The U.S. Department of the Interior issues proposed rules for hydraulic fracturing on federal and Indian lands; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issues draft Underground Injection Control program permitting guidance for wells that use diesel fuels.

Supreme Court decision determines that the Clean Water Act's statutory scheme does not preclude judicial review of EPA's jurisdiction in enforcement cases.

Pennsylvania legislation imposes impact fees on natural gas wells, restricts local regulation of drilling operations, and strengthens environmental requirements.