Sen. Yudichak Supports Moving Marcellus Shale Impact Fee Bill Forward

Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne) today issued this statement in response to the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee action to amend and report out Senate Bill 1100 (Scarnati-R-Jefferson) establishing a Marcellus Shale Impact fee and require the development of a model local zoning ordinance to regulate the impacts of drilling--

“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.”

Sen. Yudichak added that he will continue to push for a severance tax that would generate significant revenue for local governments, our clean water infrastructure, and the Growing Greener program.

“While I remain concerned that this bill does not go far enough to protect Pennsylvania’s 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 summer’s recess.”