Friday, June 29, 2012

PA Marcellus News Digest 6/29/12

 PA Marcellus News Digest
June 29, 2012

Articles

Fracking fracas
Wayne Independent
Josh Wengler
June 28
Wayne County, Pa. — Few — if any in Wayne County — need to be told that hydraulic fracturing is a controversial means of extracting natural gas from the Marcellus Shale beneath our feet.

Penn State Wilkes-Barre Partners with Marcellus Shale Education & Training
Penn State Wilkes-Barre
June 22
In an effort to better prepare members of the local workforce for job opportunities in the Marcellus Shale Industry, Penn State Wilkes-Barre has partnered with the Marcellus Shale Education & Training Center (MSETC) at Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport.

Shale gas boom shapes economy in NW PA
Times-News
Jim Martin
June 29
The world's first energy boom, born near Titusville in 1859, shaped both the economy and the physical landscape of northwestern Pennsylvania.

Deal struck on tax credit for ethane cracker plant in Beaver County
Pitt Trib
Brad Bumsted
June 28
HARRISBURG — An agreement has been reached between legislative leaders and the governor on a tax credit for a petrochemical plant in Beaver County and others that may come to Pennsylvania, the governor’s office said on Thursday.

Pipeline work expected to begin in August in South Buffalo
Pitt Trib
Jodi Weigand
June 28
NiSource Midstream Services expects to begin the first phase of its work on a portion of a 70-mile natural gas pipeline that runs through South Buffalo Township in the Murphys Bottom Road area.

South Buffalo supervisors to decide on drilling bid
Pitt Trib
Jodi Weigand
June 28
The South Buffalo Township Supervisors will decide next month whether to allow the township's first horizontal Marcellus Shale gas wells.

Repeating The Shale Gas Boom: How Unconventional Oil May Crush Oil Prices By 2015
John Hanger's Facts of The Day
Blog
June 28
The chatter is becoming intense that the unconventional oil revolution will crush oil prices, just as unconventional gas production drove natural gas prices from $13 for a thousand cubic feet in July 2008 to $2 in 2012.  Leonard Mauger of the Harvard Kennedy School has authored a paper, entitled "Oil: The Next Revolution," that offers some numbers for our collective consideration on how unconventional oil production will reshape the oil markets.  http://belfercenter.ksg.harvard.edu/files/Oil-%20The%20Next%20Revolution.pdf.  The paper also was the subject of an article in yesterday's Wall Street Journal.

Stunning Fact: Just 7% Of America's Combined Cycle Gas Plants Operate More than 70% Of Time
John Hanger's Facts of The Day
Blog
June 28
Many wonder how natural gas power plants could so quickly displace so much coal-fired generation.  The nation went from 52% coal-fired electricity in 2002 to 48% in 2008 and then gas roared.  Coal's share was down to 44% by 2010 and then to an incredible 34% by March 2012.  How did that happen?  Was there a massive wave of gas-fired power plant construction?

Deal reached on tax breaks for Pa. refinery
Lebanon Daily News
Marc Levy, AP
June 28
HARRISBURG, Pa.—Top state Republican lawmakers have reached an agreement on a package of tax breaks that Gov. Tom Corbett has sought in hopes of encouraging the construction of a multibillion-dollar petrochemical refinery and an associated chemical manufacturing industry in Pennsylvania, lawmakers and legislative aides said Thursday.

Shell’s Tioga County Methane Geyser Captured On Video
State Impact
Scott Detrow
June 28

Clean Air Council Seeks Federal Intervention with Marcellus Air Complaints
State Impact
Susan Phillips
June 28

Corbett Administration Downsizes Ethane Cracker Job Claims
State Impact
Scott Detrow
June 28

Thursday, June 28, 2012

PA Marcellus News Digest 6/28/12

 PA Marcellus News Digest
June 28, 2012

Special: WITF Radio segment announcement following articles

Releases

Yaterra Ventures, Inc. Finalizing Terms to Acquire Leases in West Pennsylvania’s Marcellus Shale
Wallaby
June 27
LUBBOCK, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Yaterra Ventures, Inc. (OTCBB: YTRV) is pleased to announce that final terms are being negotiated on a work over lease agreement which includes more than 150 wells on over 1600 acres of land in Western Pennsylvania, part of the much desired Marcellus Shale which extends throughout much of the Appalachian Basin.
Link:
http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2012/2012062799.HTM

37 WATER WITHDRAWALS FOR NATURAL GAS DRILLING AND OTHER USES SUSPENDED TO PROTECT STREAMS
SRBC Encourages the Public to Comment on Proposed Low Flow Protection Policy
SRBC Newsroom
June 28
HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC;
www.srbc.net) today announced that 37 separate water withdrawals approved by SRBC are suspended due to localized streamflow levels dropping throughout the Susquehanna basin.
Link:
http://www.srbc.net/newsroom/NewsRelease.aspx?NewsReleaseID=89

Articles

Lawyer: Attorney general's office tries to 'bully' judge in Greene County polluter case
Post-Gazette
Torsten Ove
June 28
The lawyer representing a Greene County businessman sentenced to probation for polluting waterways in six counties by illegally dumping wastewater for seven years has accused the state attorney general's office of trying to "bully" the sentencing judge into imposing a harsher penalty.
Link:
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/region/lawyer-attorney-generals-office-tries-to-bully-judge-in-greene-county-polluter-case-642372/

