I recognize the need to extract the natural gas from the Marcellus Shale located in Pennsylvania, and that its development and production will significantly affect the economy of Pennsylvania for years to come. I also believe that this resource must be developed safely.
I recognize the need to extract the natural gas from the Marcellus Shale located in Pennsylvania, and that its development and production will significantly affect the economy of Pennsylvania for years to come. I also believe that this resource must be developed safely.
- Any drilling on public lands must be done in a purposeful and well managed manner in order to diminish impact to the surrounding land, underground water system, local streams and rivers.
- Drilling companies should be required to leave an area in a condition similar to the way it was before drilling started. In order to assure this, the companies must fund an escrow account at a level determined by calculating the area disturbed and the proposed cost associated with reclamation and renovation of the area. Those contracts need to be clearly written to ensure that the protection of people, water quality and land does not become a taxpayer burden.
- Gas companies must be taxed at a rate that is no less than fair market in other states and areas. Currently the three leading states in Natural Gas production are Texas that taxes gas companies at 7.5%, Wyoming at 6% and Oklahoma at 7%. Severance tax is seen by the industry as just another cost of doing business. There is no reason not to tax this industry and provide for the safety and well being of our residents and our lands.
- A significant portion of those tax dollars must be used to provide for stringent oversight and environmental protection.
I am concerned that Pennsylvania will sell off its gas only to be left with vast areas of land and water that are unusable and contaminated. There must be strong regulation and fees to pay for independent oversight of drilling companies if we are to permit drilling, as well as heavy fines for failing to follow safety regulations for the workers and the environment.
I support the position paper that was released on May 1, 2010 by the League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania and the position paper regarding Marcellus Shale drilling and campaign finance reform from Common Cause PA.
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