Last year, the Republican-controlled legislature passed a law freezing bond amounts for conventional wells.

Contaminants such as salts, metals, and radioactive elements found in the runoff were at levels higher than what’s considered healthy for people and the environment.

Supporters say the bill creates reasonable criteria for the industry. Opponents say it poses a risk to public health and the environment.

House Bill 1144 allows companies to spill up to five barrels of oil spills and up to 15 barrels of wastewater without reporting them to the state.

Gov. Tom Wolf’s office has said the bill “poses an undeniable risk to the health and safety of our citizens, the environment, and our public resources.”