pa environment digest june 20, 2011

8/6/2019 Pa Environment Digest June 20, 2011

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PA Environment DigestAn Update On Environmental Issues In PAEdited By: David E. Hess, Crisci Associates

Winner 2009 PAEE Business Partner Of The Year Award

Harrisburg, Pa June 20, 2011

Senate Committee Reports Out Marcellus Shale Fee Bill To Move Process

The Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee this week amended and reported

out Senate Bill 1100 (Scarnati-R-Jefferson) establishing a Marcellus Shale Impact fee and

requiring the development of a model local zoning ordinance to control drilling activities to

provide a vehicle for the impact fee issue.The vote on the amendment and the bill were unanimous, but Committee members took

turns expressing concerns about the amendment and the bill itself, some noting they plan to offer

amendments of their own once the bill reaches the Senate Floor.

Sen. Mary Jo White (R-Venango), Majority Chair of the Committee, described the

amendment as turning the bill into a pure impact fee bill, rather than what she said was a

severance tax based in part on well production.

We want to be clear to distinguish an impact fee from a tax. A fee is tailored to defray

the cost of an activity, while a tax is levied on an activity and the revenue redistributed elsewhere

a redistribution of income, said Sen. White. Weve all been put on notice that there will be

no new taxes. This is an attempt to provide some relief to communities that experience direct

impacts due to drilling.

The amendment establishes only a per well fee for the first 10 years of production

starting at $40,000 per year, dropping to $10,000.

The amendment also makes a number of changes to the distribution of the funds raised--

-- Creates a housing credit for up to 30 percent of a well fee owed by an operator for

contributions to a local affordable housing fund or organization;

-- Allocates $1 million per year to the State Fire Commissioner for local community emergency

service organization training and equipment grants;

-- Removes trails, parks and recreation, open space, floodplain management and agricultural

preservation from eligible uses of the local and state share funding;

-- Revises the way local share funds going to county conservation districts are handled, but keepsthe conservation allocation in the bill;

-- Reduces the amount allocated to the Commonwealth Financing Authority under the state share

from 80 to 60 percent and provides that no more than 40 percent of the funds can go for water,

stormwater and sewer system projects;

-- Increases the amount of the state share funding going to the Motor License Fund for state road

and bridge repairs;
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-- Increases the amount of money going to the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund from 10 to 20

percent of the state share;

-- A priority for state share money was added to include acid mine drainage, cleanup and

reclamation projects which recycle and treat mine drainage water for use in drilling operations;

and

-- Adds a provision requiring the elimination of the impact fee if a severance tax is adopted.Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair of the Committee, noted the

significance of the action taken this week saying this is the first action by the Senate on any

Marcellus Shale fee or tax bill, although he said the structure and allocation of funds in Senate

Bill 905, which he and Sen. Ted Erickson (R-Delaware) sponsored, were closer to what he

thought was needed.

It is imperative to move impact fee legislation to the full Senate, Sen. Yudichak said.

This legislation may not be the final version of a severance tax or impact fee, but it moves the

process and debate on this key legislation forward as we negotiate a state spending plan.

We owe it to the citizens, especially those who live in the Marcellus Shale region, to

alleviate some of the environmental burdens they face due to natural gas drilling.

He said, like Sen. Scarnati, the impact fee legislation should be part of the budget talksbecause the revenue generated by the bill is necessary to offset local impacts of drilling and

expressed concerns about taking away local authority to control the impacts of drilling through

zoning.

While I remain concerned that this bill does not go far enough to protect Pennsylvanias

citizens and environment, I know how important it is to have a severance tax or fee in place,

Sen. Yudichak said. I am pleased with the bipartisan effort and the serious discussions that have

progressed on this issue. I hope we can reach an agreement on a fair and responsible severance

tax before this summers recess.

A new poll out this week from Quinnipiac University shows voters support imposition of

a Marcellus Shale tax 69 to 24 percent and for the first time regional support tops 60 percent inevery region of the state.

The bill now goes to the Senate Floor and is expected to be referred to the Senate

Appropriations Committee.

A copy of the amendment and a summary is available at the Committee website. A

summary of the original bill is available online.

NewsClips: Marcellus Impact Fee Momentum Picking Up

Proposed Drilling Fee May Piggyback On Budget Bill

New Marcellus Shale Fee Plan Introduced In House

Gas Drilling Fee Proposal Moves Forward In Senate

Marcellus Shale Impact Fee Moves Forward

Senate Edges Closer To Shale Gas Driller FeeShale Impact Fee Bills May Collide With Budget

Drilling Impact Fee Bill Goes To Full Senate

Senate Panel Revises Drilling Fee Proposal

Senate Panel Advances Gas Drilling Fee

Editorial: Maximize Gas Fee's Impact

Editorial: Choose Impact Fee Alternative
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0905http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0905http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2011/06/new-poll-finds-voters-support-new-tax.htmlhttp://www.senatormjwhite.com/environmental/2011/061411/agenda.htmhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=19156http://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/impact-fee-momentum-picking-uphttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742252.htmlhttp://www.pocononews.net/news/2011/June/16/16Jun11-2.htmlhttp://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/06/gas-drilling_fee_proposal_move.htmlhttp://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/impact-fee-moves-forwardhttp://www.philly.com/philly/news/20110615_Pa__Senate_edges_closer_to_shale-gas-driller_fee.htmlhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742077.htmlhttp://www.timesleader.com/news/Drilling_impact_fee_bill__goes_to_full_Pa__Senate_06-15-2011.htmlhttp://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11166/1153717-53.stmhttp://www.newsworks.org/index.php/health-science/item/21543-pa-senate-panel-advances-gas-drilling-feehttp://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/maximize-gas-fee-s-impact-1.1162584http://citizensvoice.com/opinion/choose-impact-fee-alternative-1.1162508?cache=03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188http://citizensvoice.com/opinion/choose-impact-fee-alternative-1.1162508?cache=03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188http://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/maximize-gas-fee-s-impact-1.1162584http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/health-science/item/21543-pa-senate-panel-advances-gas-drilling-feehttp://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11166/1153717-53.stmhttp://www.timesleader.com/news/Drilling_impact_fee_bill__goes_to_full_Pa__Senate_06-15-2011.htmlhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742077.htmlhttp://www.philly.com/philly/news/20110615_Pa__Senate_edges_closer_to_shale-gas-driller_fee.htmlhttp://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/impact-fee-moves-forwardhttp://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/06/gas-drilling_fee_proposal_move.htmlhttp://www.pocononews.net/news/2011/June/16/16Jun11-2.htmlhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742252.htmlhttp://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/impact-fee-momentum-picking-uphttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=19156http://www.senatormjwhite.com/environmental/2011/061411/agenda.htmhttp://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2011/06/new-poll-finds-voters-support-new-tax.htmlhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0905http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0905


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Editorial: Quinn Bill A Better Fee Plan For Gas Drillers

PA Voters Like Shale Tax: Q Poll

Poll: State's Voters Say, Drill Baby Drill

Poll: Strong Support For Drilling Impact Fee Looks In Budget Debate

Growing Greener Coalition: Amended Impact Fee Bill Unfortunate Step Backward

The Renew Growing Greener Coalition expressed disappointment in amendments made by the

Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee to legislation sponsored by Senate

President Pro Tempore Joseph Scarnati (R-Jefferson)-- Senate Bill 1100-- which establishes an

impact fee on natural gas drilling, but fails to include funding for key programs to protect the

environment.