Polluter’s attorney censures deputy AG
Observer-Reporter
Bob Niedbala
June 28
WAYNESBURG The attorney for Robert Allen Shipman responded Wednesday to the state’s motion asking the court to modify Shipman’s sentence to include jail time.
Link:
http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/story11/shipman-blackwell

Gas drilling impact may be deadly, medical couple say
Times Leader
Matt Hughes
June 28
WILKES-BARRE -- A husband-wife team of medical professionals said Tuesday that they’ve seen disturbing evidence that natural gas drilling can kill.
Link:
http://www.timesleader.com/stories/Gas-drilling-impact-may-be-deadly-medical-couple-say,169093?category_id=487&town_id=1&sub_type=stories

$3 Billion in Fossil Fuel Subsidies vs. Kindergarten
Keystone Politics
Blog
June 27
Eliminating kindergarten is totally nuts. It flies in the face of everything we know about the importance of early childhood education, and it is especially insane in light of how much the state spends on completely undeserving claims like the $3 billion in fossil fuel subsidies PennFuture identified earlier this year. The state is not broke. Nobody needs to be eliminating kindergarten.
Link:
http://www.keystonepolitics.com/2012/06/3-billion-fossil-fuel-subsidies-vs-kindergarten/

Tax experts question credits for Pa. Shell plant
Sentinel
Kevin Begos, AP
June 27
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Gov. Tom Corbett and union leaders want lawmakers to approve a $1.7 billion tax credit to lure a new petrochemical plant to western Pennsylvania, but some tax experts say that would run counter to sensible tax practices and would be unfair to other businesses.
Link:
http://cumberlink.com/news/state-and-regional/tax-experts-question-credits-for-pa-shell-plant/article_7bd615c4-c085-11e1-a17e-001a4bcf887a.html

Cracker tax credit bill to require minimum standards
Pitt Trib
Brad Bumsted  and Timothy Puko
June 27
HARRISBURG — A tax credit designed to lure a petrochemical company to Beaver County is expected to be voted on in the state House today, a Republican Caucus spokesman said.
Link:
http://triblive.com/news/2108238-74/tax-credit-thomas-report-legislation-plant-annual-credits-information-investment

Marcellus Shale Boom Could Breathe New Life into Idled Refinery
State Impact
Susan Phillips
June 27
Link:
http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/06/27/marcellus-shale-boom-could-breath-new-life-into-idled-refinery/

Tracking Tioga County Wells With Our Shale Play App
State Impact
Scott Detrow
June 27
Link:
http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/06/27/tracking-tioga-county-wells-with-our-shale-play-app/

A Closer Look At The Initial Ethane Cracker Tax Break
State Impact
Scott Detrow
June 27
Link:
http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/06/27/a-closer-look-at-the-initial-ethane-cracker-tax-break/

Natural gas gold rush: Is your state next?
USA Today
Dan Vergano
June 27
he script might not play out exactly the same in each new community touched by the nationwide boom in natural gas and oil drilling, but the changes have a familiar echo:
Trucks. Noise. Cash. Conflict.
Link:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-05-29/fracking-environment-gas/55845708/1

Plan for fracking waste wells withdrawn
Mansfield News Journal
Linda Martz
June 26
MANSFIELD — Preferred Fluids Management has withdrawn its proposed site plan for two 5,000-foot-deep injection wells from consideration by the City Planning Commission.
Link:
http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/article/20120626/NEWS01/120626008/Plan-fracking-waste-wells-withdrawn

State pegs cracker jobs at 10K, give or take 10K
Pitt Trib
Timothy Puko
June 27
Members of Gov. Tom Corbett’s staff cited job projections on Tuesday that were half what they touted this month while promoting a proposed petrochemical plant in Beaver County and related tax breaks.
Link:
http://triblive.com/news/2101972-74/jobs-officials-release-state-beaver-county-permanent-project-20000-administration

Oil and gas industry not villain it’s made out to be
CDT
Stephanie Catarino Wissman
June 27
Energy — where and how to get it, and how to use it — is an issue that provokes intense, even heated, emotional debate across our country. And, as in any debate, there is a natural desire to find villains.
Link:
http://www.centredaily.com/2012/06/27/3243459/oil-and-gas-industry-not-villain.html

Legislators mum on Shell deal
Times-Observer
Jacob Perryman
June 27
Pennsylvania General Assembly members representing Warren County are playing things close to the vest when it comes to a proposed ethane "cracker" plant.
Link:
http://www.timesobserver.com/page/content.detail/id/558270/Legislators-mum-on-Shell-deal.html?nav=5006

Gas drilling: Lycoming County still active
Express
Scott Johnson
June 27
LOCK HAVEN - Despite the low price of natural gas, and the perceived lack of Marcellus Shale drilling operations in the area, officials say companies are still drilling... waiting for the price to go up to make it profitable for them.
Link:
http://www.lockhaven.com/page/content.detail/id/539637/Gas-drilling--Lycoming-County-still-active.html?nav=5009

