Regulating Horizontal Drilling for Natural Gas in West Virginia

Drilling for oil and gas is nothing new in West Virginia. Commercial operations in the state date back to the 1880s. The demand for domestic energy coupled with new technologies that allow developers to tap shale gas deposits has led to the rapid expansion of gas exploration and development in the state. Balancing those economic benefits while maintaining stewardship of the land, water and air, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection is taking a proactive approach as it works to oversee a complex industry.