The bill amends Titles 27 (Environmental Resources) and 58 (Oil and Gas) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, introducing a new chapter titled "Pennsylvania Energy Independence." This chapter includes provisions for definitions related to coal-powered plants, regulations governing natural gas and coal permit processes, and the establishment of a permit database. Notably, the bill exempts coal-powered plants from certain Environmental Protection Agency regulations and allows the Department of Environmental Protection to have exclusive regulatory authority over natural gas and coal extracted within the Commonwealth. Additionally, the bill mandates that any new regulations affecting these industries must receive approval from the General Assembly and the Governor.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the well permit fee structure, establishing specific maximum fees for vertical and nonvertical unconventional wells, and requires future modifications to these fees to be approved by the General Assembly. It also prohibits the Governor from imposing a moratorium on natural gas and oil development leases in State parks and forests, rendering an existing executive order void. The act is set to take effect immediately for certain provisions, while others will take effect after a specified period.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 498 (Mar 26, 2025):
Printer's No. 0498: