The Safe Development of Marcellus Shale

By Susan F. Rzucidlo

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.