Judge orders zoning part of gas-drilling law delayed 120 days

A state judge has granted a 120-day halt to provisions in the new Marcellus Shale drilling law that would override local zoning ordinances for industry activity.

That order, released hours after a Commonwealth Court hearing in Harrisburg on the matter, prevents the land-use portions of that law from going from going into effect on Saturday.

Senior Judge Keith Quigley stated in the order that the local ordinances must remain in effect until a challenge under the new law finds them invalid.

"Municipalities must have an adequate opportunity to pass zoning laws that comply with Act 13 without the fear or risk that development of oil and gas operations under Act 13 will be inconsistent with later validly passed local zoning ordinances," according to the order.

http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/marcellusshale/court-hearing-on-municipal-challenge-to-new-drilling-laws-ends-without-a-ruling-630882/