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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 7, 2017 10:54 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Camera Bartolotta |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Urging Governor Wolf to End Moratorium on Non-Surface Disturbance Horizontal Drilling |
| In the near future, I will introduce a resolution to urge Governor Wolf to end the moratorium on non-surface disturbance natural gas drilling on state forest land to allow for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to enter into new gas leases. With the Commonwealth facing a more than $1 billion deficit this fiscal year, every opportunity to create new revenue streams should be explored. For seventy years, the DCNR has managed the responsible mineral extraction of natural gas on state land. According to the Department, “Approximately 1.5 million acres of the 2.2 million-acre state forest land are underlain by Marcellus and other shale gas formations, making it a key venue for developing this important energy source in Pennsylvania.” Restoring DCNR’s ability to provide new natural gas leases in a safe and responsible manner will generate much needed new revenue. While the exact amount is difficult to determine given the current uncertainty in the energy markets, previous proposals estimated it could generate close to $100 million. This non-tax revenue option should be fully utilized before asking taxpayers to pay higher taxes. Please join me to co-sponsor this important resolution. |
Introduced as SR104