On November 14, 2025, the American Petroleum Institute Pennsylvania (API PA) announced its opposition to House Bill 1946. The bill proposes stricter setback requirements for natural gas wells in Pennsylvania. The House Environmental and Natural Resource Protection Committee will discuss the bill in Harrisburg on November 17.
Stephanie Catarino Wissman, Executive Director of API PA, stated that the proposed 2,500-foot setback could prevent new natural gas development in the state. She said the industry already follows regulations, including Act 13 of 2012 and other environmental laws. Wissman also noted that the industry supports 400,000 jobs and contributes to Pennsylvania’s economy.
API PA’s letter stated that the increased setback would limit production from areas much larger than those currently restricted. The organization said this could reduce access to natural gas resources. API PA also raised concerns about possible effects on energy affordability and reliability, pointing out that more than half of Pennsylvania’s electricity comes from natural gas…