A sociologist looks at how the environmental and community impacts of the natural gas boom in Lycoming County challenged closely-held rural values of independence and private property rights.
Revenue like bonus, rental, and penalty payments from oil and gas drilling in state forests must go toward conservation, not balancing the state budget.
The Physicians for Social Responsibility found PFAS was used in 1,200 wells in six states. Although no evidence shows that PFAS was used in Pennsylvania, “we can’t be confident that we know everything."
Exemptions in the law and permissions from owners put hundreds of wells closer to homes, schools and churches than the 500-foot setback meant to protect public health.