An Act amending Title 58 (Oil and Gas) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in development, further providing for well permits.

SB 970 bans the use of oil and gas wells for injecting fluids produced during extraction (like wastewater) for disposal or storage. It prohibits the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection from issuing permits for such wells and directly affects oil and gas operators seeking to use this disposal method. The bill also allows residents living or owning property within five miles of a violating well, or businesses operating within that radius, to sue in local court for violations. Courts can award damages, attorney fees, and court orders to stop the violations. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.