It was disappointing to read a recent editorial (“Pa. slacking when it comes to fracking,” April 14), which relied deeply on hyperbole rather than facts about safe, job-creating natural gas development in Pennsylvania.
To be sure, in just two years since the bipartisan natural gas impact fee was enacted into law, more than $400 million has been generated for the entire commonwealth.
These funds, in addition to the hundreds of millions in natural gas-related tax revenue, are ensuring that critical projects and investments will continue across the state, regardless of where natural gas production occurs – including the Greater Philadelphia region.
And not only is responsible shale gas development generating much-needed revenue, all while supporting more than 240,000 Pennsylvania jobs, but this tightly-regulated development and its economic benefits are cascading across Delaware County.
Indeed, a separate editorial (“Faced with economic disaster, Delco strikes gold,” April 11) underscores the key role that the Marcellus Shale is playing, and will continue to play, in revitalizing the region’s refineries, helping to save and create hundreds of jobs.
Pennsylvania has a historic opportunity before us: cleaner air, more affordable energy, and sustained job creation.
Misleading characterizations about our industry, however, do not advance a dialogue focused on common sense solutions and shared goals.
Kathryn Klaber, CEO
Marcellus Shale Coalition
Pittsburgh, Pa.
NOTE: Click HERE to view this letter online.