Coalition Executive Director Andrew Heath issued the following statement:

The amended Scarnati impact fee legislation is an unfortunate step backward. By

removing critical funding for key environmental programs, the legislation leaves the future of

our natural resources, community vitality, and economy at risk.

Without funding for farmland, forests, community parks, trails and green open spacesour children and grandchildren may never get to appropriately enjoy the wealth of our natural

heritage, which has defined Pennsylvania as a great place to live and raise a family.

Moreover, by failing to invest in Growing Greener the legislation fails to invest in our

economy. Growing Greener projects have not only addressed millions of dollars in

environmental legacy costs, they have generated billions of dollars for Pennsylvania in jobs,

taxes, and tourism.

In addition, by changing the existing funding mechanism for Growing Greener, the

legislation raises real concerns about fairness and transparency. The current way of funding

vetted through public agencies that are experts in their fields has worked since 1999. Why

change something that isnt broken?As this legislation moves forward, the Renew Growing Greener Coalition is counting on

Legislators from across the great state of Pennsylvania to stand up for the environment, stand up

for our children and grandchildren and restore funding for Growing Greener.

Growing Greener is a bipartisan program established in 1999 under Gov. Tom Ridge and

later expanded by Governors Schweiker and Rendell. Since its establishment, Growing Greener

has created a legacy of success, preserving more than 33,700 acres of Pennsylvanias family

farmland, conserving more than 42,300 acres of threatened open space, adding 26,000 acres to

state parks and forests, and restoring over 16,000 acres of abandoned mine lands.

In 2002, during the post 9-11 recession, a dedicated source of revenue for Growing

Greener was identified in an increase in the states tipping fee, the fee charged for dumping

trash in Pennsylvanias landfills. Those funds were supplemented by a $625 million bondapproved by voters in 2005, called Growing Greener II. Unless action is taken, those funds will

be largely exhausted as of June 30th, with most of the Growing Greener I tipping fees going to

the debt service on the Growing Greener II bonds.

More than 90 Pennsylvania municipalities and counties have passed resolutions urging

the Governor and legislature to renew Growing Greener funding. Counties passing resolutions

include: Blair, Cambria, Erie, Fayette, Greene, Indiana Lackawanna, Lawrence, Lehigh,
http://standardspeaker.com/opinion/a-better-fee-plan-for-gas-drillers-1.1163021http://earlyreturns.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/early-returns-20/53-post-gazette-staff/2906-pa-voters-like-shale-tax-q-pollhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742047.htmlhttp://thetimes-tribune.com/news/gas-drilling/poll-strong-support-for-drilling-impact-fee-looms-larger-in-budget-debate-1.1161934http://www.renewgrowinggreener.org/http://www.senatormjwhite.com/environmental/2011/061411/agenda.htmhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=1100http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=1100http://www.senatormjwhite.com/environmental/2011/061411/agenda.htmhttp://www.renewgrowinggreener.org/http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/gas-drilling/poll-strong-support-for-drilling-impact-fee-looms-larger-in-budget-debate-1.1161934http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742047.htmlhttp://earlyreturns.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/early-returns-20/53-post-gazette-staff/2906-pa-voters-like-shale-tax-q-pollhttp://standardspeaker.com/opinion/a-better-fee-plan-for-gas-drillers-1.1163021


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Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Philadelphia, Pike, Somerset, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Washington,

Westmoreland, Wyoming and York.


a Marcellus Shale tax 69 to 24 percent and for the first time regional support tops 60 percent in

every region of the state.

The Renew Growing Greener Coalition is the Commonwealths largest coalition ofconservation, recreation and environmental organizations representing nearly organizations and

government entities.






Senate Edges Closer To Shale Gas Driller Fee

Shale Impact Fee Bills May Collide With Budget


Senate Panel Revises Drilling Fee ProposalSenate Panel Advances Gas Drilling Fee







Conservation Districts See Hope In Marcellus Shale Impact Fee Bill Moving

In response to the action on Senate Bill 1100 (Scarnati-R-Jefferson) establishing a Marcellus

Shale impact fee, the PA Association of Conservation Districts issued this statement--

I thank and applaud Sen. White and members of the committee for moving this important bill

forward that will benefit and safeguard our precious environmental resources, said MaryAnn

Warren, President, Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts. The County

Conservation Districts provide essential environmental protection services in every county across

the commonwealth and stable funding and resources are needed to support their mission and the

critical work they do every day to protect our communities.

Senate Bill 1100 will supply a steady, long-term funding stream to Pennsylvanias county

conservation districts that continue to provide crucial permitting and environmental protectionactivities in the Marcellus Shale region. The bill appropriates $7.5 million in funds annually to

assist conservation districts in their efforts to provide vital services at the local level. Money for

the districts would be placed into a Conservation District Fund administered by the State

Conservation Commission.

We are very pleased with the action taken today by the committee, said Robert B.

Maiden, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts. We are

looking forward to the Senates consideration of this bill and once again commend Senator
http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2011/06/new-poll-finds-voters-support-new-tax.htmlhttp://www.renewgrowinggreener.org/http://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/impact-fee-momentum-picking-uphttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742252.htmlhttp://www.pocononews.net/news/2011/June/16/16Jun11-2.htmlhttp://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/06/gas-drilling_fee_proposal_move.htmlhttp://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/impact-fee-moves-forwardhttp://www.philly.com/philly/news/20110615_Pa__Senate_edges_closer_to_shale-gas-driller_fee.htmlhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742077.htmlhttp://www.timesleader.com/news/Drilling_impact_fee_bill__goes_to_full_Pa__Senate_06-15-2011.htmlhttp://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11166/1153717-53.stmhttp://www.newsworks.org/index.php/health-science/item/21543-pa-senate-panel-advances-gas-drilling-feehttp://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/maximize-gas-fee-s-impact-1.1162584http://citizensvoice.com/opinion/choose-impact-fee-alternative-1.1162508?cache=03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188http://standardspeaker.com/opinion/a-better-fee-plan-for-gas-drillers-1.1163021http://earlyreturns.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/early-returns-20/53-post-gazette-staff/2906-pa-voters-like-shale-tax-q-pollhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742047.htmlhttp://thetimes-tribune.com/news/gas-drilling/poll-strong-support-for-drilling-impact-fee-looms-larger-in-budget-debate-1.1161934http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=1100http://www.pacd.org/http://www.pacd.org/http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=1100http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/gas-drilling/poll-strong-support-for-drilling-impact-fee-looms-larger-in-budget-debate-1.1161934http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742047.htmlhttp://earlyreturns.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/early-returns-20/53-post-gazette-staff/2906-pa-voters-like-shale-tax-q-pollhttp://standardspeaker.com/opinion/a-better-fee-plan-for-gas-drillers-1.1163021http://citizensvoice.com/opinion/choose-impact-fee-alternative-1.1162508?cache=03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188http://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/maximize-gas-fee-s-impact-1.1162584http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/health-science/item/21543-pa-senate-panel-advances-gas-drilling-feehttp://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11166/1153717-53.stmhttp://www.timesleader.com/news/Drilling_impact_fee_bill__goes_to_full_Pa__Senate_06-15-2011.htmlhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742077.htmlhttp://www.philly.com/philly/news/20110615_Pa__Senate_edges_closer_to_shale-gas-driller_fee.htmlhttp://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/impact-fee-moves-forwardhttp://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/06/gas-drilling_fee_proposal_move.htmlhttp://www.pocononews.net/news/2011/June/16/16Jun11-2.htmlhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742252.htmlhttp://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/impact-fee-momentum-picking-uphttp://www.renewgrowinggreener.org/http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2011/06/new-poll-finds-voters-support-new-tax.html


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Scarnati for having the fortitude and commitment to protect Pennsylvanias environment and its

resources at this very pivotal moment in its history.

