|
For Immediate
Release
10/3/11
Scarnati Responds to Governor Corbett's Shale Proposal
WARREN - Senate President Pro Tempore Joe
Scarnati was pleased to see that Governor Tom Corbett included an impact fee on
Marcellus Shale drilling in his recently announced comprehensive proposal.
However, Scarnati recognizes there are obstacles yet to be overcome as
negotiations continue on this highly significant plan.
"It was vital that the Governor weighed in on
his recommendations for regulating and overseeing the Marcellus Shale industry,"
Scarnati stated. "There seems to be general agreement among all parties
involved that there needs to be an impact fee that will not only assist local
communities affected by drilling activities, but fund important related
statewide environmental programs as well."
Scarnati expressed a strong willingness to
negotiate the various proposals outlined in the Governor's plan with the
legislation he proposed six months ago. With that said, Scarnati believes the
final package must include a reasonable fee, increased environmental safety
measures and incentives to use natural gas. Also, there will be ongoing
discussions with local officials and industry representatives to ensure that
there is a balanced approach to zoning so that both sides do not continue to
spend resources on legal costs.
"As we move toward ensuring that communities
across the Commonwealth are protected from the impacts of drilling, there will
be discussion on the percentage that goes to local jurisdictions and what
environmental programs will be funded and at what level," Scarnati added. "The
most important thing is that we get some consistency, some confidence, and some
reliability that the Commonwealth is moving in a direction that will foster
growth in the industry while protecting our water, our neighborhoods, and our
roads."
"Negotiations between all parties will continue
as we look to pass a final Marcellus Shale measure out of the Senate by the end
of October, Scarnati concluded. "I am confident that the final package will be
reflective of our understanding of the need to balance the economic growth of
this booming industry with the environmental health and well-being of the
citizens of the Commonwealth."
Contact:
Drew Crompton
717-787-7084
|
