GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES ENERGY PROJECT GRANT WINNERS, URGES AEPS SOLAR POWER INCREASE
Governor Rendell reported yesterday that $20.5 million in state and federal funding will be directed to 40 renewable energy projects across Pennsylvania, creating 1,400 jobs and generating or saving the equivalent of 10 billion kilowatt hours over their lifetimes. The governor said the state investments will leverage more than $211 million in private investments. The projects are funded through three sources – Growing Greener II, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), and Duquesne Light Co. settlement funds, which accounted for $2.5 million for eight projects in the Pittsburgh area. Governor Rendell added the return on investments for the state on such projects will include increased tax revenues over time as a result of jobs created, in addition to the ripple effect through the supply chain. Check out the Press Conferences section of the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read the full story.
ONORATO LAYS OUT MARCELLUS SHALE SEVERANCE TAX POLICY
Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Dan Onorato held a press conference in the east wing of the capitol building yesterday to discuss his Marcellus Shale severance tax policy. Onorato said the issue of Marcellus Shale is “very big in this race and is probably bigger today than it was nine months ago as people begin to focus on the Marcellus Shale and natural gas.” He also noted it is another issue where he and his Republican opponent, Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett, differ. He called the opportunity to drill for Marcellus Shale a “once in a life time opportunity for Pennsylvania” and said “we only get one chance to make this right and that is the challenge with Marcellus Shale.” He explained the industry has the potential to be a “golden opportunity” for the commonwealth, but said it can also be a major cost if not handled right. Check out the Press Conferences section of the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read the full story.
AUGUST REVENUE $7.1 MILLION MORE THAN ANTICIPATED
Secretary of Revenue C. Daniel Hassell reported yesterday that Pennsylvania collected $1.8 billion in General Fund revenue in August, which was $7.1 million, or 0.4 percent, more than anticipated,. Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $3.5 billion, which is $6 million, or 0.2 percent, above estimate. Check out the Press Releases section of the PLS Capitol Toolbox for a listing of all the collection figures.
DEP, STATE POLICE INCREASE WASTE HAULER INSPECTIONS
According to an article in the Scranton Times, state police and the Department of Environmental Protection will increase funding for roadside inspections of waste haulers, including trash trucks and wastewater tankers involved in the Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling industry, the agencies announced Wednesday. A memorandum signed by the agencies allows for DEP to reimburse the state police up to $550,000 for the program through July 2011. The funding, from an account supported by fees, fines and penalties paid by the waste-hauling industry, will allow the unannounced roadside inspections to run longer and more often, DEP spokesman Tom Rathbun said. Click here to read the Scranton Times article.