Over the last decade, Pennsylvanias county conservation districts have seen a decline in

state funding, but an increase in work load and responsibilities. Each of the 66 conservation

districts takes its work to protect our natural resources and our environment seriously, but is

often left struggling to find new resources, avenues and additional funding to keep our waterresources pollution free, the air we breathe clean and the land we live on sustainable.

The staff at the conservation districts works tirelessly for the federal, state and local

governments in almost every facet of environmental protection. From permitting and farm land

preservation to stream erosion programs and protecting the water you drink, the Conservation

Districts respond quickly without reservation to all environmental issues and needs within the

Commonwealth.

Pennsylvania now finds itself at a crossroads as it relates to protecting its environmental

resources. The massive exploration and development of natural gas from the vast Marcellus

Shale formation, while positive for our economy and livelihood, can also be detrimental to our

environment.

That is why, now more than ever, it is important that the conservation districts beprovided with a dedicated annual stream of funding that will support the increased demand on

the conservation districts as a result of the drilling for natural gas in communities throughout the

state.






New Marcellus Shale Fee Plan Introduced In HouseGas Drilling Fee Proposal Moves Forward In Senate










PA Voters Like Shale Tax: Q PollPoll: State's Voters Say, Drill Baby Drill


Sen. Yaw Supports Impact Fee Bill, Urges Action To Make Royalty Interests Taxable
http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2011/06/new-poll-finds-voters-support-new-tax.htmlhttp://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/impact-fee-momentum-picking-uphttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742252.htmlhttp://www.pocononews.net/news/2011/June/16/16Jun11-2.htmlhttp://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/06/gas-drilling_fee_proposal_move.htmlhttp://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/impact-fee-moves-forwardhttp://www.philly.com/philly/news/20110615_Pa__Senate_edges_closer_to_shale-gas-driller_fee.htmlhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742077.htmlhttp://www.timesleader.com/news/Drilling_impact_fee_bill__goes_to_full_Pa__Senate_06-15-2011.htmlhttp://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11166/1153717-53.stmhttp://www.newsworks.org/index.php/health-science/item/21543-pa-senate-panel-advances-gas-drilling-feehttp://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/maximize-gas-fee-s-impact-1.1162584http://citizensvoice.com/opinion/choose-impact-fee-alternative-1.1162508?cache=03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188http://standardspeaker.com/opinion/a-better-fee-plan-for-gas-drillers-1.1163021http://earlyreturns.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/early-returns-20/53-post-gazette-staff/2906-pa-voters-like-shale-tax-q-pollhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742047.htmlhttp://thetimes-tribune.com/news/gas-drilling/poll-strong-support-for-drilling-impact-fee-looms-larger-in-budget-debate-1.1161934http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/gas-drilling/poll-strong-support-for-drilling-impact-fee-looms-larger-in-budget-debate-1.1161934http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742047.htmlhttp://earlyreturns.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/early-returns-20/53-post-gazette-staff/2906-pa-voters-like-shale-tax-q-pollhttp://standardspeaker.com/opinion/a-better-fee-plan-for-gas-drillers-1.1163021http://citizensvoice.com/opinion/choose-impact-fee-alternative-1.1162508?cache=03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188http://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/maximize-gas-fee-s-impact-1.1162584http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/health-science/item/21543-pa-senate-panel-advances-gas-drilling-feehttp://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11166/1153717-53.stmhttp://www.timesleader.com/news/Drilling_impact_fee_bill__goes_to_full_Pa__Senate_06-15-2011.htmlhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742077.htmlhttp://www.philly.com/philly/news/20110615_Pa__Senate_edges_closer_to_shale-gas-driller_fee.htmlhttp://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/impact-fee-moves-forwardhttp://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/06/gas-drilling_fee_proposal_move.htmlhttp://www.pocononews.net/news/2011/June/16/16Jun11-2.htmlhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742252.htmlhttp://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/impact-fee-momentum-picking-uphttp://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2011/06/new-poll-finds-voters-support-new-tax.html


6/45

Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Bradford) said action this week by the Senate Environmental Resources and

Energy Committee improved Senate Bill 1100 (Scarnati-R-Jefferson) by adding provisions

creating a shale impact fee housing credit.

"This legislation is an important step forward to ensuring that local communities and

local governments impacted by the drilling receive much-needed support in the form of an

impact fee," said Sen. Yaw."Increased investment driven by the natural gas industry has resulted in unprecedented

levels of growth throughout the Northern Tier. Never before has there been such an urgent need

for residential and commercial real estate to fully serve this area. We have an obligation to

ensure that the local housing market is viable for all area residents," Sen. Yaw added.

Sen. Yaw also urged support for legislation that would make "royalty interests derived

from Marcellus Shale irrespective of the well location" a real estate interest and thus a subject of

taxation under the assessment law.

Senate Bill 744, sponsored by Yaw, would seek to give local governments a stake in their

own decision-making regarding the industry within the respective municipal boundaries.

"As a real estate interest, the value of the gas well would be determined according to the

law in the same manner as any other real estate interest in Pennsylvania, such as hotels, minimarkets, shopping malls, industrial properties and homes," Sen. Yaw said. "This bill (Senate Bill

744) is the only pending legislation, which would allow school districts to directly benefit from

the gas industry."

He added that until 2002, gas wells were taxed in this manner. In 2002, however, the

Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that our statute was not broad enough to include gas wells.





