An Act providing for the leasing of subsurface rights on State forest and park property for oil and natural gas development; establishing a restricted account within the Oil and Gas Lease Fund; making an appropriation; and abrogating an executive order and other orders and administrative policies.
HB 347 allows oil and gas companies to lease subsurface rights beneath Pennsylvania's state forests and parks for drilling, provided the drilling originates outside these areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) must review applications, with disapproval possible for environmental violations or projects causing significant harm, and companies can appeal denials to court. All lease revenue goes into the Oil and Gas Lease Fund, with upfront payments specifically directed to a restricted account funding stream maintenance and clearing projects. The bill also cancels prior executive orders and policies restricting such leasing on state lands.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 27, 2025
Last action Jan 27, 2025
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
1
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Jan 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to Environmental & Natural Resource Protection
lower
1 primary · 12 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Clint Owlett
RRepublican
Co
Brian Smith
RRepublican
Co
Dave Zimmerman
RRepublican
Co
David Rowe
RRepublican
Co
Jake Banta
RRepublican
Co
Jeff Olsommer
RRepublican
Co
Joe Hamm
RRepublican
Co
Michael Stender
RRepublican
Co
Mike Armanini
RRepublican
Co
Rob Kauffman
RRepublican
Co
Scott Barger
RRepublican
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