Pennsylvania appeals state Supreme Court ruling on fracking law by Selam Gebrekidan, editing by Andre Grenon, Jan 3, 2014, Reuters
The state of Pennsylvania appealed on Thursday against a December decision from the state Supreme Court that struck down parts of an oil and gas law. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court voted 4-2 in mid-December saying key provisions in Act 13, a 2012 law that governs oil and gas drilling, is unconstitutional. In a state known for its shale gas bounty, the decision broadened the rights of local governments to restrict the controversial fracking process within their city limits, dealing a blow to oil and gas interests. In its appeal, the state is asking the Supreme Court to remand the case to a Pennsylvania court for further evidence, exhibit and testimony gathering. The state Department of Environmental Protection is also appealing the decision saying its duty to protect public parks falls under provisions struck by the December decision. Seven municipalities and the Delaware Riverkeeper Network had challenged Act 13 in 2012, alleging it violates the state’s constitution. The ruling followed similar cases in New York state earlier this year that allowed two small towns to restrict natural gas drilling within their limits. Three cities in Colorado also voted against fracking last year. [Emphasis added]
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