Proposed Drilling Fee May Piggyback On Budget BillNew Marcellus Shale Fee Plan Introduced In House










Editorial: Quinn Bill A Better Fee Plan For Gas DrillersPA Voters Like Shale Tax: Q Poll



Reps Scavello, Peifer, Brown Co-Sponsor Rep. Quinn's Marcellus Fee Plan
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=1100http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0744http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2011/06/new-poll-finds-voters-support-new-tax.htmlhttp://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/impact-fee-momentum-picking-uphttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742252.htmlhttp://www.pocononews.net/news/2011/June/16/16Jun11-2.htmlhttp://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/06/gas-drilling_fee_proposal_move.htmlhttp://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/impact-fee-moves-forwardhttp://www.philly.com/philly/news/20110615_Pa__Senate_edges_closer_to_shale-gas-driller_fee.htmlhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742077.htmlhttp://www.timesleader.com/news/Drilling_impact_fee_bill__goes_to_full_Pa__Senate_06-15-2011.htmlhttp://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11166/1153717-53.stmhttp://www.newsworks.org/index.php/health-science/item/21543-pa-senate-panel-advances-gas-drilling-feehttp://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/maximize-gas-fee-s-impact-1.1162584http://citizensvoice.com/opinion/choose-impact-fee-alternative-1.1162508?cache=03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188http://standardspeaker.com/opinion/a-better-fee-plan-for-gas-drillers-1.1163021http://earlyreturns.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/early-returns-20/53-post-gazette-staff/2906-pa-voters-like-shale-tax-q-pollhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742047.htmlhttp://thetimes-tribune.com/news/gas-drilling/poll-strong-support-for-drilling-impact-fee-looms-larger-in-budget-debate-1.1161934http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/gas-drilling/poll-strong-support-for-drilling-impact-fee-looms-larger-in-budget-debate-1.1161934http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742047.htmlhttp://earlyreturns.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/early-returns-20/53-post-gazette-staff/2906-pa-voters-like-shale-tax-q-pollhttp://standardspeaker.com/opinion/a-better-fee-plan-for-gas-drillers-1.1163021http://citizensvoice.com/opinion/choose-impact-fee-alternative-1.1162508?cache=03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188http://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/maximize-gas-fee-s-impact-1.1162584http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/health-science/item/21543-pa-senate-panel-advances-gas-drilling-feehttp://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11166/1153717-53.stmhttp://www.timesleader.com/news/Drilling_impact_fee_bill__goes_to_full_Pa__Senate_06-15-2011.htmlhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742077.htmlhttp://www.philly.com/philly/news/20110615_Pa__Senate_edges_closer_to_shale-gas-driller_fee.htmlhttp://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/impact-fee-moves-forwardhttp://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/06/gas-drilling_fee_proposal_move.htmlhttp://www.pocononews.net/news/2011/June/16/16Jun11-2.htmlhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742252.htmlhttp://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/impact-fee-momentum-picking-uphttp://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2011/06/new-poll-finds-voters-support-new-tax.htmlhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0744http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=1100


7/45

Reps. Mario M. Scavello (R-Monroe), Mike Peifer (R-Monroe) and Rosemary M. Brown (R-

Monroe) have co-sponsored House Bill 1700 (Quinn-R-Bucks) that will create an

unconventional well impact fee applied to Marcellus Shale wells that would be distributed to

local governments, environmental programs and road and bridge repairs.

The proposal, known as the Shale Impact Mitigation Policy for Local Government, the

Environment and Roads Act (SIMPLER), divides proceeds from the impact fees between threenew funds in the State Treasury benefiting local governments and environmental concerns in

shale impact areas, and roads and bridges across the Commonwealth.

No matter how many wells are physically located in the districts we represent, the

potential environmental impact on the lakes and watersheds in Monroe, Pike and Wayne counties

is our primary concern, said Rep. Scavello. Our area depends on environmental tourism,

boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, canoeing, biking and hiking, so naturally we are most

concerned with the possible impact of wells on watersheds, lakes and rivers.

House Bill 1700 would assess a $50,000 impact fee per well for the first two years of

production on an unconventional well, such as those being drilled for Marcellus Shale. The

impact fee decreases $5,000 every two years from $45,000 in years three to four to $20,000 in

years 13 through 14, and is set at $15,000 for the next six years of production and $10,000 inyear 21 and thereafter.

Our constituents support an impact fee that stays locally and is used to monitor and

remediate any issues that arise from Marcellus shale gas wells drilled in our counties or in

neighboring areas, said Rep. Peifer. Marcellus Shale jobs have been a boon to Pennsylvania,

which is third in the nation in job creation during the past nine months, but we must have a

balance between jobs and the impact of the wells on our natural areas.

We want to ensure that the health and safety of the people we represent is protected

specifically by the companies conducting the drilling, said Rep. Brown. We don't want to see a

similar situation as what happened with the coal industry where decades of mining resulted in

environmental impacts we are still addressing today. The impact fees will stay local and allowmunicipalities and counties the financial means to protect our area and the areas experiencing the

majority of drilling.

House Bill 1700 is sponsored by Rep. Quinn and has bipartisan support. It will be

referred to the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, but Rep. Quinn did not

rule out introducing the proposal as an amendment to a bill moving through the Legislature

during June so that it can be considered as part of the budget process.

Impact Fee Distribution Fact Sheet

-- The Local Government Shale Impact Mitigation Fund would receive 50 percent of the

revenue.

-- Half would be provided to municipalities in which wells are located. The funds could be used

for:-- Water, storm water and sewer system construction, repair and maintenance;

-- Preservation and reclamation of surface and subsurface water supplies; and

-- Construction and maintenance of municipal roads and bridges.

-- Half would be provided to counties in which wells are located. The funds could be used for:

-- Municipal police, fire and emergency medical services, equipment and training;

-- Equipment for countywide training for municipal first responders and emergency preparedness

associated specifically relation to gas well incidents; and
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=1700http://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=19230&SubjectID=&SearchWord=quinnhttp://www.paenvironmentdigest.com/newsletter/default.asp?NewsletterArticleID=19230&SubjectID=&SearchWord=quinnhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=1700


8/45

-- Grants to municipalities for environmental projects relating to watershed protection and flood

control, and planning and enforcement activities.

-- The Environmental Shale Impact Mitigation Fund would receive 30 percent of the revenue.

-- 25 percent would be transferred to the Environmental Stewardship Fund until the 2014-15

fiscal year.

-- 15 percent from the 2015-16 fiscal year and beyond.-- 10 percent would be transferred to the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Fund from the 2015-16 fiscal

year and beyond.

-- 5 percent would be transferred to the Conservation District Fund.

-- The Impact Road and Bridge Shale Impact Mitigation Fund would receive 20 percent of the

revenue for funding highway and bridge construction priority projects across the

Commonwealth.





Proposed Drilling Fee May Piggyback On Budget BillNew Marcellus Shale Fee Plan Introduced In House









Editorial: Choose Impact Fee AlternativeEditorial: Quinn Bill A Better Fee Plan For Gas Drillers




Renew Growing Greener Coalition Applauds Rep. Quinn On Marcellus Fee Bill

The Renew Growing Greener Coalition this week commended Rep. Marguerite Quinn (R-Bucks)

for proposing Marcellus Shale local impact fee legislation-- House Bill 1700-- that includes

funding for the states Growing Greener program through the Environmental Stewardship Fund.

Coalition Executive Director Andrew Heath issued the following statement:The Renew Growing Greener Coalition is pleased with legislation proposed by Rep.

Quinn that provides dedicated funding for the states Growing Greener program through the

Environmental Stewardship Fund and also takes care of our conservation districts, which are our

first line of defense for our waterways.

