Some Say Drilling Impact Fee Falls Short

According to an article in The Standard Speaker, "a new state law that allocates $1 million annually to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission from the Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling impact fee doesn't go far enough, according to a local state legislator".
"State Rep. Gerald Mullery, D-119, Newport Township, hosted a public meeting about boating and fishing issues Thursday at Crestwood High School.Some residents who attended expressed concerns about the gas drilling and the damage it could cause to lakes, rivers and other water resources.
Mullery said he also is concerned and that's why he supported the law, but feels the $1 million per year for permit reviews falls short".

"The impact fee is too low and in my opinion the environmental protection is nonexistent," Mullery said.

The state representative hopes legislators will use the issue as part of their platform in the next primary, with the environment being the winner.

Read more: http://standardspeaker.com/news/lawmaker-drilling-fee-doesn-t-aid-environment-1.1280844#ixzz1oA4yrePW