Game lands leased for gas, oil exploration

An oil/gas lease with Atlas America has been approved by the Pa. Game Commission, allowing the company to tap reserves from beneath 2,030 acres in State Game Lands 223, in exchange for 139 acres of land adjacent to SGL 265 in Fayette County, royalties and free natural gas. The lease limits development to 13 wells.

Atlas America already controls oil and gas rights under about 840 acres on SGL 223 and has obtained permits to drill wells.