Rep. Quinns legislation gets back to basics and is a simple, common sense approach to

addressing the impact of the natural gas industry on local communities and our natural resources.
http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2011/06/new-poll-finds-voters-support-new-tax.htmlhttp://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/impact-fee-momentum-picking-uphttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742252.htmlhttp://www.pocononews.net/news/2011/June/16/16Jun11-2.htmlhttp://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/06/gas-drilling_fee_proposal_move.htmlhttp://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/impact-fee-moves-forwardhttp://www.philly.com/philly/news/20110615_Pa__Senate_edges_closer_to_shale-gas-driller_fee.htmlhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742077.htmlhttp://www.timesleader.com/news/Drilling_impact_fee_bill__goes_to_full_Pa__Senate_06-15-2011.htmlhttp://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11166/1153717-53.stmhttp://www.newsworks.org/index.php/health-science/item/21543-pa-senate-panel-advances-gas-drilling-feehttp://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/maximize-gas-fee-s-impact-1.1162584http://citizensvoice.com/opinion/choose-impact-fee-alternative-1.1162508?cache=03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188http://standardspeaker.com/opinion/a-better-fee-plan-for-gas-drillers-1.1163021http://earlyreturns.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/early-returns-20/53-post-gazette-staff/2906-pa-voters-like-shale-tax-q-pollhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742047.htmlhttp://thetimes-tribune.com/news/gas-drilling/poll-strong-support-for-drilling-impact-fee-looms-larger-in-budget-debate-1.1161934http://www.renewgrowinggreener.org/http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=1700http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=1700http://www.renewgrowinggreener.org/http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/gas-drilling/poll-strong-support-for-drilling-impact-fee-looms-larger-in-budget-debate-1.1161934http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742047.htmlhttp://earlyreturns.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/early-returns-20/53-post-gazette-staff/2906-pa-voters-like-shale-tax-q-pollhttp://standardspeaker.com/opinion/a-better-fee-plan-for-gas-drillers-1.1163021http://citizensvoice.com/opinion/choose-impact-fee-alternative-1.1162508?cache=03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188http://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/maximize-gas-fee-s-impact-1.1162584http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/health-science/item/21543-pa-senate-panel-advances-gas-drilling-feehttp://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11166/1153717-53.stmhttp://www.timesleader.com/news/Drilling_impact_fee_bill__goes_to_full_Pa__Senate_06-15-2011.htmlhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742077.htmlhttp://www.philly.com/philly/news/20110615_Pa__Senate_edges_closer_to_shale-gas-driller_fee.htmlhttp://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/impact-fee-moves-forwardhttp://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/06/gas-drilling_fee_proposal_move.htmlhttp://www.pocononews.net/news/2011/June/16/16Jun11-2.htmlhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742252.htmlhttp://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/impact-fee-momentum-picking-uphttp://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2011/06/new-poll-finds-voters-support-new-tax.html


9/45

By establishing a fair and reasonable fee based on well construction rather than

production or market rates, Rep. Quinn has put forth a plan that we believe the Governor can

support while keeping his promise not to raise taxes.

The Renew Growing Greener Coalition supports Rep. Quinns efforts to restore funding

to protect and preserve our environment for future generations.

Growing Greener is a bipartisan program established in 1999 under Gov. Tom Ridge andlater expanded by Governors Schweiker and Rendell. Since its establishment, Growing Greener

has created a legacy of success, preserving more than 33,700 acres of Pennsylvanias family





trash in Pennsylvanias landfills. Those funds were supplemented by a $625 million bond

approved by voters in 2005, called Growing Greener II. Unless action is taken, those funds will

be largely exhausted as of June 30th, with most of the Growing Greener I tipping fees going to

the debt service on the Growing Greener II bonds.

More than 90 Pennsylvania municipalities and counties have passed resolutions urgingthe Governor and legislature to renew Growing Greener funding. Counties passing resolutions

include: Blair, Cambria, Erie, Fayette, Greene, Indiana Lackawanna, Lawrence, Lehigh,

Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Philadelphia, Pike, Somerset, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Washington,

Westmoreland, Wyoming and York.




The Renew Growing Greener Coalition is the Commonwealths largest coalition of

conservation, recreation and environmental organizations representing nearly 300 organizations

and government entities.NewsClips: Marcellus Impact Fee Momentum Picking Up










Editorial: Maximize Gas Fee's ImpactEditorial: Choose Impact Fee Alternative




http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2011/06/new-poll-finds-voters-support-new-tax.htmlhttp://www.renewgrowinggreener.org/http://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/impact-fee-momentum-picking-uphttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742252.htmlhttp://www.pocononews.net/news/2011/June/16/16Jun11-2.htmlhttp://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/06/gas-drilling_fee_proposal_move.htmlhttp://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/impact-fee-moves-forwardhttp://www.philly.com/philly/news/20110615_Pa__Senate_edges_closer_to_shale-gas-driller_fee.htmlhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742077.htmlhttp://www.timesleader.com/news/Drilling_impact_fee_bill__goes_to_full_Pa__Senate_06-15-2011.htmlhttp://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11166/1153717-53.stmhttp://www.newsworks.org/index.php/health-science/item/21543-pa-senate-panel-advances-gas-drilling-feehttp://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/maximize-gas-fee-s-impact-1.1162584http://citizensvoice.com/opinion/choose-impact-fee-alternative-1.1162508?cache=03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188http://standardspeaker.com/opinion/a-better-fee-plan-for-gas-drillers-1.1163021http://earlyreturns.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/early-returns-20/53-post-gazette-staff/2906-pa-voters-like-shale-tax-q-pollhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742047.htmlhttp://thetimes-tribune.com/news/gas-drilling/poll-strong-support-for-drilling-impact-fee-looms-larger-in-budget-debate-1.1161934http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/gas-drilling/poll-strong-support-for-drilling-impact-fee-looms-larger-in-budget-debate-1.1161934http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742047.htmlhttp://earlyreturns.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/early-returns-20/53-post-gazette-staff/2906-pa-voters-like-shale-tax-q-pollhttp://standardspeaker.com/opinion/a-better-fee-plan-for-gas-drillers-1.1163021http://citizensvoice.com/opinion/choose-impact-fee-alternative-1.1162508?cache=03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188http://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/maximize-gas-fee-s-impact-1.1162584http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/health-science/item/21543-pa-senate-panel-advances-gas-drilling-feehttp://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11166/1153717-53.stmhttp://www.timesleader.com/news/Drilling_impact_fee_bill__goes_to_full_Pa__Senate_06-15-2011.htmlhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742077.htmlhttp://www.philly.com/philly/news/20110615_Pa__Senate_edges_closer_to_shale-gas-driller_fee.htmlhttp://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/impact-fee-moves-forwardhttp://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/06/gas-drilling_fee_proposal_move.htmlhttp://www.pocononews.net/news/2011/June/16/16Jun11-2.htmlhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742252.htmlhttp://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/impact-fee-momentum-picking-uphttp://www.renewgrowinggreener.org/http://paenvironmentdaily.blogspot.com/2011/06/new-poll-finds-voters-support-new-tax.html


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New Poll Finds Voters Support New Tax On Drilling Companies 69 to 30 Percent

A new poll released by Quinnipiac University this week shows voters support a new tax on

companies drilling for natural gas 69 - 24 percent. Even Republicans support such a tax 59 - 33

percent. Support tops 60 percent among all other groups and in all regions.Pennsylvania voters say 63 - 30 percent that the economic benefits of natural gas drilling

in the Marcellus Shale outweigh the environmental impacts. Support is strong among men,

women, all parties and in all regions, ranging from 55 - 38 percent among voters in the northeast

corner of the state to 69 - 25 percent among voters in the northwest corner.

