Pennsylvania may levy fee on production of unconventional gas

08 February 2012 23:14  [Source: ICIS news]

HOUSTON (ICIS)--Legislation that would levy fees on companies drilling unconventional wells in Pennsylvania to help pay for environmental cleanup and possible emergencies was sent to Governor Tom Corbett for approval, a spokeswoman said on Wednesday.

Kristinda Corbin, spokeswoman for Representative Brian Ellis, said the state's House of Representatives passed House Bill 1950 on Wednesday. Ellis introduced the bill.

If signed by the governor, the bill would impose the fee on an annual basis. The fee would be based on the average annual price of natural gas and decrease following the first year of operation, according to the bill’s text.

State legislators expect the governor to sign the bill.

“The growth of the drilling industry has a great impact on Pennsylvania, both economically and environmentally,” said Ellis. “To be successful in striking a delicate balance with respect to both economic development and protecting existing natural resources, we need uniform regulations that all drillers must abide.”

By: Sheena Martin
+1 713 525 2653

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