Natural Gas Impacts
Legal Issues
The exploration of Marcellus shale raises some significant legal questions at a variety of levels. Individuals making leasing decisions need to consult an attorney to understand their options and to protect their legal rights. Surface land owners not owning drilling rights need to understand what they can and cannot do if a company appears ready to drill on their land. Local governments need to understand how Pennsylvania’s Oil and Gas Act affects their abilities to regulate well locations, and to use land-use planning tools to influence the impacts of drilling. Citizens need to understand their rights to affect the decisions that may affect the water they drink, the landscape around them, and their quality of life.
Current Court Developments
- Oakmont Borough Case 2-19-09
- Salem Township Case 2-19-09
- Superior Court Interprets "Produced in Paying Quantities" Clause in Favor of Gas Company (12-08)
LEGAL PUBLICATIONS
- "Pennsylvania Supreme Court Decision Opens Valves to Zoning Power Over Natural Gas Production" by George Asimos
- "Court Limits - But Did It Preclude? - Municipal Regulation of Natural Gas Drilling Operations" by George Asimos
Legal - Presentations
- Navigating Regulatory & Financial Hurdles in the Marcellus Shale (Rachel Allen & Ryan Dahl, Attys with Jones Day Law Firm 3-2-09)
- Post-Execution Natural Gas Leasing Issues (Lester L. Greevy, Jr., Esq.)
- Natural Gas Litigation and Legislation Update (Ross H. Pifer, Esq.)
- The Current Status of Environmental Regulations Governing Natural Gas Drilling in Pennsylvania (Scott R. Perry, Esq.)
- What is in a Lease? (powerpoint)
