After four years of discussion on the topic, several versions of bills and a conference committee, the House voted on a compromise Marcellus Shale bill.

The revised version of House Bill 1950 was voted out of the House by a vote of 25-4.

The legislation would establish an impact fee dedicated to offsetting the effects on local communities where drilling is occurring, enhance water protections and environmental safeguards, increase fines and penalties, fund environmental programs and conservation districts, and preserve local control. Read more »

A rare opportunity exists to enter the popular Marcellus Shale natural gas play in Pennsylvania. The Marcellus has been in the news for the past few years, as many large domestic and foreign oil and gas companies have made substantial purchases of these newly discovered gas reserves. However, there remains a unique opportunity for a company to enter this world-class play without having to pay a high price. Read more »

A Maryland panel recommended in a report on Monday January 9, 2012 that the General Assembly impose a fee on gas leases in the Marcellus Shale to fund studies about the impact of drilling in far western Maryland. Read more »

As 2011 began, West Virginia and Ohio stood on the brink of a natural gas drilling boom with companies such as Chesapeake Energy and Marquette Exploration staking major claims in both states. Read more »