Caucus

Lawmakers from Ohio and Minnesota on Thursday announced the formation of a Congressional propane caucus to address issues and challenges facing both the industry and consumers as the nation’s supplies continue to grow with the increase in unconventional natural gas production.

Lawmakers from Ohio and Minnesota on Thursday announced the formation of a Congressional propane caucus to address issues and challenges facing both the industry and consumers as the nation's supplies continue to grow with the increase in unconventional natural gas production.

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett said Friday the state has appealed to the state Supreme Court a ruling by the Commonwealth Court that struck down portions of Act 13, the state’s new omnibus Marcellus Shale law.

In a 4-3 decision on Thursday, the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court ruled that portions of Act 13, the state’s new omnibus Marcellus Shale law, were “unconstitutional, null and void” on the grounds that its limits on local zoning violate municipalities’ right to substantive due process.

Attorneys involved with a legal challenge to portions of Act 13, Pennsylvania’s new omnibus Marcellus Shale law, say a decision by the state’s Commonwealth Court could come within a month and will have far-reaching consequences regardless of which way the court rules.

A panel of seven Commonwealth Court judges heard oral arguments Wednesday in a lawsuit filed by seven Pennsylvania municipalities and others that claim parts of Act 13, the state’s new omnibus Marcellus Shale law, are unconstitutional.