State Lifts Gas-Drilling Ban
The state of Pennsylvania is lifting a ban on drilling new shallow gas wells in state forests, although officials say drilling will be limited. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources plans to allow shallow drilling if gas is found during the development of deeper gas fields, or on a case-by-case basis. The department will be taking bids to lease 75,000 acres in response to increased interest. This new position comes five years after a ban was imposed in response to concerns that roads and pipelines were destroying wildlife habitat. Department Secretary Michael DiBerardinis says new provisions in the lease will protect state parks, natural areas and wild areas.
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