The NYT is reporting that the Delaware River Basin Commission is reconsidering the $5 million financial assurance bond required for each well. "The bonding requirement is shaping up to be a flash point in the fight over drilling in the four-state basin. DRBC has enforced a de facto moratorium while it decides how it will protect water quality in the 13,539-square-mile basin. The primary effect has been to block Pennsylvania's gas rush as it moves into the state's eastern counties."
That certainly has an impact on whether smaller independents will be able to develop their lease interests.