reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
58 PA Cons Stat § 3226 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 58 - OIL AND GAS|Chapter 32 - Development|Section 3226 - Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board

§ 3226. Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board.   (a) Creation of board.--The Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board is created, consisting of the following members, all of whom shall be chosen by the Governor and shall be residents of this Commonwealth: (1) Three individuals, each of whom shall be: (i) a petroleum engineer; (ii) a petroleum geologist; or (iii) an experienced driller representative of the oil and gas industry with three years of experience in this Commonwealth. (2) One mining engineer from the coal industry with three years of experience in this Commonwealth. (3) One geologist or petroleum engineer with three years of experience in this Commonwealth, who shall be chosen from a list of three names submitted by the Citizens Advisory Council to the Governor and who shall sit as a representative of the public interest.  (b) Reimbursement.--Board members shall not receive a salary but shall be reimbursed for all necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.  (c) Majority vote.--All actions of the board shall be by majority vote. The board shall meet as called by the secretary, but not less than semiannually, to carry out its duties under this chapter. The board shall select a chairman and other officers deemed appropriate.  (d) Consultation.--The department shall consult with the board in the formulation, drafting and presentation stages of all regulations of a technical nature promulgated under this chapter. The board shall be given a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on all regulations of a technical nature prior to submission to the Environmental Quality Board for initial consideration. The written report of the board shall be presented to the Environmental Quality Board with any regulatory proposal. The chairman of the board shall be invited to participate in the presentation of all regulations of a technical nature before the Environmental Quality Board to the extent allowed by procedures of the Environmental Quality Board. Nothing herein shall preclude any member of the board from filing a petition for rulemaking with the Environmental Quality Board in accordance with procedures established by the Environmental Quality Board.
58 PA Cons Stat § 3227 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 58 - OIL AND GAS|Chapter 32 - Development|Section 3227 - Air contaminant emissions

§ 3227. Air contaminant emissions.   (a) Natural gas operations.--An owner or operator of a facility conducting natural gas operations in unconventional formations including development, production, transmission and processing shall submit to the department a source report identifying and quantifying actual air contaminant emissions from any air contamination source. The report shall include a description of the methods used to calculate annual emissions.  (b) Air contamination sources.--An owner or operator of a stationary air contamination source shall complete the reports required under this section using forms and procedures specified by the department.  (c) Nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds.--A statement under 25 Pa. Code Ch. 135 (relating to reporting of sources) for nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds shall be submitted to the department according to the schedule specified in subsection (d).  (d) Time.--The report for 2011 actual emissions shall be submitted to the department on a schedule established by the department. Each year after 2011, the report shall be submitted to the department by March 1 for air contaminant emissions during the preceding calendar year unless a different reporting schedule is required by the Clean Air Act (69 Stat. 322, 42 U.S.C. § 7401 et seq.) or regulations adopted under that act.    Special Provisions in Appendix. See section 4(3)(xvi) of Act 13 of 2012 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to continuation of prior law.
58 PA Cons Stat § 3235 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 58 - OIL AND GAS|Chapter 32 - Development|Section 3235 - Inspection of facilities and records

§ 3235. Inspection of facilities and records.   (a) General rule.--The person operating a storage reservoir affected by this chapter shall, at all reasonable times, be permitted to inspect applicable records and facilities of a coal mine overlying the storage reservoir or reservoir protective area. The person operating a coal mine affected by this chapter shall, at all reasonable times, be permitted to inspect applicable records and facilities of a storage reservoir underlying the coal mine.  (b) Order.--If a storage operator or coal operator subject to subsection (a) refuses to permit inspection of records or facilities, the department may, on its own motion or on application of the party seeking inspection, after reasonable written notice and a hearing if requested by an affected party, order inspection.
58 PA Cons Stat § 3236 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 58 - OIL AND GAS|Chapter 32 - Development|Section 3236 - Reliance on maps and burden of proof

§ 3236. Reliance on maps and burden of proof.   (a) General rule.--In determining whether a coal mine or operating coal mine is or will be within a particular distance from a storage reservoir which is material under this chapter, the owner or operator of the coal mine and the storage operator may rely on the most recent map of the storage reservoir or coal mine filed by the other party with the department.  (b) Accuracy.--Where accuracy of a map or data filed under this chapter is in issue, the person that filed the map or data shall: (1) at the request of an objecting party, disclose the information and method used to compile the map or data, along with any information available to the person that might affect current validity of the map or data; and (2) have the burden of proving accuracy of the map or data.
58 PA Cons Stat § 3237 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 58 - OIL AND GAS|Chapter 32 - Development|Section 3237 - Exemptions and prohibitions

