Range Resources Corporation has recently filed a challenge to Cecil Township’s Zoning Hearing Board regarding the township’s oil and gas zoning ordinance. The ordinance, which was approved by the Cecil Township Board of Supervisors in a 3-2 vote, increased well pad setback limits from 500 feet to 2,500 feet from protected structures. This decision was made in response to concerns raised by residents over noise and health impacts in the community.
Cecil Township, known for being home to five well pads with over 25 wells, is one of the few communities in Washington County to implement setbacks greater than 500 feet. Range Resources’ challenge, filed on Dec. 26, argues that the ordinance is unfair and exclusionary, claiming that it restricts certain types of land uses within the community.
During a zoning hearing board meeting on Jan. 20, Kimberly Brown, a lawyer representing Range Resources, called for the recusal of Kara Shirdon, chairperson of the Cecil Township Zoning Hearing Board, from voting on the challenge. Brown cited Shirdon’s previous testimony in support of the 2,500-foot setback during a public hearing in August 2024 as evidence of bias. Shirdon recused herself from the vote.
Cecil Township Solicitor Gretchen Moore moved to dismiss the legal challenge, while residents and environmental organizations such as the Center for Coalfield Justice and the Clear Air Council sought party participation. Party participation allows individuals and community organizations to present arguments and actively engage in the legal process.
Chris Voltz, solicitor for the Cecil Township Zoning Hearing Board, did not grant party status to any participants at the meeting. Instead, Range Resources, the township, and other interested parties will present their arguments at the next zoning board meeting scheduled for Feb. 17.
Lois Bower-Bjornson, the southwestern Pennsylvania field organizer for Clean Air Council and a Washington County resident, attended the Jan. 20 meeting and plans to present her organization’s arguments at the upcoming February meeting. She expressed confidence in the community’s support for the new ordinance and highlighted its potential impact on shaping ordinances in other Pennsylvania communities.
Markwest Liberty Midstream, a natural gas company based in Colorado, also filed a procedural validity challenge, alleging that the township did not follow all procedural steps when updating the ordinance. This challenge will be heard by a judge in the Washington County Court of Pleas.
Despite efforts to gather comments from Range Resources, the corporation did not respond to Farm and Dairy’s request for a statement regarding the ongoing legal proceedings.
In conclusion, the dispute over Cecil Township’s oil and gas zoning ordinance reflects the complex interactions between community concerns, industry interests, and regulatory processes. As stakeholders continue to navigate these issues, the outcomes of the legal challenges and community engagement efforts will have lasting implications for not only Cecil Township but also for other Pennsylvania communities facing similar decisions.