"'Drill, baby, drill,' is the call from Pennsylvania voters, and 'tax, baby, tax,' is the follow-

up as voters see natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale as an economic plus more than an

environmental negative," said Tim Malloy, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University

Polling Institute. "They also see added taxes on gas drillers as one of the few acceptable ways to

help balance the budget."

In the same poll, voters disapprove 52 - 33 percent of the way Corbett is handling the

state budget and say 48 - 36 percent that Gov. Tom Corbett's proposals to balance the budget areunfair to people like them. Democrats say unfair 66 - 19 percent while Republicans say fair 55 -

31 percent. Independent voters say unfair 45 - 38 percent.

Overall, voters give Gov. Corbett a 39 - 38 percent job approval rating, with 23 percent

of voters still undecided.

A complete copy of the poll results is available online.

NewsClips: PA Voters Like Shale Tax: Q Poll



Poll: Corbett Approval Found To Founder

Poll Shows Gender Gap On Corbett's Job ApprovalMarcellus Impact Fee Momentum Picking Up










Editorial: Maximize Gas Fee's ImpactEditorial: Choose Impact Fee Alternative


Chester County, 11 Organizations Join Support For Renewal Of Growing Greener

Program
http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1327.xml?ReleaseID=1610http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1327.xml?ReleaseID=1610http://earlyreturns.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/early-returns-20/53-post-gazette-staff/2906-pa-voters-like-shale-tax-q-pollhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742047.htmlhttp://thetimes-tribune.com/news/gas-drilling/poll-strong-support-for-drilling-impact-fee-looms-larger-in-budget-debate-1.1161934http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742144.htmlhttp://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11166/1153719-454.stmhttp://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/impact-fee-momentum-picking-uphttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742252.htmlhttp://www.pocononews.net/news/2011/June/16/16Jun11-2.htmlhttp://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/06/gas-drilling_fee_proposal_move.htmlhttp://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/impact-fee-moves-forwardhttp://www.philly.com/philly/news/20110615_Pa__Senate_edges_closer_to_shale-gas-driller_fee.htmlhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742077.htmlhttp://www.timesleader.com/news/Drilling_impact_fee_bill__goes_to_full_Pa__Senate_06-15-2011.htmlhttp://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11166/1153717-53.stmhttp://www.newsworks.org/index.php/health-science/item/21543-pa-senate-panel-advances-gas-drilling-feehttp://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/maximize-gas-fee-s-impact-1.1162584http://citizensvoice.com/opinion/choose-impact-fee-alternative-1.1162508?cache=03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188http://standardspeaker.com/opinion/a-better-fee-plan-for-gas-drillers-1.1163021http://standardspeaker.com/opinion/a-better-fee-plan-for-gas-drillers-1.1163021http://citizensvoice.com/opinion/choose-impact-fee-alternative-1.1162508?cache=03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188%3Fcache%3D03D163D03D163Dp%3A%2Fhe3D03Dn63Freporti3D19.11145issed-1.1176%2F%3FparentPage%3D2.1188http://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/maximize-gas-fee-s-impact-1.1162584http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/health-science/item/21543-pa-senate-panel-advances-gas-drilling-feehttp://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11166/1153717-53.stmhttp://www.timesleader.com/news/Drilling_impact_fee_bill__goes_to_full_Pa__Senate_06-15-2011.htmlhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742077.htmlhttp://www.philly.com/philly/news/20110615_Pa__Senate_edges_closer_to_shale-gas-driller_fee.htmlhttp://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/impact-fee-moves-forwardhttp://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/06/gas-drilling_fee_proposal_move.htmlhttp://www.pocononews.net/news/2011/June/16/16Jun11-2.htmlhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742252.htmlhttp://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/impact-fee-momentum-picking-uphttp://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11166/1153719-454.stmhttp://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742144.htmlhttp://thetimes-tribune.com/news/gas-drilling/poll-strong-support-for-drilling-impact-fee-looms-larger-in-budget-debate-1.1161934http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/state/s_742047.htmlhttp://earlyreturns.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/early-returns-20/53-post-gazette-staff/2906-pa-voters-like-shale-tax-q-pollhttp://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1327.xml?ReleaseID=1610http://www.quinnipiac.edu/x1327.xml?ReleaseID=1610


11/45

The Renew Growing Greener Coalition this week applauded the Chester County Board of

Commissioners for passing a resolution calling for the renewal of Growing Greener, the states

primary source of funding to help local communities preserve open space and farmland, protect

water quality, and enhance parks, trails and recreational opportunities.

In addition, 12 other groups and local governments joined the Coalition this week:

Delaware River City Corporation (Philadelphia), Hay Creek Watershed Association(Geigertown), Peoples Emergency Center (Philadelphia), and The W2Group (Philadelphia) as

well as City of Coatesville (Chester County), East Vincent Township (Chester County), Newlin

Township (Chester County), London Grove Township (Chester County), Phoenixville Borough

(Chester County), Sadsbury Township (Chester County) and West Nantmeal Township (Chester

County).

They join more than 215 other organizations and groups that have also announced their

support for renewing Growing Greener.

Funding for Growing Greener will dry up unless the state Legislature and Governor

Corbett act now to renew it, said Andrew Heath, Executive Director of the Renew Growing

Greener Coalition. County Commissioners and Pennsylvanians from across the

Commonwealth understand the incredible importance of renewing funding to the EnvironmentalStewardship Fund for Growing Greener in order to ensure families have access to clean drinking

water, fresh air and green open spaces.

Growing Greener has provided tremendous support for preservation and conservation

efforts throughout Chester County, said Terence Farrell, chairman of the Chester County Board

of Commissioners. The Commissioners urge the Governor and the Legislature to renew

funding for Growing Greener. Without it, Chester County may not be the special place it is

today.

Commissioner Kathi Cozzone stated, The economic benefits of preserving Open Space

are very real. As confirmed in a study conducted by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning

Commission and the GreenSpace Alliance, Open Space preservation creates jobs, brings moneyinto the community, enhances home values, filters drinking water and cleans the air. In addition,

trails, parks and preserves provide low or no cost recreation for citizens, saving money and

improving health. There is certainly a tremendous return on the investment of Growing Greener

funds in our communities.

"There have been many successful and meaningful projects that the County and our

municipalities have been able to implement as a result of utilizing Growing Greener funds," said

Commissioner Ryan Costello. "We are cognizant that the state budget is under consideration

right now, and that times are tough, but we hope our legislature and the Governor will recognize

that Growing Greener has been a successful program, and therefore give it worthy consideration,

so that if funds are available, Chester County can once again utilize them for more successful

projects."In Chester County, Growing Greener funds have helped to:

-- Preserve nearly 3,500 acres of working farmland throughout the county.

-- Reduce flooding and minimize stormwater flowing from the athletic fields at Conestoga High

School, protecting area streams from pollution carried by water runoff.

