Pennsylvania’s Commonwealth Court has issued a split decision on environmental regulations on Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling, ruling in part on the side of the Marcellus Shale Coalition, who challenged the regulations 16 days after they took effect, according to WCN 24/7.

The seven-judge panel issued a 91-page decision against the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Environmental Quality Board a week ago, determining state officials don’t have the authority to mandate restoration of sites to their original conditions within nine of months of when drilling has ended.

However, the court also sided with the DEP in its decision in other respects, including rules for liquid impoundment ponds and how drillers must respond when nearby wells are affected by their activity.

Learn more: WCN 24/7 > Court issues split decision on Pa.’s natural gas drilling rules