Pennsylvania Gas Truck Accident Attorneys: DLP—Legislators in Harrisburg Debate Blocking Local Control Of Gas Drilling Pad Locations

Republican legislators in Harrisburg continue to push for elimination of local control through traditional zoning laws and regulations of the location of drill rig pads in city, towns and boroughs throughout the Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania. Although local zoning has controlled municipal planning for decades of all businesses, the Republican leadership is seeking to carve out exceptions for the natural gas industry. Under proposed legislation local towns that enforce zoning laws would not receive funding from taxes (or “impact fees) imposed on gas drillers per gas drilling rigs in a town. The new law would give authority to the State Attorney General over where a drilling site can be located. Many residents, both Republican and Democrat are protesting the proposed law.