This is a story from my colleague Rachel McDevitt about a report from DEP.

The report basically states, over a 5 year period, more than half of conventional oil and gas operators failed to report how much gas they pulled from the ground and whether their equipment is safe.

State law requires that conventional drillers report that information annually. Failing to do so could lead to fines, permit suspensions or even criminal charges. But a lack of state resources means many operators have been able to ignore the rules with no consequences.

DEP also found 3,000 newly abandoned wells during the review period. Abandoned wells leak the potent greenhouse gas methane, which contributes to climate change, and threatens peoples' health and safety.

Pennsylvania Independent Oil & Gas Association is disputing the report and says DEP is distorting the data. But they did not offer an example or evidence to support that.

It's a long, deep story and you can read the full version at the link above. no paywall or annoying ads.