by: Malcolm Conolly
In the Allegheny National Forest located in northwest Pennsylvania the federal government and oil companies are currently fighting over mineral rights. The surface property in the forest is owned by the national government, and the subsurface property or mineral rights are owned by private oil companies. Around 2000 during the spike in oil prices companies began placing more drilling equipment in the Allegheny Forest. Before this time the federal government had no problem with companies drilling in the national forest. Anywhere that an oil company owns subsurface land they can legally access it. In fact it is not uncommon in this part of the state to see an oil drill on a houses front lawn. With the increase in drilling equipment in the national forest the government suddenly changed their view on oil drilling. In April 2009 in an out of court settlement the government decided to enforce the National Environmental Policy Act which makes oil or gas drilling in the forest subject to public judgment. Recently government workers have been arresting the employees of oil companies who are installing drilling equipment in the forest. On June 1, 2009, the Minared Run Oil Co., Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Association, Allegheny Forest Alliance and Warren County Government sued the United States District Court in Erie Pennsylvania over the National Forest Services use of the National Environmental Policy Act. This case will have a major impact on the economy of the area. The Allegheny forest accounts for a large percent of the oil used by local refineries. If drilling is banned from the forest then an already economically troubled area would lose its biggest source of income.
4 comments:
Of course, oil rights disputes are nothing new. And I hate to sound like an environmentalist, filled with bias, but the best action in this scenario would be to forget about the oil. Though it may provide some income, it would only do so for a short amount of time. I myself am from Pennsylvania, and know that the small mining towns in remote parts of the state are extremely poor and run down. They used to be big on mining, and still are to a lesser extent, but once demand drops for the resource that supports the town, the town's economy crashes. Why bother to have over-dependence in this case? Plus, factor in the pollution, environmental degradation, ecosystem destruction, etc., not to mention feeding the Great American Oil Machine, and purpose to exploit the region is nonexistent.
I have to agree, it's almost like a quick fix that will do nothing in the long run. I think drilling will cost more then what will actually be produced in this relatively small area.
Great issue with both sides having a valid claim in legal terms. We must strive in our policy making to find a balance between nature and the environment with our needs for energy. Not until we compromise and work together will the best policy be formed. The problem the Obama administration faces is really funny. They campaigned on jobs and environment, yet here either they sacrifice the environment for the economy or vise versa. Either way they break a promise unless they compromise.
This is an interesting problem. I believe that the oil company should be able to drill for oil in some parts of the forest- creating a compromise for both sides. Though this may not please all environmentalists, this will help the town's economy and will prevent the government from infringing on a company's rights.
Katie Witters
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