Protecting Public Health & Safety

Extracting these resources must be done in an environmentally safe manner.  The Commonwealth remains committed to ensuring that those who do not follow the rules will be held accountable. 

The Governor’s proposal calls for the doubling of penalties for civil violations from $25,000 to $50,000, as well as the doubling of daily penalties from $1,000 per day to $2,000 per day. It mandates educating health care providers and the public on the potential health impacts associated with drilling activity.  The proposal also allows for the thorough investigation of public health complaints from citizens and health care providers, as well creating region task safety forces. In addition, it will provide comprehensive training for local responders, expand Public Utility Commission oversight of pipeline safety standards and inspections, and enhance notification of permit and drilling activities. Finally, this proposal authorizes counties to adopt a reasonable impact fee for use by counties, municipalities and state agencies affected by natural gas development. 

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