Potter Township: The forgotten player in bringing Shell Oil to PA
Times Oniline
Leah Samuel, PublicSource
June 27
As Gov. Tom Corbett and legislators worked frantically to lure Shell Oil Co. to build a $3.2 billion ethylene processing plant in Western Pennsylvania, they forgot one of the players.
Link:
http://www.timesonline.com/news/local_news/potter-township-the-forgotten-player-in-bringing-shell-oil-to/article_19f38c47-0727-509a-a3b3-82a24ba01428.html

Aquatech breaks ground for expansion
Observer-Reporter
Michael Bradwell
June 27
CANONSBURG - Aquatech International broke ground Tuesday for a 35,000- to 40,000-square-foot expansion project that will give it more room for its growing support services and shale gas treatment businesses.
Link:
http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/story11/Aquatech-Groundbreaking

Executive Director to Discuss Health of Susquehanna River on WITF Radio Smart Talk
(full text below)
HARRISBURG, Pa. – Tune into WITF Radio Smart Talk on Monday, July 2, at 9 a.m. to hear Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) Executive Director John Arway discuss the health of the Susquehanna River and other issues affecting fishing, boating and aquatic resources.

Radio Smart Talk is a daily, live, interactive program featuring conversations with newsmakers and experts in a variety of fields and exploring a wide range of issues and ideas, including the economy, politics, health care, education, culture, and the environment.

The show airs live every weekday at 9 a.m. on WITF’s 89.5 and 93.3.

In addition to the summer bass season, Mr. Arway will discuss a variety of issues, including Marcellus Shale drilling, aquatic invasive species, high-hazard dams, and the health of the Susquehanna River’s smallmouth bass population.

Listeners are encouraged to call the live show with questions for the show’s guests. The number to call in is 1-800-729-7532. Email questions can be submitted at
smarttalk@witf.org. The show can also be heard live from WITF’s website at http://www.witf.org/listen.

Media Contact
Eric Levis, Press Secretary
717.705.7806,
elevis@pa.gov

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

PA Marcellus News Digest 6/26/12

PA Marcellus News Digest
June 26, 2012

Releases

What They’re Saying: American Natural Gas Benefits “Cannot Be Denied”
Wallaby
June 26
Pittsburgh, Pa. – The American economy continues to limp along, as “unemployment rates rose in 18 U.S. states in May, the most in nine months,” according to the USA Today. And while there’s no denying the very real challenges our nation’s economy faces, there’s also no denying the benefits tied to the safe, responsible development of America’s abundant natural gas resources: tens of thousands of private sector jobs, a manufacturing rebirth, cleaner air, strengthened national security. In short, tightly-regulated domestic natural gas production is Building a Stronger, More Secure America. Here’s what they’re saying.
Link:
http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2012/2012062691.HTM

OIL AND GAS DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS TO BENEFIT WILDLIFE
June 26, 2012
For Information Contact:
Jerry Feaser
717-705-6541
PGCNews@pa.gov(full text below)

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today approved three oil and gas development agreements that will provide much-needed revenue for the Game Commission to either deposit into the Game Fund or an interest-bearing escrow account for the future purchase of wildlife habitats, lands or other uses incidental to hunting, furtaking and wildlife resource management.

The first item, which is an amendment to a previous oil and gas agreement involving a 1,930-acre portion of State Game Land (SGL) 268 in Morris Township, Tioga County, allows Endless Mountain Energy to include an additional 413.3 acres for non-surface use and will not require any additional surface impacts.

The terms of the amendment will remain consistent with the existing agreement, which was approved by the Board in April of 2011, which includes a paid up, five-year, oil and gas agreement, a $3,500 per acre bonus payment, $25 per acre rental, and a 20 percent royalty.  The total bonus payment will be approximately $1,446,550 and will be deposited into the Game Fund or an interest bearing escrow account for the future purchase of wildlife habitats, lands, or other uses incidental to hunting, furtaking and wildlife resource management.

The second item involves the oil and gas rights owned by the Game Commission under a 3,710.33-acre portion of SGL 36 in Albany and Monroe townships, Bradford County, and is with Chesapeake Appalachia, L.L.C. of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The terms of the agreement are a paid up, five-year, restricted surface use oil and gas agreement, a $2,000 per acre bonus payment and a 20 percent royalty.

Chesapeake Appalachia already has a strong lease position surrounding this portion of SGL 36, and has initiated well drilling and development programs on adjacent private lands.  Chesapeake Appalachia has the ability to unitize the Game Commission’s oil and gas reserve by horizontal drilling from adjacent private lease holdings with no disturbance to the surface of SGL 36.

“As this oil and gas development agreement will not involve any surface impacts on SGL 36, the Game Commission staff focused on negotiating with Chesapeake Appalachia to safeguard the prudent development of the agency’s oil and gas reserve and simultaneously protect the wildlife resources and recreational use of SGL 36,” said Bill Capouillez, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Habitat Management director.”

The bonus payment of $7,420,660 will be deposited into the agency’s Game Fund or an interest bearing escrow account for the future purchase of wildlife habitats, lands, or other uses incidental to hunting, furtaking and wildlife resource management. Future rentals and royalties will be deposited into the Game Fund.