-- Restore 2,000 feet of East Branch Chester Creek in East Goshen Township, improving water

quality, wildlife habitat and natural vegetation.
http://www.renewgrowinggreener.org/http://www.renewgrowinggreener.org/


12/45

-- Acquire 113 acres of land to establish the Peacedale Preserve owned by the Natural Lands

Trust and located Franklin Township.

-- Fund the environmental clean up for the River Station redevelopment project on the site of the

former Sonoco Products paper plant in Downingtown.

-- Acquire 50 acres to complete the Rushton Woods Preserve where the Willistown Conservation

Trust offers several youth outreach programs, a community supported agriculture program, and acenter for bird conservation.

-- Support the creation of the Schuylkill River Greenway trail, which will run through Berks,

Chester and Montgomery Counties and continue into Philadelphia.

Chester County joins nearly 90 other Pennsylvania municipalities and counties in passing

a resolution urging the Governor and Legislature to renew Growing Greener funding. Counties

passing resolutions include: Blair, Cambria, Erie, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lackawanna,

Lawrence, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Philadelphia, Pike, Somerset, Sullivan,

Susquehanna, Washington, Westmoreland, Wyoming and York and represent over 5 million

Pennsylvanians.

Growing Greener is a bipartisan program established in 1999 under Gov. Tom Ridge and

later expanded by Governors Schweiker and Rendell. Since its establishment, Growing Greenerhas created a legacy of success, preserving more than 34,000 acres of Pennsylvanias family





trash in Pennsylvanias landfills. Those funds were supplemented by a $625 million bond

approved by voters in 2005, called Growing Greener II. Unless action is taken, Growing Greener

I funds will be largely exhausted as of June 30th, with most of the Growing Greener I tipping

fees going to the debt service on the Growing Greener II bonds.

The Renew Growing Greener Coalition is the Commonwealths largest coalition ofconservation, recreation and environmental organizations representing over 300 organizations

and government entities.

Senate/House Agenda/Session Schedule/Bills Introduced

Here are the Senate and House Calendars and Committee meetings showing bills of interest as

well as a list of new environmental bills introduced--

Session Schedule

Here is the Senate and House schedule-- 9 voting days until budget deadline.

Senate

June 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30

House

June 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30
http://www.renewgrowinggreener.org/http://www.renewgrowinggreener.org/


13/45

Bill Calendars

House (June 20): House Bill 1054 (Mustio-R-Allegheny) further providing for continuing

education of engineers and geologists; House Resolution 70 (Harhart-R-Lehigh) requesting the

Department of Transportation to study the potential use of quarry and other mining waste in

highway and civil engineering projects Click Here for full House Bill Calendar.

Senate (June 20): House Bill 1485 (Adolph-R-Delaware) providing for the 2011-12 General

Fund Budget; Senate Bill 1100 (Scarnati-R-Jefferson) establishing a Marcellus Shale Impact fee

and requiring the development of a model local zoning ordinance to control drilling

activities; Senate Bill 276 (Argall-R-Schuylkill) amending the Downtown Relocation law to

allow for compliance with economic revitalization plans; Senate Bill 469 (Argall-R-Schuylkill)

Allows walking, jogging, bicycling, exercising and horseback riding on nature trails as a

recreational purpose by limiting liability and was changed by a technical amendment; Click

Here for full Senate Bill Calendar.

Committees

NOTE: In this budget season, Committee meetings can happen at anytime without any notice to

move any bill that might be part of a budget agreement.

House: the State Government Committee meets to considerSenate Bill 263 (Erickson-R-

Delaware) requiring data to support rulemakings. Click Here for full House Committee

Schedule.

Senate: the Appropriations Committee meets to considerSenate Bill 995 (Baker-R-Luzerne)

requiring the posting of certain emergency information for each gas well, House Bill 143 (Major-R-Susquehanna) amending Act 319 to authorize the splitting off of land for noncoal

mining, House Bill 144 (Pickett-R-Bradford) amending Act 319 to authorize taxation of oil and

gas well production; the Local Government Committee meets to considerSenate Bill

394 (Brubaker-R-Lancaster) further providing for local authority to preserve open space.

Click Here for full Senate Committee Schedule.

Bills Introduced

The following bills of interest were introduced this week--

Biofuels: House Bill 1652 (Grove-R-York) amending the Biofuel Development ProductionIncentive Act to remove a section related to cellulosic ethanol content in gasoline.

Energy Efficiency Funding: House Bill 1667 (Galloway-D-Bucks) establishing the Property

Assessed Clean Energy Program to allow local funding of energy efficiency improvements.

Severance Tax: House Bill 1671 (Miccarelli-R-Delaware) enacting a severance tax on natural

gas product to provide senior citizen property tax relief.
http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1054http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=R&bn=70http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/HC/0/RC/SCHC.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=1485http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=1100http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0276http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=469http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/SC/0/RC/CAL.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/SC/0/RC/CAL.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0263http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/CO/HM/COHM.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=995http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=143http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=144http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0394http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0394http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/CO/SM/COSM.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=1652http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1667http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=1671http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=1671http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1667http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=1652http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/CO/SM/COSM.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0394http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0394http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=144http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sInd=0&body=H&type=B&bn=143http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=995http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/CO/HM/COHM.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0263http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/SC/0/RC/CAL.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/SC/0/RC/CAL.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sInd=0&body=S&type=B&bn=469http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=0276http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=S&type=B&BN=1100http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=1485http://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/SC/HC/0/RC/SCHC.HTMhttp://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=R&bn=70http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1054


14/45

Taxing Gas Leases: House Bill 1674 (Kula-D-Fayette) making oil and gas leases held by

property owners to be assessed and tax by political subdivisions.

Electric Corridor: House Bill 1675 (Cohen-D-Philadelphia) establishing an Electric Vehicle

Charging Corridor Tax Credit.

Fracking Chemicals: House Bill 1680 (Johnson-D-Philadelphia) amending the Safe Drinking

Water Act to require the disclosure of fracking chemicals.

Land Banks: House Bill 1682 (Taylor-R-Philadelphia) authorizing municipal land banks to

provide for the reuse of abandoned or vacant properties.

Biomass Fund: House Bill 1684 (Rapp-R-Forest) establishing a Biomass Energy Program

within DCED to provide financial assistance.

Leaf Waste: House Bill 1691 (Godshall-R-Montgomery) further providing for the recycling ofleaf waste.

Water Trail Impacts: Senate Resolution 143 (Pippy-R-Allegheny) directing the Legislative

Budget and Finance Committee to study the economic impact of recreational water trails.

Solar Energy: Senate Bill 1146 (Hughes-D-Philadelphia) amending the Alternative Energy

Portfolio Standards Act to further provide for solar energy mandates.

Sewage Program: Senate Resolution 140 (Brubaker-R-Lancaster) directing the Legislative

Budget and Finance Committee to review the state's sewage facilities management programunder Act 537.

Senate/House Bills Moving

The following bills of interest saw action this week in the House and Senate--

House

Bioenergy Crops/Mine Reclamation: House Bill 608 (Brooks-R-Crawford) encouraging the

use of bioenergy crops for mine reclamation purposes was reported out of the House

Appropriations Committee and passed by the House. It now goes to the Senate forconsideration.

