This survey explores municipal governments and their authorities with respect to the zoning and approval of oil and gas uses in Pennsylvania. While there is a good deal of understanding as to the federal and state authorities that apply to oil and gas uses and facilities, there is much less understanding with respect to the municipal governments. This is unfortunate, as municipal governments are the ones on the “front lines” of oil and gas development in Pennsylvania, and their decision making will most directly affect the lives of citizens. By the same token, the average Pennsylvanian has a much greater chance of achieving improvements to local zoning ordinances than to state or federal regulations, and residents will feel such improvements immediately.
Supporting documents: download the signed opinion letter and Excel file of survey results.