The third item, which was announced for competitive bid in May, involves the oil and gas rights owned by the Game Commission under a 3,177.7-acre portion of SGL 36 in Monroe and Overton townships, Bradford County, and also is with Chesapeake Appalachia.

The lease agreement includes a one-time bonus/rental payment of $2,000 per acre for a five-year, paid up, primary term, and a 25.5 percent royalty. Additionally, the bid provides the Game Commission a well pad location fee of $250,000 per well pad, if well pads are necessary on the surface of SGL 36. The agreement also restricts surface use to a 260-acre area, and a limit of two well pads for development. The agreement will include a free gas provision for the Game Commission to use free-of-charge up to 350,000 cubic feet of gas annually or an annual payment for non-use of the free gas.

Oil and gas development include a $50,000 performance bond. The agreement will include the Commission’s standard wildlife and environmental protection measures.

The bonus payment of $6,355,400 will be deposited into the agency’s Game Fund or an interest-bearing escrow account for the future purchase of wildlife habitats, lands, or other uses incidental to hunting, furtaking and wildlife resource management.

On all three agreements, oil and gas development will be regulated by the Department of Environmental Protection’s oil and gas regulations, and the Game Commission’s standard oil and gas development cooperative agreement and standard wildlife and environmental protection measures.

“The bottom line is that both agreements involving SGL 36 effectively maximize the agency’s ability to allow for prudent oil and gas development by leasing 10.7 square miles (or 6,888 acres) of SGL 36, while simultaneously drastically reducing the overall needed use of that entire surface acreage down to a mere estimated 26 acres total,” Capouillez said. “The initial revenues and future royalties will directly benefit hunters and trappers and wildlife in years to come as we continue to target key land acquisitions for our State Game Lands, and provide a much-needed source of funding to further our agency’s wildlife resource program initiatives.” 

###

Articles

Don't re-elect those who backed gas law
Standard Speaker
Bill Skuba
Letter to the Editor
June 26
Nearly 50 percent of Americans plan to use their home equity to help finance retirement even though $7 trillion in home values disappeared during the housing bust. But, an even greater potential threat to home values looms: Act 13. This Pennsylvania Marcellus shale gas bill became law in February 2012 and allows a 140-foot-tall gas rig to be located in a residential zoned area, subject only to a 500-foot setback from a house or well.
Link:
http://standardspeaker.com/opinion/letters/don-t-re-elect-those-who-backed-gas-law-1.1334655

Court denies industry intervention in Act 13 suit
Observer-Reporter
June 26
Natural-gas industry representatives hoping to overturn the delayed implementation of certain parts of Act 13 were denied a request to intervene in the case Friday by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
Link:
http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/story11/Act-13-brief

Consol puts $500K on fracking fix
Pitt Trib
Thomas Olson
June 26
Consol Energy Inc. announced a $500,000 investment in a local company on Monday to solve a common Marcellus shale problem: how to handle toxic fracking fluid that frees the natural gas.
Link:
http://triblive.com/business/2093107-74/consol-fracking-fluid-gas-shale-solar-epiphany-marcellus-coal-energy   
Consol invests in Epiphany's water treatment technology
Post-Gazette
Elizabeth Bloom
June 26
In an effort to clean up water used in natural gas extraction in the Marcellus Shale -- and maybe offer a boost to the reputation of the hydraulic fracturing industry -- Consol Energy, the coal and natural gas producer based in Cecil, announced Monday it has invested $500,000 in Epiphany Solar Water Systems, a New Castle start-up company that uses solar power to purify water.
Link:
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/business/news/consol-invests-in-epiphanys-water-treatment-technology-641932/

It's 'cooked air'
Post-Gazette
John S. Detwiler
Letter to the Editor
June 26
[...]Shell hasn't even made suggestions about "jobs"; the dreamy "jobs" forecasts come from politicians and trade groups, with no skin in the game, who gain from the speculation. Their estimates -- hundreds, thousands, tens-of-thousands -- are, as a German physicist used to say, "cooked air": the output of incomprehensible calculations performed upon incredible assumptions. You strain journalistic ethics to parrot their numbers in your editorial, when you could not possibly check their legitimacy.
Link:
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/opinion/letters/its-cooked-air-641921/

2012 PA Gas Drilling Down 14% to 21% & Back To 2010 Levels
John Hanger's Facts of The Day
Blog
June 25
The boom is far from bust, but the pace of gas drilling in Pennsylvania is slowing, as a result of sustained, rock bottom gas prices that also are delivering massive savings to consumers and causing large displacement of coal generation by natural gas power plants.  Drilling activity in 2012 will be lower than in 2011 and back to 2010 levels, according to data gathered at
www.marcellusgas.org.
Link:
http://www.johnhanger.blogspot.com/2012/06/2012-pa-gas-drilling-down-14-to-21-back.html

