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    Public Resources

    Final Rulemaking (February 3, 2016)

    After considering all of the comments received and consulting with the Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Board and Conventional Oil and Gas Advisory Committee, the Department has developed the final rulemaking package. The EQB is currently scheduled to consider the final-form rulemaking for adoption at a meeting on February 3, 2016. (Please note: this meeting can be observed remotely online. Please use the following link to access the meeting beginning at 9:00 a.m. on February 3: http://pacast.com/players/live_dep.asp)

    A fact sheet has been developed by the Department to outline the major points of this rulemaking.

    The Executive Summary provides a brief overview of the final rulemaking for the members of the EQB. This document outlines the purpose of the regulation.

    The Annex is the regulatory language that is being changed. This document will be published in its entirety in the Pennsylvania Bulletin to become final and effective.

    The Order (referred to as the Preamble in a proposed rulemaking) is published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin with the Annex as an explanation and justification for the regulation. It articulates how the regulation will improve environmental quality in the Commonwealth, including the improvement of public health and safety and the environment. The Order also provides a background of the regulatory amendments; summaries of significant comments; and information on benefits, costs, and compliance.

    The Comment and Response Document lists the comments submitted during the comment periods and the Department's response. The Comment and Response Document for this rulemaking is provided in two parts: one for the comment period held on the proposed regulation (Dec. 14, 2013 – March 14, 2014) and one for the comment period held on the draft final regulation (April 4, 2015 – May 19, 2015). Commentators are identified by their commentator number in the corresponding commentator list.

    The Regulatory Analysis Form (RAF) includes 30 questions about the regulation and is submitted to IRRC and the Standing Committees. This document provides justifications for changes and describes the considerations made by the Department during the rulemaking process.