Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB55

Introduced

3/7/23

Refer

3/7/23

Caption

Providing for the leasing of subsurface rights on State forest and park property for oil and natural gas development; establishing a restricted account within the Oil and Gas Lease Fund; making an appropriation; and abrogating an executive order and other orders and administrative policies.

Impact

This bill is expected to have significant implications for state laws governing the management of state-owned lands. By permitting the leasing for oil and gas development, it may lead to increased economic activity in these sectors. However, it also poses risks related to environmental impact, as the extraction processes could disrupt local ecosystems. The creation of a restricted account within the Oil and Gas Lease Fund is designed to ensure that funds generated from such leases are utilized for related purposes, thereby fostering responsible management of the generated revenue.

Summary

House Bill 55 focuses on the leasing of subsurface rights on state forest and park properties for oil and natural gas development. The bill aims to establish a framework for such leasing, which could potentially open new avenues for resource extraction on land that is currently under state ownership. The legislation addresses the complexities involved in balancing resource development with environmental stewardship, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB55 appears to be mixed. Proponents argue that the bill can boost the state's economy by tapping into existing natural resources, thus generating revenue and job opportunities. In contrast, critics express concerns over the potential environmental consequences and the appropriateness of utilizing state forest and park lands for oil and gas operations. This dichotomy reflects broader societal debates over resource extraction versus environmental preservation.

Contention

Key points of contention in discussions about HB55 include concerns about environmental degradation and the precedence it sets for the future use of state lands. Opponents highlight that the bill may undermine conservation efforts and lead to long-term ecological damage. Furthermore, the abrogation of an executive order and other related policies raises questions about the regulatory framework governing these activities, indicating controversies regarding state priorities in land use management.

Latest PA HB55 Activity

View All Events: PA 2023-2024 Regular Session HB55

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB347

PA SB524

In administrative provisions, providing for definitions, for coal-powered plants, for regulations, for natural gas and coal permit database, for natural gas and coal permit review procedure and for withdrawal from Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative; in development relating to oil and gas, further providing for well permits and providing for leases in State parks and forests; and making an editorial change.

PA HB1292

In oil and gas wells, further providing for definitions and for Oil and Gas Lease Fund and providing for Public Natural Resources Trust Fund.

PA SF2530

Orderly and environmentally responsible development of the states gas resources facilitation provision and appropriation

PA SJR6

EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR OFFSHORE OIL AND NATURAL GAS LEASING AND DEVELOPMENT.

PA HJR35

EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR OFFSHORE OIL AND NATURAL GAS LEASING AND DEVELOPMENT.

PA HB1

Lower Energy Costs Act This bill provides for the exploration, development, importation, and exportation of energy resources (e.g., oil, gas, and minerals). For example, it sets forth provisions to (1) expedite energy projects, (2) eliminate or reduce certain fees related to the development of federal energy resources, and (3) eliminate certain funds that provide incentives to decrease emissions of greenhouse gases. The bill expedites the development, importation, and exportation of energy resources, including by waiving environmental review requirements and other specified requirements under certain environmental laws, eliminating certain restrictions on the import and export of oil and natural gas, prohibiting the President from declaring a moratorium on the use of hydraulic fracturing (a type of process used to extract underground energy resources), directing the Department of the Interior to conduct sales for the leasing of oil and gas resources on federal lands and waters as specified by the bill, and limiting the authority of the President and executive agencies to restrict or delay the development of energy on federal land. In addition, the bill reduces royalties for oil and gas development on federal land and eliminates charges on methane emissions. It also eliminates a variety of funds, such as funds for energy efficiency improvements in buildings as well as the greenhouse gas reduction fund.

PA AB706

Leasing of public lands: minerals other than oil and gas.

PA AB1775

State lands: leasing: oil and gas.

PA SB834

State lands: leasing: oil and gas.

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