§ 3237. Exemptions and prohibitions.   (a) Inapplicability of chapter to certain coal mines.--This chapter shall not apply to the following types of coal mines: (1) Strip mines and auger mines operating from the surface. (2) Mines to which the former act of June 9, 1911 (P.L.756, No.319), entitled "An act to provide for the health and safety of persons employed in and about the bituminous coal-mines of Pennsylvania, and for the protection and preservation of property connected therewith," did not apply in accordance with section 3 of that act. (3) Mines to which the former act of June 2, 1891 (P.L.176, No.177), entitled "An act to provide for the health and safety of persons employed in and about the anthracite coal mines of Pennsylvania and for the protection and preservation of property connected therewith," did not apply in accordance with section 32 of that act.  (b) Workable coal seams.--Injection of gas for storage purposes in a workable coal seam, whether or not it is being or has been mined, is prohibited.  (b.1) Original extraction.--Nothing in this chapter prohibits original extraction of natural gas, crude oil or coal.  (c) Certain rock formations.--Nothing in this chapter applies to storage of gas or liquids in storage reservoirs excavated in rock formations specifically for storage purposes.
58 PA Cons Stat § 3251 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 58 - OIL AND GAS|Chapter 32 - Development|Section 3251 - Conferences

§ 3251. Conferences.   (a) General rule.--The department or any person having a direct interest in a matter subject to this chapter may, at any time, request that a conference be held to discuss and attempt to resolve by mutual agreement a matter arising under this chapter. Unless otherwise provided, conferences shall be held within 90 days after a request is received by the department, and notice shall be given by the department to all interested parties. A representative of the department shall attend the conference and the department may make recommendations. An agreement reached at a conference shall be consistent with this chapter and, if approved by the department, it shall be reduced to writing and shall be effective, unless reviewed and rejected by the department within ten days after the conference. The record of an agreement approved by the department shall be kept on file by the department and copies shall be furnished to the parties. The scheduling of a conference shall have no effect on the department's authority to issue orders to compel compliance with this chapter.  (b) Notification.--When a coal operator is to be notified of a proceeding under this section, the department simultaneously shall send a copy of the notice to the collective bargaining representative of employees of the coal operator.    Cross References. Section 3251 is referred to in sections 3203, 3212, 3224, 3231, 3233, 3234 of this title.
58 PA Cons Stat § 3252 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 58 - OIL AND GAS|Chapter 32 - Development|Section 3252 - Public nuisances

§ 3252. Public nuisances.  A violation of section 3217 (relating to protection of fresh groundwater and casing requirements), 3218 (relating to protection of water supplies), 3219 (relating to use of safety devices) or 3220 (relating to plugging requirements), or a regulation, order, term or condition of a permit relating to any of those sections constitutes a public nuisance.    Special Provisions in Appendix. See section 4(3)(xvii) of Act 13 of 2012 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to continuation of prior law.
58 PA Cons Stat § 3253 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 58 - OIL AND GAS|Chapter 32 - Development|Section 3253 - Enforcement orders

§ 3253. Enforcement orders.   (a) General rule.--Except as modified by subsections (b), (c) and (d), the department may issue orders necessary to aid in enforcement of this chapter. An order issued under this chapter shall take effect upon notice, unless the order specifies otherwise. The power of the department to issue an order under this chapter is in addition to any other remedy available to the department under this chapter or under any other law.  (b) Suspension and revocation.--  (1) The department may suspend or revoke a well permit or well registration for any well: (i) in continuing violation of any of the following: (A) This chapter. (B) The act of June 22, 1937 (P.L.1987, No.394), known as The Clean Streams Law. (C) The act of July 7, 1980 (P.L.380, No.97), known as the Solid Waste Management Act. (D) Any other statute administered by the department; and (ii) the likely result of a violation is an unsafe operation or environmental damage. (2) A suspension order of the department shall automatically terminate if the violation upon which it is based is corrected by the operator to the satisfaction of the department in order to bring the well into compliance with this chapter.  (c) Written notice.--Prior to suspension or revocation of a well permit or registration, the department shall serve written notice on the well operator or its agent, stating specifically the statutory provision, regulation or other reason relied upon, along with factual circumstances surrounding the alleged violation. If the department suspends or revokes the permit or registration, the department may order the operator to cap the well if the likely result of the violation is an unsafe operation or environmental damage.  (d) Immediate orders.--An order of the department requiring immediate cessation of drilling operations shall be effective only if authorized by the secretary or a designee.  (e) Grievances.--A person aggrieved by a department order issued under this section shall have the right, within 30 days of receipt of the notice, to appeal to the Environmental Hearing Board.    Special Provisions in Appendix. See section 4(3)(xviii) of Act 13 of 2012 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to continuation of prior law.
58 PA Cons Stat § 3254 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 58 - OIL AND GAS|Chapter 32 - Development|Section 3254 - Restraining violations

