Hydraulic Fracking Blog: Legislative Activity Update

The following bill and resolution were introduced in the Pennsylvania General Assembly:

PA House Bill 1097 Water Well Insurance Fund
Sponsor:	Peter J. Daley (Democrat - parts of Fayette and Washington Counties [south of Pittsburgh])
Overview:	Establishes the Water Well Insurance Board (“Board”) and Water Well Insurance Fund. Water well owners may apply to “become a subscriber to the fund for the purpose of insuring the water well against damages from intrusion or contamination.” Premium rates are set by the Board. The term “contamination” is not defined in the bill. Maximum payout under an insurance policy is capped at “replacement cost of the insured well or the maximum amount of coverage established by the fund, whichever is less.” Bill expressly states that it “shall not be construed to relieve any person, partnership, or corporation otherwise liable from any liability for damages sustained.”
Current Status:	Referred to House Committee on Environmental Resources and Energy on May 4, 2015.

PA House Resolution 316 Study to Expand Availability of Natural Gas in Pennsylvania
Sponsor:	Kevin J. Schreiber (Democrat – part of York County [south-central Pennsylvania])
Overview:	Directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (“Committee”) to conduct a study on the issue of expanding the availability of natural gas to Pennsylvania homes, businesses, nonprofit organizations and units of government. Specifically directs the Committee to consider whether there is a need for particular types of infrastructure to address gaps in the availability of natural gas service.
Current Status:	Referred to House Committee on Environmental Resources and Energy on May 5, 2015.