Fracking foes pray and protest
Fear impact on "God’s creation"
Sharon Herald
Tom Davidson
June 25
[...]The members of Ohio Fracktion come from throughout the Mahoning Valley. They include McDonald, Ohio residents Jonathan Sidney and John Williams.
Sidney played a violin to start the prayer service and Williams listened as the Rev. Monica Beasley-Martin, an itinerant elder of the North Ohio Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, led the short service.
Link:
http://sharonherald.com/local/x439051837/Fracking-foes-pray-and-protest

Royalty tax withholding proposal gets low marks from gas leaseholders' group
Citizens Voice
Laura Legere
June 25
A state proposal to have gas drillers automatically withhold state taxes from lease and royalty payments is drawing criticism from landowners who say they already struggle to ensure they are receiving proper payment for their gas rights.
Link:
http://citizensvoice.com/news/royalty-tax-withholding-proposal-gets-low-marks-from-gas-leaseholders-group-1.1334434

$1.6 Million Settlement in Contaminated Water Fracking Case
Philadelphia Weekly
Daily Grinder
Randy LoBasso
Blog
June 25
Three northeastern Pennsylvania families have reached a $1.6 million settlement with Oklahoma-based Chesapeake Energy over contaminating their water wells and forcing them to go somewhere else.
Link:
http://blogs.philadelphiaweekly.com/phillynow/2012/06/25/daily-grinder-1-6-million-settlement-in-contaminated-water-fracking-case/

Independent study finds significant fault line methane leaks near PA natural gas operations
Clean Air Council
June 26
A water and methane geyser, bubbling water, and mud volcanoes have Pennsylvania shale-field residents scared and demanding answers.  A number of dramatic methane emissions were reported to have begun in Leroy Township, Bradford County on May 19, 2012.
Link:
http://www.cleanair.org/program/outdoor_air_pollution/marcellus_shale/independent_study_finds_significant_fault_line_methane

New Jersey Senate Bans Treatment of Fracking Waste
NY Times
Green
Blog
Mireya Navarro
June 25
[...]The natural gas drilling process known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is not taking place in New Jersey. But legislators and environmentalists are concerned about the state’s proximity to Pennsylvania, a shale gas fracking hot spot that sends some drill cuttings and waste water to nearby states, including New York, for processing and treatment. New York is also currently considering allowing fracking upstate.
Link:
http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/06/25/new-jersey-senate-bans-treatment-of-fracking-waste/

Confusion regarding landowners' rights in Marcellus Shale
Saint Marys Daily Press
Colin Deppen
June 24
Bob Coppolo of Weedville said when he was recently approached by gas company representatives seeking access to his land, he balked at the idea of signing on the dotted line without first reading through the fine print.
Link:
http://www.smdailypress.com/content/confusion-regarding-landowners-rights-marcellus-shale

New concerns about gas drilling
Philly Burbs
Opinion
June 25
When critics of Act 13, the state’s gas drilling law, derided the legislation for, among other things, giving gas companies the right to void local zoning ordinances, state Sen. Chuck McIlhinney, R-10, told Bucks County communities not to worry. “It (the law) does not affect Bucks County’s townships, like Nockamixon,” McIlhinney assured, because Bucks does not lie above the Marcellus Shale, which lawmakers had in mind when they passed Act 13.
Link:
http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/the_intelligencer_news/opinion/new-concerns-about-gas-drilling/article_108f20ca-d01f-5875-bc83-67efff104012.html

Financiers: Marcellus more than a trickle
Times Online
Kirstin Kennedy
June 25
Active drilling in the Marcellus shale is going to solve the United States’ economic problems, and Janney Montgomery Scott knows why.
Link:
http://www.timesonline.com/news/local_news/financiers-marcellus-more-than-a-trickle/article_cfa2e234-cc5d-5623-a6b6-68457776c271.html

Amid shale drilling changes, law firms stay busy
Post-Gazette
Zack Needles
June 25
Financial woes plaguing the nation's second largest natural gas explorer, Chesapeake Energy Corp., have made for headline fodder recently, but some Pennsylvania energy attorneys said the Oklahoma company's problems are indicative of larger trends: the floundering price of "dry" gas and the ongoing shift of drilling operations from northeastern Pennsylvania to the southwestern portion of the state and to Ohio.
Link:
http://shale.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/news/archives/24651-amid-shale-drilling-changes-law-firms-stay-busy

PA DEP Considers Controversial Gas Line Replacement Project Across Brandywine Creek
CBS Local Philadelphia
Pat Loeb
June 25
PHILADELPHIA — Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection is considering whether to let a Texas company dig in to the Brandywine Creek in order to replace a natural gas pipeline.
Link:
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2012/06/25/pa-epa-considers-controversial-gasoline-replacement-project-across-brandywine-creek/

Josh Fox & Rolling Stone Magazine Target Cuomo In New Horror Video
John Hanger's Facts of The Day
Blog
June 21
He's the anti-fracking Babe Ruth, a self-made celebrity, excellent at his arts of propaganda and issue advocacy and quick.  Within a week of the leaking of the Cuomo plan that would allow hydraulic fracturing in 5 counties,  Josh Fox releases 18 minutes of horror and fear, targeting the Governor.
Link:
http://johnhanger.blogspot.com/2012/06/josh-fox-rolling-stone-magazine-targets.html

