People monitoring the gas drilling industry in Pennsylvania are debating whether the lack of government regulations in Pennsylvania may actually end up harming the gas drilling industry.  Pipeline construction, gas drilling on state game lands, gas drilling near rivers and lakes supporting homes and vacation communities and other areas at risk for devastating pollution events could result in multi billion dollar exposure to the gas drilling industry if not performed properly. Environmental regulation proponents note that  well thought out regulations may actually protect the gas drilling industry from unnecessary liability exposure.  New York State is currently working on just such regulations prior to issuing drilling permits.