Judge Lifts Order to Block Drilling in Forest
A judge in Pittsburgh lifted an order blocking a 71-well oil and gas drilling project in the Allegheny National Forest, saying environmentalists have not shown the wells would harm the land.
The decision by Administrative Judge Bernard Labuskes allows drilling in the Salmon Creek Watershed in northwestern Pennsylvania to resume immediately. Environmentalists will get a chance to again make their case at a broader hearing this spring.
The Allegheny Defense Project was granted the temporary restraining order Jan. 10. At that point, six wells had been drilled and land had been cleared for 21 more wells.
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