Permitting delays are a significant source of aggravation for producers, according to this article at CNNMoney.com. One possible solution proposed by the PA DEP – increased fees to pay for additional staff to process applications and inspect wells!
This isn’t the only state to propose fee increases to address agency staffing issues.
[Update: For more on regulatory obstacles to development of the Marcellus, see this article in the Wayne Independent. According to a University of North Texas professor, PA is a “disjoined jungle of agencies, boards, counsels, and regulatory bodies” with tremendous uncertainty that presents significant challenges to Marcellus Shale production.] (moved up)