A three-judge panel of the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments on the case that pits the Natural Gas Act against the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

The violations included failure to properly maintain erosion and sedimentation best management practices, drilling fluid spills, and sediment discharge into waterways.

Drilling of the Marcellus and Utica shale created a glut of natural gas and drove down prices. Now, new pipelines and export terminals are aiding overseas sales.

The Lancaster County District Attorney’s office agreed not to pursue charges if the seven defendants performed community service.