Skip to main content

Thompson Introduces Legislation Protecting Private Mineral Rights in Allegheny National Forest

November 3, 2015

Washington, DC –U.S. Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-05) today introduced H.R. 3881, the “Cooperative Management of Mineral Rights Act of 2015,” which will prohibit the U.S. Forest Service from creating rules to limit access to privately-held mineral rights, within the Allegheny National Forest (ANF). Thompson released the following statement regarding the legislation:

“Our region was built on oil, natural gas and other resources produced on private property,” Thompson said. “Despite generations of a balanced and stringent environmental review process, extreme environmental groups had several unsuccessful attempts at shutting down production in the Allegheny through frivolous litigation. Thankfully, federal courts saw through those efforts, yet our region needs further certainty moving forward.

“The Cooperative Management of Mineral Rights Act of 2015 will ensure responsible production can occur without impediment. This legislation will provide clarity to the regulatory process and continue to respect the long-standing recognition of the fundamental importance of protecting private property rights.”

The Allegheny National Forest, established in 1923, covers more than 500,000 acres and is located in Elk, Forest, McKean and Warren counties.