Responsible shale development continues to be an economic lifeline for communities across the entire commonwealth.
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s disbursement of nearly $225 million in shale impact fees provides critical revenues directly to local governments and for important environmental-focused programs. These revenues increased more than 10 percent from 2012 to 2013.
Act 13, a commonsense, bipartisan law, aims to strengthen our environmental regulations and ensure that local governments benefit. The law keeps Pennsylvania competitive and attractive for investment and job growth. These monies are proof this law is working.
Pennsylvania is now a top natural gas-producing state, which creates thousands of good jobs — especially in manufacturing. Our elected officials, however, should not unnecessarily curb this positive progress with uncompetitive, shortsighted policies. We must continue to lead and demonstrate to the country and the world that Pennsylvania is and will remain the Keystone State.
Dave Spigelmyer
Pittsburgh
The writer is the president of the Marcellus Shale Coalition.
NOTE: Click HERE to view this letter online.
