Press Release

PUC Accepts PA Supreme Court Decision in Act 13 Case Regarding Review of Local Zoning Ordinances

Published on 9/30/2016

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today issued the following statement regarding Wednesday’s Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling involving portions of Act 13 of 2012, which relate to natural gas development in Pennsylvania:

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has ruled that sections of Act 13 related to PUC review of local zoning ordinances regulating oil and gas operations are no longer valid. The PUC has reviewed the Court's ruling and accepts the decision without reservation.  As a result of this decision, the PUC will continue to carry out its statutory obligation under Act 13 to collect and distribute unconventional gas well Impact Fees.

“The PUC has always sought to be an independent and unbiased agency, focused on ensuring safe and reliable utility service while also safeguarding the public interest,” said Commission Chairman Gladys M. Brown. “The Court has spoken very clearly on this matter and the Commission will continue to focus on its key responsibility under Act 13, which is the collection of Impact Fees and the distribution of those funds to counties and municipalities across Pennsylvania.” 

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Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov