PA Environment Digest

The Public Utility Commission Wednesday provided direction for local governments and other interested parties on the PUC’s implementation of the Unconventional Gas Well Impact Fee Act (Act 13).

In a Secretarial Letter issued Wednesday, the PUC provided information regarding the filing of documents with the Commission. The PUC also has established a page on its website to provide information and answer questions about Act 13.

“We understand that dealing with the PUC is new for many of those impacted by Act 13,” said Commission Chairman Robert F. Powelson. “As we move through the implementation steps, we will work to keep interested parties informed and help them meet their obligations under the Act.”

The Commission has created an email address – ra-Act13@pa.gov – in order to create an electronic distribution list for interested parties and to receive information regarding implementation of Act 13. Those wishing to be on the official service list for this docket should send their name and mailing address to that email address.

All Implementation Orders and other official information on Act 13 will be docketed at M-2012-2288561. Interested parties can use the Search for Public Documents function on the PUC’s website and enter the docket number to view all of the documents connected with the ongoing implementation of the Act.

In the coming weeks, the Commission plans to issue a Tentative Implementation Order that will address various issues and proposed procedures related to the Commission’s duties under the Act. The PUC will provide an opportunity for comment on the implementation plans before they become final.

The guidance provided by the Tentative Implementation Order will include additional information that must be filed with requests for advisory opinions and reviews of local ordinances.

Counties and municipalities also should use the docket number to file notices that they plan to implement an impact fee and/or municipal resolutions to compel the imposition of an impact fee.

Requests from municipalities for advisory opinions regarding proposed local ordinances regulating oil and natural gas operations should be filed with no docket number. The Commission will assign a separate docket number for each of those requests.

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