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PACD: Proposed Marcellus Shale Impact Fee Will Protect, Safeguard PA's Natural Resources
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A new bill-- Senate Bill 1100 (Scarnati-R-Jefferson)-- proposing a local impact fee on the extraction of natural gas introduced by Sen. Joseph Scarnati will deliver much-needed funding to reimburse Pennsylvania’s counties and municipalities affected by drilling, statewide conservation efforts, as well as important environmental and infrastructure projects, according to the PA Association of Conservation Districts.
The proposed bill would impose a base fee of $10,000 for every drilling well with that number increasing based on production and the price of natural gas. In addition to funding provided to local governments, the bill will supply a steady, long-term funding stream to Pennsylvania’s county conservation districts that continue to provide crucial permitting and environmental protection activities in the Marcellus Shale region.
“We once again thank Sen. Scarnati for his leadership on his important issue, understanding that our local communities and those working to protect our natural resources in these areas are in need of the funding that this bill will provide,” said Robert B. Maiden, Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts. “With the increased activity from natural gas drilling, the demand on the conservation districts will continue to grow and we must plan now to provide the needed, stable funding to continue the vital and important work done by the districts.”
In addition to its increased responsibilities relating to natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale, the County Conservation Districts continue their efforts to help Pennsylvania meet the goals outlined in the Chesapeake Bay Water Implementation Plan; improve and protect the state’s water and air quality; administer stream bank erosion programs; and preserve valuable farm land.
For more information, visit the Marcellus Shale Impact Fee Proposal webpage on Sen. Scarnati's website.
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5/30/2011 |
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