Untapped gold mine of natural gas sits below Bucks County
Philly Burbs
Amanda Cregan
June 22
New government data reveal that a potential gold mine for gas drillers — a pool of untapped natural gas — sits below most of Bucks County.
Link:
http://www.phillyburbs.com/my_town/palisades/untapped-gold-mine-of-natural-gas-sits-below-bucks-county/article_80280894-4286-5922-85bd-c46e270acb66.html

Methane migration probed in Tioga County
Post-Gazette
Laura Olson
June 22
HARRISBURG -- State environmental officials are investigating a potential case of methane migration in Tioga County near gas-drilling sites operated by a Shell Oil Co. subsidiary.
Link:
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/marcellusshale/methane-migration-probed-in-tioga-county-641486/

Studying the Marcellus Shale: Researchers develop collaborative tool for water quality data
Centre Daily Times
Kelly Henry
June 24
Scientists with federal and state agencies, academic researchers, environmental consultants and watershed group volunteers have collected water quality data for years as part of efforts to monitor the health of Pennsylvania’s waterways.
Link:
http://www.centredaily.com/2012/06/24/3240040/marcellus-shale.html

State budget Shell game
Times-Tribune
Opinion
June 25
Gov. Tom Corbett and leaders of the Republican majorities in both houses announced Wednesday that they have reached a deal on a new state budget, as if they were adversaries.
Link:
http://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/state-budget-shell-game-1.1334311

Local companies drill into natural gas industry
Times-Tribune
James Haggerty
June 25
Natural gas extraction is helping to enable a Scranton ammunition plant to aim for different business objectives.
Link:
http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/gas-drilling/local-companies-drill-into-natural-gas-industry-1.1334357

Climate Change Stunner: Shale Gas Makes USA World Leader In Cutting Carbon Emissions Since 2006
John Hanger's Facts of The Day
Blog
June 22
You will not find this fact in any of Josh Fox's videos about fracking and shale gas. Our Canadian friends call it a "climate change stunner."  The stunning fact for Canadians is that the USA leads the world in reducing carbon emissions since 2006.  This fact likely stuns most Americans too, as little has been said about it.
http://www.vancouverobserver.com/blogs/climatesnapshot/2012/06/04/climate-change-stunner-usa-leads-world-co2-cuts-2006.
Link:
http://www.johnhanger.blogspot.com/2012/06/climate-change-stunner-shale-gas-makes.html

No Shell game: Corbett's tax break plan is a good deal for state
Post-Gazette
Editorial
June 22
In a perfect world, Pennsylvania would not have to throw incentives at profitable businesses to lure them. Here in the real world, though, the Keystone State must compete against its neighbors to win jobs and tax revenue.
Link:
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/opinion/editorials/no-shell-game-corbetts-tax-break-plan-is-a-good-deal-for-state-641452/

The Sierra Club Pennsylvania Opposes House Bill 1659 On Permit Modifications

This letter was sent to every PA state representative this morning!

Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter
PO Box 606
Harrisburg, PA 17108
717-232-0101   Fax: 717-238-6330
pennsylvania.chapter@sierraclub.org
June 26, 2012

Dear Representative,
The Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter urges you to oppose House Bill 1659 on final passage.  This bill would undermine the fundamental mission of DEP to protect our air, water, land and public health. This legislation would limit DEP’s ability to adequately review applications for pollution and other permits.

The bill imposes short and arbitrary deadlines on DEP’s review of permit applications without recognizing the differing levels of complexity amongst permit applications, and then declares that permits shall be deemed approved if DEP cannot meet those deadlines.  To make matters worse, because DEP’s budget has been cut substantially since 2006, the agency has fewer permit reviewers to meet these arbitrary deadlines.

Some permits – those with the greatest potential to impact local communities – require more time and attention than other less controversial permit applications.  For example, DEP’s decision to authorize construction of a municipal waste landfill should not be treated the same as a decision to expand a water treatment facility. 

House Bill 1659 requires DEP within 90 days to develop a plan to use non-governmental employees to review permits designed to protect the public health.  The proposal fundamentally changes the relationship between government agencies and the public by putting protection of public health and the environment in the hands of private contractors that are not directly responsible to elected officials, municipal government, or public voters.

While regulatory agencies such as DEP should continually strive to make its permit processes timely and efficient, getting permits issued by arbitrary deadlines cannot be an end in itself.  The process authorized by this legislation undermines the responsibility of the agency to protect citizens and their rights. There are alternative means, including the General Assembly’s substantial budgetary and oversight powers, to improve DEP permitting.

