In This Issue:

- Legislative Update: Pa. Passes Oil & Gas Lease Act:

On July 9, 2013, Governor Corbett signed the Oil and Gas Lease Act, Senate Bill No. 259 of 2013 (the"Act"), which amends Pennsylvania's Guaranteed Minimum Royalty Act....

- What's Up with Noise, Light, Dust and Volatile Organic Compounds?

Originally published in the IOGA of West Virginia newsletter, July 2013.

The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection ("DEP") released its report to the West Virginia Legislature in May on the study of "noise, light, dust and volatile organic compounds generated by the drilling of horizontal wells related to the well location restriction regarding occupied dwelling structures" (the "DEP Report"). The underlying study was conducted by the WVU School of Public Health which produced a 206-page report dated May 3, 2013 (the "Study")...

- House Bill May Speed up Federal Approval of Pipeline Permits:

A U.S. House of Representatives panel isconsidering legislation that would speed up federal approval of natural gas pipeline permits. If passed, the bill would render permits automatically approved if not reviewed within 90 days of the conclusion of environmental studies...

- Federal Study: No Evidence Frack Fluids Contaminated Drinking Water:

A recent study conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy showed no indication that fracking chemicals contaminated drinking water aquifers in western Pennsylvania. Although the study is ongoing, this is certainly a boost for oil and gas companies operating in the Marcellus and Utica Shales...