Energy (Oil & Gas)

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 4, 2026

SB 1358: An Act amending the act of July 25, 1961 (P.L.825, No.359), known as the Oil and Gas Conservation Law, further providing for drilling permits.

This bill requires oil and gas well operators in Pennsylvania to obtain a specific drilling permit before drilling wells that target the Utica shale formation or reach depths of 3,800 feet or more. The permit application process will follow existing state regulations for resource development, adding a new layer of administrative review for these specific deep-drilling projects. Directly affecting energy companies and land operators, the law mandates compliance with these permitting rules before any drilling begins in the designated geological horizons. The legislation takes effect 60 days after it is signed into law.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill adds administrative barriers to oil and gas drilling in deep formations, restricting energy production.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Pipeline Infrastructure

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 1129: An Act amending the act of December 10, 1974 (P.L.852, No.287), referred to as the Underground Utility Line Protection Law, further providing for definitions.

SB 1129 amends Pennsylvania's Underground Utility Line Protection Law by updating the definition of "line" or "facility" to explicitly include unconventional oil and gas well production lines, gathering lines, and steam pipelines in public rights-of-way. It clarifies that these additions apply regardless of land ownership or easements, while specifying that stripper well lines are excluded unless they meet specific federal pipeline safety standards. The bill directly affects utility companies, construction crews, and excavation workers who must follow damage prevention rules for underground infrastructure. This definition update ensures clearer coverage for modern utility systems during excavation projects.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill explicitly includes oil/gas infrastructure in utility protections, favoring fossil fuel development over renewable energy initiatives per its definition updates.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Pipeline Infrastructure

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 9, 2025

SB 574: An Act amending Title 15 (Corporations and Unincorporated Associations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in corporate powers, duties and safeguards, further providing for additional powers of certain public utility corporations.

SB 574 restricts public utility corporations (like gas, electric, or telecom companies) from condemning residential properties or their immediate surrounding areas within 100 meters for infrastructure projects, except for petroleum pipeline projects. It requires these utilities to first obtain approval from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission after a public hearing, proving the project is necessary for public safety, convenience, or service. This bill directly affects utility companies seeking to expand infrastructure and homeowners near proposed utility lines or pipelines.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyRestricts utility infrastructure projects except petroleum pipelines, favoring fossil fuel infrastructure over renewable alternatives.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingRestricts utility condemnation of residential properties within 100m, protecting property rights and preventing displacement from infrastructure projects.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Pipeline Infrastructure Utility Regulation

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Aug 15, 2025

SB 970: 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.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill restricts oil and gas well wastewater disposal, directly limiting a fossil fuel production practice under energy production regulations.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans oil/gas wastewater injection disposal, prohibits DEP permits, enables lawsuits to prevent pollution - strengthens environmental protections95% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Mar 17, 2025

SB 453: An Act amending Title 58 (Oil and Gas) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in development, further providing for relationship to solid waste and surface mining.

SB 453 amends Pennsylvania's oil and gas regulations to clarify that operators meet solid waste and surface mining requirements when they follow standard oil and gas permitting, bonding, and compliance procedures. Specifically, it states that if an oil and gas well operator has a valid permit or registration under state oil and gas laws, has posted the required bond, and maintains environmental compliance, they are deemed to satisfy obligations under the Solid Waste Management Act and Noncoal Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act for waste disposal and surface mining related to their well site. This bill directly affects oil and gas companies operating in Pennsylvania by reducing regulatory overlap for waste and mining activities tied to well operations. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill streamlines oil and gas regulations, favoring fossil fuel production over renewables per indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas

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passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 5, 2026

SB 704: An Act providing for stabilization and security of Pennsylvania's electricity supply and for identifying and designating sites suitable for natural gas electric generation projects.

SB 704, also known as the Grid Stabilization and Security Act, directs the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to identify economically viable sites for natural gas electric generation projects. These sites must be located near natural gas sources and existing electricity transmission infrastructure to benefit end-user consumers. The DCED is required to prepare a list of these suitable sites, submit it to the Department of Environmental Protection, and publish it on their website. Additionally, the bill mandates that DCED collaborate with the Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Air Quality to identify necessary air quality permits for each listed site.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill explicitly promotes natural gas (fossil fuel) generation projects, favoring fossil fuels over renewable energy development without supporting renewables.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Oil & Gas Pipeline Infrastructure

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Feb 5, 2025

HB 515: An Act prohibiting restrictions on household appliances by Commonwealth agencies and municipalities; and providing for civil actions authorized.

HB 515, the Household Appliance Freedom Act, prohibits Pennsylvania state agencies and local municipalities from banning or restricting the sale, installation, or use of natural gas-powered home heating equipment, appliances, outdoor grills and stoves, and outdoor natural gas torches or lamps. The law allows individuals affected by such restrictions to file a civil lawsuit within 180 days seeking an injunction or damages. It becomes effective 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyProhibits restrictions on natural gas appliances, supporting fossil fuel use over renewables by blocking regulatory barriers to gas equipment.92% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentProhibits restrictions on natural gas appliances, weakening potential environmental regulations targeting fossil fuel use and pollution from household emissions.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 12, 2025

SB 102: An Act amending Title 58 (Oil and Gas) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in unconventional gas well fee, further providing for distribution of fee.

Senate Bill 102 amends Pennsylvania's Oil and Gas law regarding the distribution of fees collected from unconventional natural gas wells. The bill prohibits the state commission from distributing these fees to municipalities that maintain zoning or other ordinances that unreasonably limit or prohibit future development of unconventional natural gas wells. An ordinance is presumed unreasonable if it conflicts with or exceeds existing state development standards for such wells. If litigation challenges a municipality's ordinance on these grounds, its fee revenue will be placed into a restricted account until the legal dispute concludes.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill blocks municipalities from restricting natural gas development, favoring fossil fuel production over renewable energy policies.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Mar 26, 2025

SB 524: An Act amending Titles 27 (Environmental Resources) and 58 (Oil and Gas) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in administrative provisions, providing for definitions, for coal-powered plants, for regulations, for natural gas and coal permit database, for natural gas and coal permit review procedure and for withdrawal from Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative; in development relating to oil and gas, further providing for well permits and providing for leases in State parks and forests; and making an editorial change.

SB 524 amends Pennsylvania’s environmental and oil/gas statutes to increase state control over energy regulation. It exempts coal-powered plants from federal EPA rules, requires legislative approval for new regulations affecting coal and natural gas, and establishes a public database tracking permit applications for these industries. The bill also sets a 45-day deadline for permit decisions (with automatic approval if missed) and formally withdraws Pennsylvania from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. These changes directly affect coal and natural gas operators, the Department of Environmental Protection, and permit applicants by shifting regulatory authority and streamlining permitting processes.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyExempts coal plants from federal EPA rules, requires legislative approval for new coal/gas regulations, withdraws from RGGI, and fast-tracks permits - directly weakening clean energy standards and favoring fossil fuels.92% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentExempts coal plants from EPA rules, withdraws from RGGI climate initiative, requires legislative approval for environmental regulations, and sets automatic permit approval deadlines - deregulating industry while weakening climate protections.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Coal Oil & Gas Climate Change

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