Energy committees from the Pennsylvania House and Senate voted against new state drilling rules April 12 that would have upgraded operating standards for Marcellus shale wells and traditional oil and gas wells. The rules include waste pit regulations, improved clean-up standards and further protections for public resources near drilling sites.

According to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette PowerSource, the state Department of Environmental Protection released the proposed rules after collecting public comments and holding public hearings over the past two years.

The legislature’s disapproval of the rules does not officially reject the rules. Pennsylvania’s Independent Regulatory Review Commission will consider them April 21. The committee’s decision will determine whether or not the rules will take effect.

Read more: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette PowerSource > Energy committees urge ‘no’ vote on new Pa. drilling rules