CNX's Radical Transparency Data Calls Stricter Natural Gas Setbacks Into Question

By Positive Energy Hub Staff

CNX Resources has submitted a formal letter to the Pennsylvania Environmental Quality Board urging the board to consider two years of independently collected environmental data before endorsing proposed expansions to natural gas well setback distances.

In its letter to Environmental Quality Board Chair Jessica Shirley, CNX highlights findings from its Radical Transparency program—an unprecedented environmental monitoring initiative launched in November 2023 in collaboration with Governor Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

Nearly 800,000 Data Points Show No Health Impacts

Since its inception, the Radical Transparency program has collected nearly 800,000 data points from 18 monitoring sites across CNX's operational footprint, including well pads and midstream facilities. The program represents the country’s most comprehensive real-time environmental monitoring effort focused on unconventional natural gas development.

The program monitors PM2.5 particulate matter and BTEX compounds (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene)—pollutants associated with respiratory illness and cancer—using EPA-approved Federal Equivalent Methods. Each well pad site includes two PM2.5 monitors, four BTEX passive samplers, and meteorological equipment to track wind direction and other conditions.

Key findings from two years of monitoring include:

• No exceedances of EPA National Ambient Air Quality Standards for PM2.5
• BTEX levels consistently at background concentrations, never exceeding Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry thresholds
• No evidence of emissions or contamination that would exacerbate asthma, cause cancer, or impact groundwater quality

Pennsylvania Already Has the Nation's Strictest Setbacks

Pennsylvania currently enforces the strictest setback distances among the top five natural gas-producing states, requiring 500 feet from water wells and existing buildings, 300 feet from streams and wetlands, and 1,000 feet from public drinking water intakes.

"Radical Transparency data, compiled over two years and approaching one million points, does not support further expansion of these setbacks," writes CNX. "Instead, it supports a data-driven regulatory approach that balances public health protection with responsible energy development."

The letter was submitted as the Environmental Quality Board considers an amended rulemaking petition from environmental groups seeking setbacks of 3,281 feet from buildings and 5,280 feet from schools and hospitals—more than six times current requirements.

Facts Over Speculation

CNX urges policymakers to base regulations on actual measured data—not speculation or assumptions lacking scientific validation.

Expanding setbacks as proposed, "would eliminate responsible natural gas development opportunities and undermine Pennsylvania's energy leadership, jeopardizing thousands of jobs and regional economic growth," explains CNX.

All Radical Transparency data is publicly available at http://www.cnxradicaltransparency.com/ and simultaneously shared with DEP to ensure transparency and integrity. The program includes water quality testing within 2,500 feet of well bores and full disclosure of all chemical additives used in drilling and hydraulic fracturing.

"This program demonstrates that environmental protection and energy development can coexist, and it offers a replicable model for transparent, science-based oversight,” concludes CNX.

For more information about CNX's Radical Transparency program, visit www.cnxradicaltransparency.com.