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April 30, 2012, 4:14 pm
On the first day of session following the April primaries, House Democrats wasted no time taking aim at Act 13, Governor Corbett’s Marcellus Shale Law, by introducing a series of bills amending the new law that they believe will prioritize the health and well-being of Pennsylvania citizens ahead of the drilling industry.
The six bills, known collectively as the Marcellus Compact, would address taxation of drilling companies, eliminate local zoning overrides, strengthen environmental setbacks and bonding requirements, create an online tracking system for wastewater disposal, require full medical disclosure relating to fracking chemicals, and establish a tax credit program to incentivize the hiring of Pennsylvania workers.
House Democratic Leader Frank Dermody (D-Allegheny) called Act 13, formerly HB 1950, a “sweetheart deal” for the drilling industry that put Pennsylvanians second. House Environmental Resources and Energy Minority Chairman Bud George (D-Clearfield), who is retiring at the end of the current session, said he will spend the remainder of his tenure fighting to push the legislation through the House.
“I have seven months’ worth of fight in me, and seven months of Bud George is a lot of fight,” he said.
March 26, 2012, 3:17 pm
The Joint Legislative Conservation Committee this morning received an update from DCNR secretary Richard Allan on the state of DCNR, the Commonwealth’s state parks, and their economic contributions to Pennsylvania. Sec. Allan reported that in 2010, for every dollar invested in the state parks, $12 in value added income was returned to the Commonwealth. In addition Allan said the state parks, all-told, currently support 13,000 related jobs. He added in 2010 the parks attracted more than a quarter-billion dollars in sales from out-of-state visitors.
Sec. Allan detailed the other various work of DCNR, including its oversight of the timber industry and natural gas drilling on state lands, and informed the committee the moratorium on further leasing of state land for drilling remains intact and there are no plans currently to reverse it. He said that in 2012 the department’s focus will be on “getting back to basics” as its relates to the core mission of managing Pennsylvania’s state parks. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.
February 28, 2012, 1:28 pm
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources was before the House Appropriations Committee this morning to review its budget and answer questions from the members. Like in the Senate, several members expressed concern with the redirection of the Keystone Fund into the General Fund. DCNR Sec. Allan assured the members that the department will carefully prioritize any and all funding that it does receive in order to protect the health and safety of visitors at the parks while also maintaining park infrastructure. Several members also discussed natural gas drilling on state park and forest lands and were assured by the secretary that he is working to ensure the state lands are protected during drilling activities.
Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox later today. Not a PLS Capitol Toolbox subscriber? You can now purchase individual budget hearing recaps here.
February 27, 2012, 12:55 pm
The House Appropriations Committee kicked off its second week of budget hearings with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, where members discussed the role of the PUC in implementing several new laws, including pipeline safety, the Marcellus Shale impact fee, and distributions systems improvement charge. PUC Chairman Powelson assured the committee that the PUC intends to fully implement each law as required, pointing to the commission’s past successful implementations.
Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox later today.
February 22, 2012, 12:39 pm
The Senate Appropriations Committee this morning held a budget hearing with DEP Secretary Mike Krancer. Members asked questions to ascertain the adequacy of the proposed budget and particularly discussed the need to protect the environment as natural gas drilling increases. Several members also asked about flood control funding, pointing out prevention is less expensive than recovery.
Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox later today.
February 16, 2012, 4:23 pm
The Senate Appropriations Committee held its final budget hearing of the week with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Secretary Richard Allan was asked a variety of questions about the DCNR budget and its ability to continue to meet its mission. Members were particularly concerned with the diversion of Keystone Fund dollars to the General Fund, but the secretary expressed optimism that natural gas drilling fees and royalty from wells will make up for the loss.
Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox later this evening.
February 14, 2012, 4:21 pm
The Senate Appropriations Committee held a budget hearing with the five commissioners of the Public Utility Commission where members asked a variety of questions primarily relating to the commission’s ability to effectively implement and oversee its new responsibilities granted under a series of new laws enacted by the legislature, including a natural gas impact fee, infrastructure improvement charge, and pipeline safety. Commissioners assured members that they are prepared and will ensure safety and reliability are a top priority.
Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox later this evening.
January 17, 2012, 12:27 pm
A coalition of environmental and citizens groups today conducted a Capitol Hill rally to urge the General Assembly to reject the two Marcellus Shale bills, H.B. 1950 and S.B. 1100. The groups specifically reject the provisions in the bill providing state preemption of local decision-making and zoning. Steve Hvozdovich, representing Clean Water Action, said, “This was a terrible idea in 2011 and remains a terrible idea in 2012.” Roberta Winters of the League of Women Voters argued, “These bills eliminate the treasured value of ‘local control’ by preempting the right of municipalities to protect the health, well-being and property of local citizens while collecting too little revenue to repair the impact of industrial level fracking on their communities.” Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.
January 4, 2012, 9:39 am
DECEMBER COMES IN BELOW ESTIMATE
Secretary of Revenue Daniel Meuser reported yesterday that Pennsylvania collected $2.3 billion in General Fund revenue in December, which was $141.5 million, or 5.9 percent, less than anticipated, Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $11.6 billion, which is $486.8 million, or four percent, below estimate. Check out the Press Conferences section of the PLS Capitol Toolbox to read the full statement.
YORK OFFICIAL TO SEEK PICCOLA SENATE SEAT
According to an article in the Patriot News, York County Clerk of Courts Don O’Shell announced Tuesday he would seek the Republican nomination for the 15th Senatorial District being vacated by the retirement of Sen. Jeffrey Piccola. O’Shell was first elected as clerk of courts in 2003 and was re-elected for a third term in November. With the announcement, O’Shell becomes the second candidate to seek the nomination. Last month, John J. McNally III of Lower Paxton Township, until recently the Dauphin County Republican Party chairman, announced he would also enter the contest. Click here to read the Patriot News article.
SCARNATI WANTS ACTION ON IMPACT FEE
According to an article in the Scranton Times Tribune, a top Senate
Continue reading Eye Opener – January 4, 2012
December 13, 2011, 4:38 pm
House Bill 1950, the Marcellus Shale impact fee bill, cleared the Senate Appropriations Committee today, set for a final vote in that chamber. The bill, cleared the committee after Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne) failed to amend the measure. Committee Majority Chairman Jake Corman (R-Centre) speculated the bill will likely end up in conference committee after it passes the Senate as the House and Gov. Tom Corbett have yet to agree on the language the Senate had previously amended into the bill.
Check the Around the Capital section of the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.
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