PENNSYLVANIA — Governor Shapiro this week announced a collaboration with CNX Resources Corporation, aiming to enhance public health, safety, and environmental standards within Pennsylvania’s energy sector.
Key aspects of this agreement include:
- Collaboration with state environmental regulators and the public for definitive measurement of emissions and chemical disclosure.
- CNX providing the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection access to two future well sites for independent monitoring.
- Real-time air quality data availability on a public website from an existing well pad in Washington County, with expansion plans across their operational footprint in PA.
- Voluntary expanded setback distances for new wells near sensitive sites, disclosure of chemicals used in drilling, improved methane emission control measures, stronger drilling waste protections, and inspection of gathering lines that transport natural gas.
Specifically, CNX will engage in intensive air and water quality monitoring to accurately assess environmental impacts. The Administration will utilize this data to inform any additional setbacks or other future policy changes.
Furthermore, CNX will voluntarily expand its no-drill zones in Pennsylvania from the required 500 feet to 600 feet for all sites, increasing them to 2,500 feet for sensitive sites such as schools and hospitals.
CNX will also publicly disclose all chemicals intended to be used in drilling and hydraulic fracturing before they are used on site. This transparency extends to supporting the regulation of any gathering lines and additional safety measures for the transport of waste from unconventional well sites.
“My Administration is setting a new standard for Pennsylvania’s natural gas to be produced in the most responsible and sustainable way anywhere in the world,” said Governor Shapiro. “With this collaboration, CNX is leading the industry in showing how we can reduce pollution and ensure the health and safety of our communities while still maintaining Pennsylvania’s central role in the nation’s energy economy.”
Nick Deiuliis, of CNX, added, “This unprecedented approach to operational transparency is good for resident health, the industry worker, economic development, energy security, the environment, and community investment. We aim to lead the natural gas industry into a new era of sustainable domestic energy production, and that effort begins with this historic collaboration.”
Read more about the collaboration here.
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