Legal counsel for Range Resources rested their case in a challenge to a new oil and gas ordinance in Cecil Township. Monday’s public hearing in front of the Zoning Hearing Board will continue as no verdict was issued on whether an ordinance adopted in November of 2024 and revised in April 2025 has adversely affected Range Resources’ ability to continue to drill for oil and gas in the township. At issue are new setback requirements that say no drilling may occur within 5000 feet of a school or 2500 feet of a protected structure. Range Resources offered testimony from their Director of Geographic Information Systems to say that the setbacks eliminate the possibility of new pad development. What was not studied by Range Resources was a waiver clause allowing a land owner to waive the 2500 foot setback if they chose to have a well pad on their property. The witness said it would be difficult to determine the effect and how it could open the township to further development. Also presented was testimony from an attorney from Range Resources’ Leasing Team. That witness presented three properties determined to be “stranded” from gas and oil development because none of the current gas wells can reach those properties. The witness was unable to explain how the new setbacks could be harmful when the leases were signed before the new setbacks took effect. After transcripts of this hearing are received by counsel, briefs will be filed and arguments heard at another hearing at a yet to be determined date. The next hearing will be advertised for public notice.