Colorado have attempted to provide buffer zones for drilling. Michanowicz said increasing the setback rule in Pennsylvania would not have much effect if the law’s exemptions remain intact. “It’s probably a different set of policy tools if your goal is to protect public health and safety,” he said. That could include placing additional emissions controls on wells built within the 500-foot zone, or forcing companies to perform “alternate site analysis” where they would need to show why placing a well within the 500-foot zone is necessary. Michael McCawley, clinical associate profess...