We urge you to vote NO on this very bad legislation. 
Sincerely,
Jeff Schmidt
Director
Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter

Monday, June 25, 2012

PA Marcellus News Digest 6/25/12

PA Marcellus News Digest
June 25, 2012

Releases

DEP Secretary Krancer Starts Dialogue (ACTUALLY LECTURES) with Natural Resources Defense Council to Correct Recent Report
Wallaby
June 25
Harrisburg – In advance of a panel discussion on hydraulic fracturing regulations, Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Mike Krancer today outlined in a letter to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) some perspectives that the organization missed in its May 2012 report, “In Fracking’s Wake: New Rules are Needed to Protect Our Health and Environment from Contaminated Wastewater.”
Link:
http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2012/2012062566.HTM

White: DEP denies Open Records request for Cornerstone Care air quality testing data
Agency instead issues 2nd analysis summary revealing detection of new chemicals and more unanswered questions (WHITE THINKS GAS DRILLING MAY BE THE PROBLEM)
Wallaby
June 25
 HARRISBURG – The Department of Environmental Protection has denied state Rep. Jesse White's open records request to obtain air quality test data from the agency's investigation of odors at Cornerstone Care, a non-profit medical clinic in Burgettstown. Cornerstone has been closed since May 25, when they were forced to evacuate the facility for a third time.
Link:
http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2012/2012062571.HTM

Articles

Stick to fracking science, not the politics
Pitt Trib
Mark S. Crtiz
Opinion
June 23
At a recent U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee hearing, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson justified the agency’s “desire to do additional science around hydraulic fracturing ... because the public’s trust in that technology we believe is also based on the belief that we are looking to bring the very best science to bear, to ensure that it remains safe.” While no one would argue with the importance of ensuring safety in responsible shale-gas development, recent missteps and questionable actions by the EPA have regrettably cast doubt upon the agency’s credibility and ability to put forth the “best science” to ensure the public’s trust.
Link:
http://triblive.com/opinion/2055478-74/epa-fracturing-hydraulic-public-science-agency-gas-pennsylvania-based-concern

Report: 3rd largest natural gas reserves on East Coast are in Bucks, Montgomery counties
WFMZ
Jaccii Farris
June 22
(includes video)
[...]Nancy Alessi, a Nockamixon Township supervisor, said the recent report will be a magnet for drilling companies.
"We know drilling is going to come here. We had it in the past," said Alessi.
Link:
http://www.wfmz.com/news/news-regional-southeasternpa/Report-3rd-largest-natural-gas-reserves-on-East-Coast-are-in-Bucks-Montgomery-counties/-/121434/15214802/-/6jivpa/-/index.html

$1.6M settlement in Pa. gas drilling lawsuit
Inquirer
Kevin Begos, AP
June 23
PITTSBURGH - Three northeastern Pennsylvania families have reached a $1.6 million settlement with a gas drilling company over contaminated water wells.
Link:
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/state/20120622_ap_16msettlementinpagasdrillinglawsuit.html

OSHA Issues Hazard Alert to Frackers
State Impact
Susan Phillips
June 22
Link:
http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/06/22/osha-issues-hazard-alert-to-frackers/

As Shell Works To Stop Methane, Neighboring Farmer Worries About His Cows
State Impact
Scott Detrow
June 22
Link:
http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/06/22/as-shell-works-to-stop-methane-neighboring-farmer-worries-about-his-cows/

Tioga County Methane Migration: Onetime Geyser Being Brought Under Conrol
State Impact
Scott Detrow
June 22
Link:
http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/06/22/tioga-county-methane-migration-onetime-geyser-being-brought-under-conrol/

The Sunday Brunch: Parsing the #crackercredit jobs claims.
Morning Call
Capitol Ideas
John L. Micek
Blog
June 24
Gov. Tom Corbett says the construction of a new natural gas processing plant in western Pennsylvania  could spark a “new industrial revolution” and create tens of thousands of new jobs. And that’s why lawmakers need to sign off on a 25-year, $1.65 billion tax credit for Royal Dutch Shell PLC.
Link:
http://blogs.mcall.com/capitol_ideas/2012/06/the-sunday-brunch-parsing-the-crackercredit-jobs-claims.html

Quick action expected on state budget, tax credit
Pitt Trib
Michael Macagnone
June 25
Gov. Tom Corbett will likely have a state budget and a 25-year tax credit plan for a petrochemical plant in Beaver County on his desk by the end of this week, analysts and lawmakers said.
Link:
http://triblive.com/news/2078342-74/tax-credit-state-budget-corbett-plant-million-expected-pennsylvania-plan

Friday, June 22, 2012

PA Marcellus News Digest 6/22/12

PA Marcellus News Digest
June 22, 2012

Releases

Senators Seek Accountability for Taxpayer Investment in Cracker Plant
Washington and Kitchen to offer job accountability benchmarks
Wallaby
June 22
HARRISBURG -- June 22, 2012 – The Corbett administration must be accountable for the jobs created with the $1.65 billion worth of Pennsylvania tax credits that may soon be invested in a new Shell petrochemical plant in Beaver County, two Philadelphia-area state senators said today.
Link:
http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2012/2012062269.HTM

Cabot Oil & Gas Announces Pearsall Joint Venture
Wallaby
PR Newswire
June 22
HOUSTON-Cabot Oil & Gas (NYSE: COG) today announced the Company has signed a definitive agreement with a wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary of Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. ("Osaka") for the sale of a 35 percent non-operated working interest in the Pearsall Shale in approximately 50,000 net acres leased by the Company in Atascosa, Frio, La Salle and Zavala counties of Texas for a total price of $250 million.
Link:
http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2012/2012062299.HTM

