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For Immediate Release
February 8, 2010
Contact: Adam Pankake
(717) 787-3280

Sen. Yaw: DEP Soliciting Comments on Revised Oil and Gas Regulations

Changes Intended to Enhance Protections for Homeowner & Water Supplies

(Harrisburg) - The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is soliciting comments on proposed revisions to its existing standards for oil and gas wells, according to Senator Gene Yaw, R-Lycoming.

According to DEP, the proposed rulemaking would incorporate and update existing requirements, with modifications, regarding the drilling, casing, cementing, testing, monitoring and plugging of oil and gas wells, and the protection of drinking water supplies.

"While Pennsylvania is regarded as having among the most stringent oil and gas construction standards, it is important that these standards be revisited on occasion to ensure that residents and drinking water supplies are properly protected," said Yaw.  Interested citizens can obtain a link to the proposed rules on Senator Yaw's website at www.senatorgeneyaw.com.

Yaw said that written comments on the draft proposed rulemaking should be sent to the Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Oil and Gas Management, P.O. Box 8765, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8765 (express mail:  Rachel Carson State Office Building, 5th Floor, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101-2301).  Comments may also be submitted electronically to the Department at ra-epoilandgas@state.pa.us  Comments must be received by the Department by March 2, 2010.