§ 3254. Restraining violations.   (a) General rule.--In addition to any other remedy provided in this chapter, the department may institute a suit in equity in the name of the Commonwealth for an injunction to restrain a violation of this chapter or rules, regulations, standards or orders adopted or issued under this chapter and to restrain the maintenance or threat of a public nuisance. Upon motion of the Commonwealth, the court shall issue a prohibitory or mandatory preliminary injunction if it finds that the defendant is engaging in unlawful conduct, as defined by this chapter, or conduct causing immediate and irreparable harm to the public. The Commonwealth shall not be required to furnish bond or other security in connection with the proceeding. In addition to an injunction, the court in equity may level civil penalties as specified in section 3256 (relating to civil penalties).  (b) District attorney.--In addition to other remedies in this chapter, upon relation of the district attorney of a county affected or upon relation of the solicitor of a municipality affected, an action in equity may be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction for an injunction to restrain a violation of this chapter or rules and regulations promulgated under this chapter or to restrain a public nuisance or detriment to health.  (c) Concurrent penalties.--Penalties and remedies under this chapter shall be deemed concurrent. Existence or exercise of one remedy shall not prevent the department from exercising another remedy at law or in equity.  (d) Jurisdiction.--Actions under this section may be filed in the appropriate court of common pleas or in Commonwealth Court, and those courts are hereby granted jurisdiction to hear actions under this section.
58 PA Cons Stat § 3254.1 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 58 - OIL AND GAS|Chapter 32 - Development|Section 3254.1 - Well control emergency response cost recovery

§ 3254.1. Well control emergency response cost recovery.  A person liable for a well control emergency is responsible for all response costs incurred by the department to respond to the well control emergency. In an action before a court of competent jurisdiction, the department may recover all its response costs, including the cost of regaining control of the well, controlling the perimeter of the well site, preparing water sprays, establishing trenches or dikes to capture runoff fluids and providing the resources and equipment needs for the incident.    Special Provisions in Appendix. See section 4(3)(xix) of Act 13 of 2012 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to continuation of prior law.
58 PA Cons Stat § 3255 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 58 - OIL AND GAS|Chapter 32 - Development|Section 3255 - Penalties

§ 3255. Penalties.   (a) General violation.--A person violating a provision of this chapter commits a summary offense and, upon conviction, shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $1,000 or to imprisonment of not more than 90 days, or both. Each day during which the violation continues is a separate and distinct offense.  (b) Willful violation.--A person willfully violating a provision of this chapter or an order of the department issued under this chapter commits a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $5,000 or to imprisonment of not more than one year, or both. Each day during which the violation continues is a separate and distinct offense.  (c) Authority.--The department may institute a prosecution against any person or municipality for a violation of this chapter.    Special Provisions in Appendix. See section 4(3)(xx) of Act 13 of 2012 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to continuation of prior law.  Cross References. Section 3255 is referred to in section 3232 of this title.
58 PA Cons Stat § 3256 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 58 - OIL AND GAS|Chapter 32 - Development|Section 3256 - Civil penalties

