The Department of Environmental Protection Tuesday announced a newly formed Conventional Oil and Gas Advisory Committee to increase transparency and communication about regulating the conventional oil and gas drilling industry.

“Creating this advisory committee will increase dialogue between DEP and the regulated community as well as broaden the interests we hear from,” Acting DEP Secretary John Quigley said. “Improving communication between all stakeholders and our department will foster stronger environmental safeguards in the future.”

COGAC will advise DEP on matters related to conventional oil and gas extraction practices and regulations and will be structured similarly to DEP’s existing Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board.

“I am extremely pleased to see the DEP is now moving in a similar direction as I propose in Senate Bill 279, but I still believe it is important that we codify this initiative in law,” Sen. Hutchinson (R-Venango) said. “In addition, my bill is intended to promote the conventional oil and gas industry in the Commonwealth. My Senate district includes the birthplace of oil and gas production in Pennsylvania over a century and a half ago. These resources fueled the industrial revolution and transformed our nation’s economy. This industry is an important part of the regional economy. It should be supported by the state, not stymied by excessive and unnecessary regulatory burdens.”

Persons interested in nominating a committee member should send their full name, title, affiliation, address, email, and telephone number and their nominee’s resume to Todd Wallace of the Office of Oil at Gas Management at: Rachel Carson State Office Building, P.O. Box 2063, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2063 or by email to: twallace@pa.gov.

Nominations will be accepted through March 3.

NewsClips:

DEP Starts 2nd Advisory Board For Conventional Oil & Gas

DEP To Create Separate Boards For Shale, Conventional Drilling

2/23/2015