads shut down by the frac-out.
Read More “DEP Allows EQT to Continue Work at Greene Well Frac-Out Site”
Anti-Drilling/Fossil Fuel | Electrical Generation | Industrywide Issues | Litigation | Pennsylvania | Regulation | Statewide PA

Big Green Files Appeal of PA Court Rejecting RGGI Carbon Tax
December 1, 2023December 1, 2023

Last week, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro announced that he will appeal a decision by the Commonwealth Court that blocks PA’s entrance into the obscene Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) carbon tax scheme (see PA Gov. Shapiro Proves He’s Radical Left – Appeals RGGI Decision). PA’s Commonwealth Court was not fooled by the Democrat left’s attempt to rename a tax as a fee to circumvent the necessary approval needed by the state legislature in approving taxes as provided for by the state constitution. The court ruled against the plan to force PA into joining RGGI a few weeks ago (see Near-Fatal Blow for PA Carbon Tax – Commonwealth Court Blocks 4-1). Shapiro appealed the case to the Democrat-loaded PA Supreme Court, where like-minded leftists are inclined to violate the law and grant Shapiro a win on this. However, four Big Green groups are not willing to let Shapiro carry all the water on this one. They don’t trust Shapiro to get the job done, so they’ve filed their own appeal.
Read More “Big Green Files Appeal of PA Court Rejecting RGGI Carbon Tax”
Lycoming County | Pennsylvania | Statewide PA

PA State Sen. Gene Yaw Receives MSC “Shale Gas Advocate Award”
December 1, 2023December 1, 2023

State Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) addresses attendees at the 2023 Marcellus Shale Coalition Annual Awards Ceremony held on Nov. 28 at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington.

Founded in 2008, the Marcellus Shale Coalition (MSC) works with exploration and production, midstream, and supply chain partners in the Appalachian Basin and across the country to address issues regarding the production of clean, job-creating, American natural gas from the Marcellus and Utica Shale plays. The MSC provides in-depth information to policymakers, regulators, media, and other public stakeholders on the positive effects responsible natural gas production is having on families, businesses, and communities across the region. It’s one of the premier organizations representing the M-U. The MSC held its annual 2023 Annual Awards Ceremony on Nov. 28 at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington, PA. Among the award recipients was PA State Sen. Gene Yaw (from Lycoming County), who received the “Shale Gas Advocate Award.”
Read More “PA State Sen. Gene Yaw Receives MSC “Shale Gas Advocate Award””
Columbiana County | Encino Energy | Energy Companies | EQT Corp | Greene County (PA) | Guernsey County | INR/Infinity Natural Resources | Ohio | Pennsylvania | Seneca Resources | Tioga County (PA) | Weekly Permits

14 New Shale Well Permits Issued for PA-OH-WV Nov 20 – 26
December 1, 2023December 1, 2023

New shale permits issued for Nov 20 – 26 in the Marcellus/Utica was anemic but better than the prior pathetic report of just a single new permit (see 1 New Shale Well Permit Issued for PA-OH-WV Nov 13 – 19). There were 14 new permits issued last week. Last week’s permit tally included 7 new permits in Pennsylvania, 7 new permits in Ohio, and no new permits in West Virginia. EQT took the top prize for the most new permits, receiving 6 for a single well pad in Greene County, PA.
Read More “14 New Shale Well Permits Issued for PA-OH-WV Nov 20 – 26”
Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Research | Statewide PA

PA DEP 2022 Annual O&G Report: NatGas Production Drops for 1st Time
November 30, 2023November 30, 2023

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently published its 2022 Oil and Gas Annual Report. This is the seventh year in a row the DEP has published the report in an interactive, electronic (i.e., online only) format. Don’t worry; we’ve made the report a convenient PDF for MDN readers. What does the 2022 report show? Permits issued went down, but the number of new wells drilled went up. The big news is that natural gas production has, for the first time, gone down year over year in the Keystone State. It is the first time natural gas production has decreased for a given year in the modern shale era in PA.
Read More “PA DEP 2022 Annual O&G Report: NatGas Production Drops for 1st Time”
Anti-Drilling/Fossil Fuel | Hydrogen | Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Regulation | Statewide PA

Big Green Tries to Pressure PA to Block NatGas in Hydrogen Hubs
November 28, 2023November 28, 2023

