Judge Denies Forest Service Motions

Drilling Can Continue on ANF

A federal judge has denied the motions for reconsideration by the US Forest on a decision that allowed drilling to continue on the Allegheny National Forest.

Judge Sean McLaughlin today reconfirmed his decision of December 15, 2009, to lift the ban on drilling permits.

Craig Mayer, chairman of the Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Association ANF Committee, said, “This decision means the December 15th order remains fully in effect. In addition, the judge clarified that in the event the Forest Service and the drillers can’t come to an agreement regarding a requirement for an accommodation from the Forest Service, it will be incumbent on the Forest Service to seek injunctive relief by going to Federal Court.”

“The Judge recognized the firm legal basis under which producers have been exercising their right to access their subsurface property for more than 85 years," said Congressman Glenn Thompson. “The local producers have been monitored diligently by the State Department of Environmental Protection. There was never any need to change the basics of the law and require a National Environmental Policy Act study as a precondition to drilling."

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Woman Charged with Posting
Nude Picture on Facebook

Arrests in Operation Diamond Drop

Two Arrested on Drug Charges