Media law experts say that such gag orders — which exercise what is called “prior restraint” on material before publication — are exceedingly rare.

A judge’s order to resolve an impasse in the case revealed details of the settlement terms. StateImpact Pennsylvania and The Allegheny Front discovered the document, which was publicly available at the Washington County prothonotary’s office.

The attorney general, and local district attorneys, are digging into the conduct of drillers and a pipeline company. Subpoena power allows them to get past non-disclosure agreements.

Stephanie Hallowich’s settlement with Range included a non-disclosure agreement. But her lawyer said she was free to comply with the subpoena.