We spotted an article appearing on the PBS-backed Allegheny Front website supposedly reporting a story about Pennsylvania lawmakers looking for “best practices” to adopt in regulating the soon-coming hydrogen hub projects the state will see. PA will see some investment in hydrogen from two different hydrogen hub projects led by neighboring states (West Virginia and Delaware). The article wants you to think that PA lawmakers are reviewing and considering various regulations they might use to protect the public in this uncharted new territory of hydrogen energy. The real thrust of the article, however, is to push a leftist narrative that the hydrogen hubs should avoid using natural gas as the feedstock to produce hydrogen.
Read More “Big Green Tries to Pressure PA to Block NatGas in Hydrogen Hubs”
Chesapeake Energy | Energy Companies | Pennsylvania | Sullivan County | Weekly Permits

1 New Shale Well Permit Issued for PA-OH-WV Nov 13 – 19
November 28, 2023November 28, 2023

Before heading out the door last Wednesday for the extended Thanksgiving holiday weekend, MDN checked to see if the various state environmental agencies had posted updates for new permits issued to drill shale wells. We found only a single permit issued, in Pennsylvania, for new shale wells among all three Marcellus/Utica states (nothing for Ohio or West Virginia). We figured maybe the worker bees had not yet entered the data, so we held back the report for the week of Nov. 13 – 19 new permits. We checked again yesterday morning, and then again this morning. And it’s still only that single PA permit, which is the lowest number of new permits issued in a single week in our extensive memory of tracking these things. We hope the dearth of permits is because of the holiday and is a fluke and not a new trend.
Read More “1 New Shale Well Permit Issued for PA-OH-WV Nov 13 – 19”
Electrical Generation | Industrywide Issues | Litigation | Pennsylvania | Statewide PA | Taxation

Energy Groups Gear Up to Oppose Shapiro’s Appeal of Carbon Tax
November 27, 2023November 27, 2023

Last Wednesday, before heading out the door for the Thanksgiving holiday, MDN brought you the sad (but not unsurprising) news that Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro had decided to appeal a Commonwealth Court decision striking down his predecessor’s attempt to force the state to implement a multi-billion-dollar carbon tax, called the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (see PA Gov. Shapiro Proves He’s Radical Left – Appeals RGGI Decision). As we told you in that post, several Big Green groups immediately posted love letters of support. The case now goes to the PA Supreme Court, which is packed with leftist Democrats. However, the PA Senate, controlled by Republicans and a growing list of energy groups, will make the case before the Supremes that the RGGI carbon tax should be dead once and for all.
Read More “Energy Groups Gear Up to Oppose Shapiro’s Appeal of Carbon Tax”
Allegheny County | Anti-Drilling/Fossil Fuel | Electrical Generation | Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania

SWPA Unions Split with Dem Left re Loss of Gas-Fired Power Plant
November 27, 2023November 27, 2023

In January 2016, Invenergy announced its intention to build a natural gas-powered electric plant in rural Elizabeth Township, in Allegheny County, PA (see Invenergy Eyes SWPA for Second Marcellus-Powered Electric Plant). It took a few years, a lawsuit, and a new location, but eventually, Elizabeth commissioners approved Invenergy’s plan in December 2018 (see Elizabeth Twp in Allegheny Co. OKs Invenergy Gas-Fired Plant). In June 2021, the Allegheny County Health Department’s permitting section held a hearing to discuss potential emissions from the plant. The Health Department subsequently issued an installation (but not an operating) air permit. A mishmash of Big Green groups promptly challenged the installation permit (see Anti Groups Challenge Permit for Invenergy Gas-Fired Plant in SWPA). Sadly, Invenergy threw in the towel a few weeks ago, canceling the project (see Invenergy Caves to Pressure and Cancels Allegheny Gas-Fired Plant). Labor unions in Southwestern PA are not happy about the project being canceled.
Read More “SWPA Unions Split with Dem Left re Loss of Gas-Fired Power Plant”
Centre County | Industrywide Issues | Litigation | Pennsylvania | Statewide PA | Supply Chain

PA Construction Co. Glenn O. Hawbaker Loses PennDOT Contracts
November 27, 2023November 27, 2023

Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc., long known for providing stone quarries and asphalt plants in Pennsylvania and Ohio, also provides civil construction services for shale well sites. In August 2021, Pennsylvania’s then-Attorney General, Josh Shapiro, announced a plea deal with Hawbaker to pay back $20 million in alleged “stolen wages” from over 1,000 Hawbaker employees (see PA Construction Co. Glenn Hawbaker Pays $20M for “Stolen Wages”). After the plea deal, the Pennsylvania Dept. of Transportation (PennDOT) moved to deny any new construction contracts to Hawbaker for three years — contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Hawbaker sued to block the PennDOT order barring them from pursuing state contracts.
Read More “PA Construction Co. Glenn O. Hawbaker Loses PennDOT Contracts”