Energy Thirst Quenched: Millions of Gallons Approved Daily
Published Date: 3/12/2026
Notice
Summary
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission renewed water use approvals for several energy projects in Pennsylvania during February 2026. These projects, mostly drilling pads, can each use millions of gallons of water daily, helping keep energy production flowing smoothly. If you live or work near Susquehanna, Lycoming, Clinton, or Bradford counties, these updates might affect local water use and energy jobs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
High Daily Withdrawals Approved (Up to 7.5000 mgd)
Several renewed approvals authorize individual drilling pads to consumptively use up to 4.0000, 5.0000, 6.0000, or 7.5000 million gallons per day (mgd). Examples include multiple pads authorized for up to 5.0000 mgd on February 18, 2026 and several Expand Operating LLC pads authorized for up to 7.5000 mgd on February 20–27, 2026.
Renewed Water-Use Approvals in Pennsylvania
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission renewed approvals by rule during February 1–28, 2026 for multiple energy project sites in Pennsylvania. The notice lists specific drilling pads in Susquehanna, Lycoming, Clinton, Bradford, Tioga, Centre, and Wyoming counties with their approval dates (e.g., February 18, 20, 23, 24, and 27, 2026).
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11967 — Actions Taken at the June 4, 2026 Meeting
On June 4, 2026, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission gave the green light to several water projects in Pennsylvania, including new and renewed water withdrawals. They also updated their budget and water program, extended an emergency certificate, and secured important grants. These moves affect local communities and businesses by managing water use carefully, with some projects allowing up to 5 million gallons per day, starting immediately.
2026-11968 — Projects Approved for Consumptive Uses of Water
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission approved several projects in May 2026 that use water for things like manufacturing and energy drilling. These approvals let companies withdraw millions of gallons of water daily, mostly in Pennsylvania townships. If you’re involved in these industries, keep an eye on these renewals and new permits—they shape water use and could impact local water supplies and operations.
2026-09314 — Grandfathering Registration Notice
If you run a water project in the Susquehanna River Basin, this notice is for you! The Commission is reissuing 'grandfathered' registrations for certain projects, like Danville’s water system, during April 2026. This means some projects keep their old permissions without new fees or changes, but you gotta act within the set dates to stay in the clear.
2026-07201 — Grandfathering Registration Notice
If you run certain water projects in the Susquehanna River Basin, you needed to register by March 31, 2026, to keep your old permissions (called 'grandfathering'). This notice lists two companies that got their registrations approved, so they can keep using water without new permits. No new fees were mentioned, but missing the deadline could mean extra paperwork or costs later.
2026-07199 — Projects Approved for Consumptive Uses of Water
The Susquehanna River Basin Commission gave the green light to several water use projects in March 2026, mostly renewing permits for companies to use millions of gallons of water daily. These approvals affect local businesses in Pennsylvania, allowing them to keep operating without interruption. If you’re in the area, expect these projects to continue smoothly, with no new fees or delays announced.
2026-05822 — Actions Taken at the March 12, 2026 Meeting
On March 12, 2026, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission gave the green light to 16 water projects, including some big renewals and a water use increase for Amazon’s data center. They also updated their investment rules and approved new grants to support environmental efforts. These moves affect local communities and businesses by managing water use wisely and supporting conservation, with some changes kicking in right away.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-04861 — Notice of Continuation and Request for Applications for the Industry Trade Advisory Committees
The U.S. government is renewing the Industry Trade Advisory Committees (ITACs) for another four years and is looking for new members to join. If you’re interested in helping shape trade policies and agreements, apply by April 2, 2026. This is a great chance for qualified folks to influence important trade decisions and be part of a key advisory team.
Next: 2026-04863 — Grandfathering Registration Notice
If you have water projects in the Susquehanna River Basin, this notice is for you! The Susquehanna River Basin Commission is listing projects that got special 'grandfathered' registration during February 2026, meaning they’re officially recognized under old rules. This helps certain companies keep using water without new fees or permits, but only if they registered by February 28, 2026.