Court Rejects Challenge to Exploratory Gas Wells in Delaware River Basin

NEWARK, N.J. — A challenge by environmental groups to a Delaware River Basin Commission “resolution” allowing already-permitted exploratory shale gas wells within its jurisdiction has been rejected by a federal judge, who said the issue is not yet ripe because the administrative decision is not final.

U.S. District Judge Anne E. Thompson said in an unpublished opinion Aug. 20 that the Delaware Riverkeeper Network and other plaintiffs will have an opportunity to object when Newfield Appalachia PA and Hess Corp. actually submit applications to the DRBC for permits to operate the five wells under construction.

The Delaware Riverkeeper Network …