Pa. shouldn't give up on shale gas severance tax | Letter

A crew works on a gas drilling rig in Zelienople, Pennsylvania.(AP Photo )

Pennsylvania is the only state that produces large amounts of natural gas and does not have a severance tax, but the Pennsylvania House of Representatives is considering one. Although the Legislature is predominantly Republican, moderate Republicans such as state Rep. Kate Harper of Montgomery County favor the tax.

As the Pennsylvania deficit rises, the severance tax's anticipated $100 million yearly revenue could help decrease the deficit. The natural gas industry strongly opposes the bill. According to State Rep. Greg Vitali, it has spent roughly $3.7 million this year lobbying representatives to assure it's not passed.

Most amendments propose a small severance tax (less than 5 percent) and an accelerated permitting process for the natural gas industry. The proposed permitting process would automatically approve permits if not approved by regulators within the first few months of submission. Don't expect the industry to have any sympathy for the homes and natural habitats that will be affected.

The argument that Pennsylvania jobs will be lost because of  the severance tax can be debunked because most jobs are filled by experienced workers from Texas.

A natural gas severance tax could be the first step to implement more taxes on fossil fuels, but if this minimal tax cannot be approved, the likelihood of greater taxes in the future seems doubtful. These taxes are necessary to stop fossil fuel pollution and promote the renewable energy industry.

We must take the initiative to lobby our legislators to fight for a high severance tax that does not allow the shale gas industry to side-step regulations.

Emma Hillman

Bethlehem

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