Biofuels: House Bill 807 (Sonney-R-Erie) further providing for biodiesel standards and blending

requirements and establishing fees for enforcement of biodiesel mandate was referred into and

out of the House Appropriations Committee and was passed by the House. The bill now goes to

the Senate for consideration.
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Geologist Continuing Education: House Bill 1054 (Mustio-R-Allegheny) further providing for

continuing education of engineers and geologists was removed from the Table and is now on the

House Calendar for action.

Senate

Nominations: The nomination of Bernard A. Labuskes, Jr. to the Environmental Hearing Board

was approved unanimously by the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee and

is now before the full Senate.

General Fund Budget: House Bill 1485 (Adolph-R-Delaware) providing for the 2011-12

General Fund Budget was reported from the Senate Appropriations Committee and is now on the

Senate Calendar for action.

Marcellus Shale Impact Fee: Senate Bill 1100 (Scarnati-R-Jefferson) establishing a Marcellus

Shale Impact fee and requiring the development of a model local zoning ordinance to controldrilling activities was amended and reported from the Senate Environmental Resources and

Energy Committee to provide a vehicle for adopting an impact fee. The bill is now on the Senate

Calendar for action.

Gas Well Emergencies: Senate Bill 995 (Baker-R-Luzerne) requiring gas well operators to post

certain 911 response information at the entrance to each well site was referred to the Senate

Appropriations Committee.

Downtown Relocation: Senate Bill 276 (Argall-R-Schuylkill) amending the Downtown

Relocation law to allow for compliance with economic revitalization plans was amended andreported from the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee and

is now on the Senate Calendar for action.

Fuel Testing: Senate Bill 341 (Greenleaf-R-Montgomery) establishing a automotive fuel testing

program was referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee.

News From The Capitol

Proposal To Use Bioenergy Crops For Land Reclamation Passes House

The House this week passed House Bill 608 (Brooks-R-Crawford) that would help promoteprivate investment in bioenergy resources while assisting to reclaim mine lands in Pennsylvania.

The potential created by this legislation will help spur economic development by

helping private businesses mitigate their costs, and providing them additional resources to invest

in jobs. This legislation is also a perfect fit to help address our energy security concerns. These

crops can also be used as a biomass fuel creating another homegrown energy resource, Rep.

Brooks said.
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For the past three sessions, I have been working to advance this bill through the

legislative process to encourage the use of various grasses such as switchgrass, camelina and

canola to assist Pennsylvania with energy independence while also facilitating the repair of

abandoned mine lands. Studies have been done in other states to prove that these fast-growing

crops can flourish in all types of environments. The robust nature of these plants can help repair

mine lands faster than traditional plants that are grown on previously mined lands, said Rep.Brooks.

House Bill 608, which received overwhelming bipartisan support from the committee and

on the House floor, would authorize the Department of Environmental Protection to encourage

the planting of switchgrass or other fast-growing crops to revegetate lands affected by surface

mining.

Under the legislation, if a mine operator uses one or more of these crops in reclamation,

the bond can be fully released at the Stage II level instead of Stage III, provided other criteria are

met. This means that the financial guarantee bonds will be available to be used on other

reclamation sites increasing the rate on which mine lands are reclaimed.

The proposal, which is now with the Senate for consideration, would apply to all lands

affected by surface mining activities, not just to re-mined lands.

Senate Bill Proposes Arbitration For Gas Well Site Disputes

Sen. Don White (R-Indiana) recently introduced Senate Bill 1108 to provide an expeditious and

less costly way for property owners and drillers to settle disputes over well locations rather than

taking the issue to court.

Under the bill, those disputes could be considered by a special review board set up to

arbitrate coal bed methane well location disputes between land owners and gas companies.

My bill extends the purview of the Coal Bed Methane Review Board to include natural

gas wells, Sen. White said. Under the bill, both parties would retain the right to appeal theboards decision to their county court of common pleas. As Marcellus Shale activity grows, I

believe such a review process would be a beneficial and less costly option for landowners with

natural gas development on their properties.

Act 4 of 2010 authorized the creation of the three-member Coal Bed Methane Review

Board to consider objections by property owners and reach agreements with gas companies on

issues such as the location of coal bed methane wells and/or access roads. Previously, disputes

between surface land owners and the holders of mineral rights for those properties were often

unresolved as landowners had very little recourse if they did not approve of the location of a

well.

Just as with Act 4, Senate Bill 1108 does not change the ownership of property or rights,

but creates a timely, less expensive process for property owners to clear up disputes that ariseover the location of natural gas well sites without going to court, Sen. White said.

Sen. White sent a copy of Senate Bill 1108 to Lt. Governor Jim Cawley, Chairman of the

Governors Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission, and requested that it be considered as part of

that panels recommendations.

As Chairman of the Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission, I would appreciate your

sharing this legislation with the other members of the commission and consider it as part of its

overall initiative, Sen. White wrote in a letter to the Lieutenant Governor. Thank you for your
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consideration of Senate Bill 1108 as a way to address the needs of both the natural gas industry

as well as those who own the property where the resources are located.

Sen. White authored Senate Bill 275 during last session, which set the framework for the

review board. The key provisions of Senate Bill 275 were amended into House Bill 1847by the

Senate and subsequently enacted as Act 4.

The Coal Bed Methane Review Board is made up of a member appointed by thePennsylvania Farm Bureau, a member appointed jointly by the PA Oil and Gas Association, the

Independent Oil and Gas Association and the Pennsylvania Coal Association, and a member

appointed jointly by the deans of the College of Agricultural Sciences and the College of Earth

and Mineral Sciences of Penn State University. The board is required to make a decision within

10 days from the time a hearing is held on a well location dispute.

Senate Bill 1108 is now before the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy

Committee for consideration.

Bill Authorizes Low Interest Loans For Energy Improvements

Rep. John Galloway (D-Bucks) introduced House Bill 1667 to allow local governments to offerproperty owners low-interest loans to finance renewable energy upgrades.

"By making it easier for homeowners and businesses to finance alternative energy

upgrades, we help them cut their energy bills, plus we help to create local jobs for businesses that

make and install the equipment," said Rep. Galloway. "In addition, this bill would send a

message to industries that produce such power that Pennsylvania is ready to be a partner in the

development and use of sustainable alternative energy."

Under the Property Assessed Clean Energy Program, or PACE, that would be created by

House Bill 1667, eligible property owners would finance such improvements as installing solar

panels through a voluntary assessment on their property taxes. They would pay back the loan to

their municipalities or townships as part of their property tax bill."PACE is a tool for local governments to stimulate their local green economy while

providing competitive financing for commercial and residential property owners," said Rep.

Galloway.

Rep. Galloway first introduced his PACE legislation last session after officials from Falls

Township, Bucks County, who were working with AE Polysilicon and the Department of

Environmental Protection, had attempted to create a municipal finance program for solar projects

in 2009. DEP told the township that the plan was not feasible due to current state law that

prohibits such financing arrangements.

California was the first state to implement a PACE program in 2008. Since then,

Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas,

Vermont, Virginia and Wisconsin have followed suit.More information about PACE can be found online.

Senate Resolution Proposes Study Of Water Trail Economic Impact In PA
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pa environment digest june 20, 2011

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