Politics & Government

Reaction to Corbett's Marcellus Shale Plan a Mixed Bag

State Sen. Tim Solobay said he was surprised the proposal had 'juice,' while state Rep. Jesse White said he wished legislation had been set forth instead.

Reaction to on Marcellus Shale drilling was mixed—with some local legislators saying they were surprised by how much "juice" was in the plan, while others wished a bill would have been set forth instead.

Corbett on Monday announced his plans to implement numerous recommendations from his Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission, including changes to enhance environmental standards, an impact fee, and a plan to help move Pennsylvania toward energy independence.

As a result of the public Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission meetings, there is now a "sensible and fair plan to put before the General Assembly," Corbett said.

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As a part of this proposal, Corbett announced a series of standards related to horizontal drilling—such as Marcellus Shale—with increased setbacks, increased bonding and penalties associated with civil violations.

"In all honesty, there was a little bit more juice to this than I anticipated," said state , D-Canonsburg.

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Corbett's plan will also allow for an impact fee, which will be adopted by counties for use by local communities experiencing the actual impacts of the drilling. The fee will be split among local governments, counties and state agencies that respond to issues that arise as a result of Marcellus Shale gas drilling.

Solobay said he expected the Legislature to take the issue up in the Senate by amending a bill that was introduced by majority leader Sen. Joseph Scarnati.

While Corbett's plan calls for each well to be subject to a fee of up to $40,000 in the first year, $30,000 in the second year, $20,000 in the third year and $10,000 in the fourth through 10th years—adding up to a potential total of $160,000 per well—Solobay said he'd like to see a "production escalator" included in any future legislation.

Under Corbett's plan, impact fee revenues would be split with 75 percent being retained at the local level. The remaining 25 percent of the fee would be divided, with 70 percent of that number going to PennDOT for road, bridge, rail and other transportation infrastructure maintenance and repair within counties hosting Marcellus natural gas development, 4.5 percent to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency for emergency response planning and training, and 3.75 percent to the Office of State Fire Commissioner for training programs for first responders and for specialized equipment necessary for emergency response.

Corbett’s proposal also seeks to help secure energy independence and reduce reliance on foreign oil by developing “Green Corridors” for natural gas vehicles with refueling stations at least every 50 miles and within two miles of key highways and other initiatives.

State Rep. Matt Smith, D-Mt. Lebanon, said he would prefer some sort of severance tax that allocated money to both the impacted communities and state environmental programs to redevelop damaged land.

“I think at the end of the day, you have to devote a significant portion to the local communities and counties,” Smith said. “But a lot has to go to general (statewide) environmental programs that affect everyone. Even if you don’t have drilling in your backyard, your water might be affected, the roads might be impacted. There is an impact.”

He added that he is happy the governor has opened up the debate and that there might be room for Democrats and Republicans to work together on the legislation.

“Rather than scoring political points, let’s play a role … to make sure it’s done the right way,” Smith said.

But state , D-Cecil, lamented the plan, saying he wished the governor would have instead put forth an actual bill.

"I think we need a solid piece of legislation, which can be debated, amended and discussed," he said. "I think that would have been a lot more beneficial than a three-page outline. We're asking ourselves more questions than actually debating what's in there."

Officials from Pennsylvania's Growing Greener program, meanwhile, indicated that while the organization was "pleased" that the governor set forth a plan related to local impact fees, that the recommendations don't go far enough with environmental funding.

"The governor’s proposal falls short of what is necessary to offset the conservation, recreation and environmental impacts that drilling will have throughout Pennsylvania. Though the governor says all the revenue should be used for industry-related impacts, he ignores the fact that these impacts extend far beyond local communities," according to a statement from the group.

“Consider that Marcellus development threatens our water quality by causing erosion and sedimentation of our wetlands, creeks and rivers. Moreover, pollution from spills, overflows or illegal dumping could be felt in downstream communities all the way to the Chesapeake Bay and other critical waterways," it continued.

But Marcellus Shale Coalition President and Executive Director Kathryn Klaber lauded the plan.

“Pennsylvanians are realizing the countless benefits—more affordable energy costs, environmental advantages of increased natural gas use, economic revival of so many communities—tied to responsible natural gas development, and Governor Corbett’s plan announced today should build upon this momentum, in all corners of the Commonwealth, for years to come," she said in a statement.

Regardless, Solobay said he was happy to see movement with Marcellus Shale legislation.

"Finally, the conversation is off and running," he said.


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