MSC challenges Allegheny County's review of shale drilling air permit exemption
What happened
Shale well pads in Allegheny County currently do not require an air permit from the county health department because they are exempt under Article 21 of the county's air pollution rules. The Allegheny County Board of Health voted in September to study removing this exemption. The Marcellus Shale Coalition (MSC) sent letters to the board, accusing its "Fracking Committee" of operating secretly and referencing county data.
Why it matters
The review of the exemption could increase compliance costs and regulatory oversight for shale drilling operations in Allegheny County. MSC, the main trade group for Pennsylvania's shale drillers, is actively opposing the change to maintain current operational standards.
Who's involved
- MSCMain trade group representing Pennsylvania's shale drillers
- Allegheny CountyCounty where the Board of Health is studying the removal of the air permit exemption
- Pennsylvania Department of HealthDepartment whose health department is reviewing the shale drilling exemption
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Allegheny CountySpeculative
Regulatory action by the county board could increase compliance costs for shale drillers.
- Western PennsylvaniaSpeculative
The regional shale drilling industry might face changes in operational costs due to local regulatory shifts.
Keep exploring
The entities involved
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Pennsylvania
state of the United States of America
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MSC
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