HARRISBURG — Revised permit applications for all unconventional gas operations are aimed at reducing the methane emissions produced by the industry.

Gov. Tom Wolf and state Department of Energy Secretary Patrick McDonnell last week announced that new general permits for wells, compressor stations, processing and transmission facilities will establish a control threshold on methane emissions from the shale gas industry.

“These permits represent the first step of my Methane Reduction Strategy and my administration's continuing commitment to cleaner, healthier air across the commonwealth,” Wolf said. “Cleaner air means healthier communities — for our citizens and especially for our children.”

A news release from the governor's office said methane, the primary component of natural gas, has been identified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as the second-most prevalent greenhouse gas emitted in the country from human activities.

Wolf said the new permit requirements make economic development from shale gas drilling possible while protecting the air.

“Pennsylvania is the second-largest producer of natural gas in the nation behind Texas,” Wolf said. “We are uniquely positioned to be a national leader in addressing climate change while supporting and ensuring responsible energy development (and) protecting public health and our environment.”

The newly revised general permits will be required for new gas wells as well as compressor, processing and transmission stations. Existing facilities will not be required to comply, said Neil Shader, the governor's press secretary.

“The new aspect to this is that these are the first permits that Pennsylvania will establish a threshold for methane emissions for unconventional well sites and compressor stations, transmission stations and processing facilities,” Shader said. “In order to get a permit for those types of facilities, operators will have to demonstrate in their permit applications that they can meet those requirements.”

Robert Routh, an attorney at the Clean Air Council in Philadelphia, said the organization and its members are pleased with the new permit requirements.

“It's very good news for all Pennsylvanians and for public health and the environment in the commonwealth,” Routh said.

He said “millions” of residents have been affected by oil and gas pollution, and now Wolf is standing up for them.

“He should be applauded for listening to residents,” Routh added.

He said the new requirements were not a surprise to the council, as Wolf announced in early 2016 that he planned to implement a strategy to control the shale gas industry's impact on the environment.

“The first step in implementation are controls on methane,” Routh said.

The DEP, Routh said, has held extended public comment sessions before enacting the new permit requirements, and many comments were offered from both the drilling industry and those concerned with the health and environmental impacts of the industry.

“The DEP has been engaged in a long and extensive stakeholder input process, and everyone participated,” Routh said. “We are very grateful that these permits have finally been completed and published.”

Dave Spigelmyer, president of the Marcellus Shale Coalition, sent a statement on the industry's thoughts regarding the new permits.

“Our industry is focused on ensuring methane and related emissions are managed safely and effectively,” said Spigelmyer's statement.

“In fact, methane is the very product we produce and is used by homeowners and business across the commonwealth. Our efforts to manage the resource have improved air quality as noted by the DEP and other independent reports.

“Despite this positive and continued progress, we remain concerned about imposing additional requirement through operating permits, particularly those that exceed DEP's statutory authority.”