Parker Waichman LLP

Proposed Pennsylvania Law Seeks Fracking Moratorium

A Pennsylvania state lawmaker wants to put the brakes on hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, in the Marcellus shale there. Rep. Phyllis Mundy (D-120) is the primary sponsor of House Bill 2609, which would impose a one-year moratorium on issuing new natural gas well permits in Pennsylvania. Drilling in the Marcellus shale, a rock formation rich […]

A Pennsylvania state lawmaker wants to put the brakes on hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, in the Marcellus shale there. Rep. Phyllis Mundy (D-120) is the primary sponsor of House Bill 2609, which would impose a one-year moratorium on issuing new natural gas well permits in Pennsylvania.

Drilling in the Marcellus shale, a rock formation rich in natural gas that lies beneath parts of West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio and Maryland, has resulted in gas boom in some parts of Pennsylvania. But it has also led to instances of water contamination, as well as other problems.

According to a report recently released by the Pennsylvania Land Trust Association, the state has identified 1,435 violations by 43 Marcellus Shale drilling companies since January 2008. Of those, 952 were identified as having or likely to have an impact on the environment. Keep in mind, there are only about 1,458 Marcellus wells drilled in the state at this time.

A separate analysis by Clean Water Action released late last month found 565 violations at Marcellus Shale gas drilling sites between Jan. 1 and June 18 this year alone. The violation included some particularly disturbing instances, including improper cementing/casing of wells (11) and “illegal disposal of industrial waste” (80). The largest number of this year’s violations, 166, were “General Violations” meaning violations of the Clean Streams Law, Oil and Gas Act, and permit violations

In an interview with the Hazelton Standard Speaker, Mundy pointed to the New York State Senate’s recent vote to adopt a drilling moratorium as an example Pennsylvania should follow.

“That’s what we should be doing,” Mundy said. “I think that’s a very good idea. I’m pleased with New York. I wish we would follow their lead, and I wish the federal government would do more as well.”

State Reps. Eddie Day Pashinski, D-121, and Karen Boback, R-117, have signed on as co-sponsors to Mundy’s bill. Pashinski told the Standard Speaker that he favors enacting temporary moratorium in order to allow the state to put better regulations in place for the industry.

“I just feel that after well over 1,000 infractions – albeit some are paper infractions – we just need to slow down the process,” he said.

According to the Standard Speaker, Mundy’s bill was referred to the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee on June 24, but it is not known when the committee will take it up.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
I want to give a heartfelt thank you to Ms. Benita Rollis for the exemplary manner in which my case was handled from the inception to the end. Ms. Rollis was compassionate, friendly, understanding, professional, accurate, informative and patient. She took the time and effort to explain the process, timeline, the various documents involved and how to go about obtaining certain forms. She was definitely on point. If I had to go this route again, I would hands down, choose and highly recommend Ms. Rollis because she is highly competent in getting the job done. She is a definite asset to Parker Waichman LLP. On behalf of myself and my family we thank you for a job well done. Be well and be blessed. Margarita R. Mitchell
Margarita Mitchell
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I am very happy with the way Parker and Waichman is proceeding with my lawsuit. They clearly guided me through the process and answered all of my questions. One of the the things that I like the most about their administration is that they let you know right from the getgo, that before they making a decision, they need to study all possibilities of how to win the case, and that gave me the confidence assuring me that I made the right choice to hire Parker and Waichman. They have assigned Josephine Burgess to my case and I am impressed of how quickly she answer all my questions as well as helping me to promptly expedite my case, it is very ez to go through it with your help. Thank you Ms. Burgess because of your professionalism I understand that Parker and Waichman have an excellent team.
Miguel Boitel
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Nicole has been helpful on the entire process. Thank you so much.
Lorraine Chan
3 months ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038