MSC Statement on EQB Pausing Consideration of Dangerous Setback Petition

HARRISBURG, PA - April 8, 2025 - Marcellus Shale Coalition president Jim Welty issued the following statement after the Environmental Quality Board (EQB) postponed their review of a setback petition that would effectively ban Pennsylvania natural gas development:

"We appreciate the Environmental Quality Board for taking the time to further review this petition, which amounts to a direct ban on natural gas development in Pennsylvania. To be clear, as DEP has previously acknowledged, the General Assembly holds the exclusive authority to establish setback distances.

"The mere entertainment of such a draconian proposal threatens economic growth and opportunity for Pennsylvania and further imperils our Commonwealth's access to a reliable and resilient electric grid. We will continue to work tirelessly with our partners and pragmatic policymakers to stop these attacks on Pennsylvania workers, royalty owners, and consumers, and focus on solutions to leveraging natural gas to move Pennsylvania forward."

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