Requiring anywhere from five to seven million gallons of fresh water per well, there’s no doubt that hydraulic fracturing uses a great deal of water. The amount of water necessary for a single well has long been criticized by many anti-fracking groups, and Los Angeles Councilmember Mike Bonin justified banning […]
Legal Voice
Bridge Over Troubled Water
The coal industry has an undeniable impact on the state of Pennsylvania. For better or for worse, coal has shaped the energy industry in Pennsylvania. The state has shifted its focus from coal to other natural resources such natural gas and oil from the Marcellus Shale. However, the legacy the […]
Decoding The Amazon: Brazil’s Controversial New Forest Code
The Amazon rainforest is considered one of the world’s most important natural defenses against global warming because of its ability to absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide.However, due to deforestation, it is estimated that about 20 percent of the Amazon rainforest has been lost and the forest continues to shrink […]
US Energy Boom Increases Railroad Safety, Traffic
One of the ancillary benefits associated with the energy boom in the United States is the increase in business experienced by many of the energy industry’s subsidiaries. One such industry are America’s railroads, which have experienced a gigantic influx in business because of the their ability to transfer oil, gas, […]
Shared Interest in Protecting Public Health? A Third Attempt at Assuring the Public that Natural Gas Drilling Can Be Safe
Without a doubt, the natural gas boom in Pennsylvania has significantly benefitted the Commonwealth’s economy. Since Marcellus Shale drilling began in 2008, natural gas development has single-handedly created over 100,000 jobs, provided five-figure windfalls for residents who lease their land, generated an average annual employee salary between $63,904-$81,116 (as compared […]
Pa. Supreme Court Strikes Down Provisions of Act 13
The wait is over. Portions of Act 13 have been ruled unconstitutional by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court one year and two months after oral arguments. On December 19, 2013, the 166 page opinion authored by Chief Justice Castille found the allowance of oil and gas activities in all zoning districts […]
Pennsylvania’s Act 13: The Inability of Impact Fees To Keep Pace with Value of Gas Production
You cannot talk about the “Shale Boom” without talking about Pennsylvania. Coal and steel were once the lifeblood of the Keystone State but today’s industry is being re-born thanks to the natural gas reserves in the Marcellus Shale. The Appalachian range that stretches from the Southwest corner of the state […]
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
On behalf of the entire JOULE and Legal Voice Editorial Board and Article Staff we would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving and we would like to say thank you to our readers for their continued support!
Fracking Across the Pond
As hydraulic fracturing has spread inexorably across the United States, other countries have taken notice and are looking to follow America’s lead and capitalize on the benefits associated with shale gas. But along with this growing foreign interest in fracking comes a healthy dose of skepticism – which is very […]
Looking Ahead: Global Leaders Predict Future Economic Growth Will Be Dominated By Traditional Fossils Fuels, Not Renewable Energy
Today’s energy industry is driven by a multitude of factors. Most importantly, the world has recognized the scarcity of fossil fuels and the importance of focusing development on energy sources that are more sustainable, renewable, and efficient. However, three of the world’s largest energy companies, Exxon Mobil Corporation, BP, and […]