§ 3256. Civil penalties.  In addition to other remedies available at law or in equity for a violation of this chapter, a regulation of the department, a departmental order or a permit condition, the department, after a hearing, may assess a civil penalty regardless of whether the violation was willful. The penalty shall not exceed $25,000 plus $1,000 for each day during which the violation continues or, in the case of a violation arising from the construction, alteration or operation of an unconventional well, $75,000 plus $5,000 for each day during which the violation continues. In determining the amount, the department shall consider willfulness of the violation, damage or injury to natural resources of this Commonwealth or their uses, endangerment of safety of others, the cost of remedying the harm, savings resulting to the violator as a result of the violation and any other relevant factor. When the department proposes to assess a civil penalty, it shall notify the person of the proposed amount of the penalty. The person charged with the penalty must, within 30 days of notification, pay the proposed penalty in full or file an appeal of the assessment with the Environmental Hearing Board. Failure to comply with the time period under this section shall result in a waiver of all legal rights to contest the violation or the amount of the penalty. The civil penalty shall be payable to the Commonwealth and collectible in any manner provided at law for collection of debts. If a violator neglects or refuses to pay the penalty after demand, the amount, together with interest and costs that may accrue, shall become a lien in favor of the Commonwealth on the real and personal property of the violator, but only after the lien has been entered and docketed of record by the prothonotary of the county where the property is situated. The department may transmit to the prothonotaries of the various counties certified copies of all liens. It shall be the duty of each prothonotary to enter and docket the liens of record in the prothonotary's office and index them as judgments are indexed, without requiring payment of costs as a condition precedent to entry.    Special Provisions in Appendix. See section 4(3)(xxi) of Act 13 of 2012 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to continuation of prior law.  Cross References. Section 3256 is referred to in section 3254 of this title.
58 PA Cons Stat § 3257 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 58 - OIL AND GAS|Chapter 32 - Development|Section 3257 - Existing rights and remedies preserved and cumulative remedies authorized

§ 3257. Existing rights and remedies preserved and cumulative remedies authorized.  Nothing in this chapter stops the Commonwealth or a district attorney from proceeding in a court of law or in equity to abate pollution forbidden under this chapter or a nuisance under existing law. It is hereby declared to be the purpose of this chapter to provide additional and cumulative remedies to control activities related to drilling for or production of oil and gas in this Commonwealth, and nothing contained in this chapter abridges or alters rights of action or remedies existing, or which existed previously, in equity or under common or statutory law, criminal or civil. Neither this chapter, the grant of a permit under this chapter nor an act done by virtue of this chapter stops the Commonwealth, in exercising rights under common or decisional law or in equity, from suppressing a nuisance, abating pollution or enforcing common law or statutory rights. No court of this Commonwealth with jurisdiction to abate public or private nuisances shall be deprived of jurisdiction in an action to abate a private or public nuisance instituted by any person on grounds that the nuisance constitutes air or water pollution.
58 PA Cons Stat § 3259 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 58 - OIL AND GAS|Chapter 32 - Development|Section 3259 - Unlawful conduct

§ 3259. Unlawful conduct.  It shall be unlawful for any person to: (1) Drill, alter, operate or utilize an oil or gas well without a permit or registration from the department as required by this chapter or in violation of rules or regulations adopted under this chapter, orders of the department or a term or condition of a permit issued by the department. (2) Conduct an activity related to drilling for or production of oil and gas: (i) contrary to this chapter, rules or regulations adopted under this chapter, an order of the department or a term or condition of a permit issued by the department; or (ii) in any manner as to create a public nuisance or adversely affect public health, safety, welfare or the environment. (3) Refuse, obstruct, delay or threaten an agent or employee of the department acting in the course of lawful performance of a duty under this chapter, including, but not limited to, entry and inspection. (4) Attempt to obtain a permit or identify a well as an orphan well by misrepresentation or failure to disclose all relevant facts. (5) Cause abandonment of a well by removal of casing or equipment necessary for production without plugging the well in the manner prescribed under section 3220 (relating to plugging requirements), except that the owner or operator of a well may temporarily remove casing or equipment necessary for production, but only if it is part of the normal course of production activities.
58 PA Cons Stat § 3260 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 58 - OIL AND GAS|Chapter 32 - Development|Section 3260 - Collection of fines and penalties

§ 3260. Collection of fines and penalties.  Fines and penalties shall be collectible in a manner provided by law for collection of debts. If a person liable to pay a penalty neglects or refuses to pay after demand, the amount, together with interest and costs that may accrue, shall be a judgment in favor of the Commonwealth on the person's property, but only after the judgment has been entered and docketed of record by the prothonotary of the county where the property is situated. The department may transmit to prothonotaries of the various counties certified copies of all judgments, and it shall be the duty of each prothonotary to enter and docket them of record in the prothonotary's office and index them as judgments are indexed, without requiring payment of costs as a condition precedent to entry.
58 PA Cons Stat § 3261 (2021)
2021 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes|Title 58 - OIL AND GAS|Chapter 32 - Development|Section 3261 - Third party liability

§ 3261. Third party liability.  If a person other than a well operator renders a service or product to a well or well site, that person is liable with the well owner or operator for violations of this chapter arising out of and caused by the person's actions at the well or well site, in accordance with State law.    Special Provisions in Appendix. See section 4(3)(xxiii) of Act 13 of 2012 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to continuation of prior law.