Articles

Natural Gas for Vehicles Could Use U.S. Support
NY Times
Floyd Norris
June 21
The fuel is cheap and plentiful. But there is little infrastructure to deliver it to users, and so there is little demand for equipment to use it.
Link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/22/business/natural-gas-vehicles-are-a-compelling-target-for-a-federal-program.html?_r=1&ref=business

Freeland seeks funding from drilling fees
Standard Speaker
Kelly Monitz
June 22
Numerous communities in the area have gone on record opposing state Act 13, which officials believe strips local zoning authority regarding gas and oil drilling.
Link:
http://standardspeaker.com/news/freeland-seeks-funding-from-drilling-fees-1.1333264

Collection of realty transfer tax breaks a record in Bradford County
Daily Review
James Loewenstein
June 22
[...]Bradford County collected $1,844,455 in realty transfer taxes in 2011, up from $1,193,683 in 2007, which is a 55 percent increase, said Shirley Rockefeller, Bradford County register & recorder of deeds.
Link:
http://thedailyreview.com/news/collection-of-realty-transfer-tax-breaks-a-record-in-bradford-county-1.1333299

Methane migration probed in Tioga County
Post-Gazette
Laura Olson
June 22
HARRISBURG -- State environmental officials are investigating a potential case of methane migration in Tioga County near gas-drilling sites operated by a Shell Oil Co. subsidiary.
Link:
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/marcellusshale/methane-migration-probed-in-tioga-county-641486/

Cracker plant proposed in West Virginia
Post-Gazette
Erich Schwartzel
June 22
As Gov. Tom Corbett continues his campaign to secure Shell Oil Co.'s ethane cracker plant in Beaver County, another company has announced preliminary plans to build another petrochemical facility near Charleston, W.Va.
Link:
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/region/cracker-plant-proposed-in-west-virginia-641513/

Fewer permits issued for Marcellus gas wells
Courier-Express
June 22
MarcellusGas.org says a comparison of Marcellus permit data from the last three months to data for the same time period in 2011 shows that permit approval has declined by 21 percent and the number of wells reported as started (or under development) has dropped 14 percent.
Link:
http://www.thecourierexpress.com/courierexpress/courierexpresslocal/965404-349/fewer-permits-issuedfor-marcellus-gas-wells.html

Thursday, June 21, 2012

PA Marcellus News Digest 6/15-6/21

PA Marcellus News Digest
June 15th-21st 

A large Digest today, since we have been away at a conference this week

Special: Youtube Video: Part 1 - Marcellus Matters (May 17, 2012): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSQIlhuHGYE

Releases

"Truthland," the factual alternative to "Gasland," launches nationwide
Wallaby
June 14
Film leverages facts, interviews with experts to tell real story behind shale development; major summer screening tour kicks off.
The development of enormous reserves of American energy from tight formations such as shale has been hailed as a “game-changer” by the Energy Information Administration, as playing a “key role in our nation's clean energy future,” according to the Environmental Protection Agency, and as a means of helping our country “create jobs and power trucks and factories that are cleaner and cheaper,” President Obama said earlier this year.
Link:
http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2012/2012061578.HTM

Van Gas Technologies Offers Economical and Ecological Solutions for Natural Gas Dehydration
Wallaby
PR Newswire
June 19
Harmful emissions are generated during natural gas dehydration as water vapor is removed from gas using traditional Triethylene glycol dehydrators. Water vapor and other impurities must be removed from natural gas, because these impurities can damage equipment and delay or stop transportation. "It is therefore necessary to employ dehydration systems," states Tyler Currie, Western Sales Manager for Van Gas Technologies. "Economical and ecology-friendly fuel gas conditioning is the focus of our business."
Link:
http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2012/2012061988.HTM

Lutherans Call for Fracking Moratorium
Assembly cites human health concerns, advocacy for most vulnerable
Protecting Our Waters
Iris Marie Bloom
June 18
Less than a week after Pennsylvania farmers called for a moratorium on unconventional gas extraction, a large gathering of Pennsylvania Lutherans has also formally passed a resolution calling for a statewide halt on shale gas drilling.
Link:
http://protectingourwaters.wordpress.com/2012/06/18/lutherans-call-for-fracking-moratorium/

Fitzgerald to Open First Session of Penn State Extension’s “Marcellus & Beyond” Shale Gas Summer Series
Wallaby
June 20
PITTSBURGH – Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald will provide opening remarks at the first session of Penn State Extension’s “Marcellus & Beyond” Shale Gas Summer Series at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 26, at Rodef Shalom’s Levy Hall located at 4905 5th Avenue in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood.
Link:
http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2012/2012062076.HTM

Aqua America Increases Investment in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Ohio to Address Water-Energy Nexus
Wallaby
Business Wire
June 20
BRYN MAWR, Pa.-Aqua America, Inc. (NYSE: WTR) Chairman and CEO Nicholas DeBenedictis detailed Aqua’s sustainability initiatives with respect to its growing water-energy nexus at the Citi Global Water and Renewables Investment Conference held today in New York City.
Link:
http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2012/2012062038.HTM

White bill to create non-taxpayer fund for ethane-cracker development
Measure would let taxpayers off the hook for $1.6 billion Royal Dutch Shell tax credit
Wallaby
June 20
HARRISBURG, June 20 – State Rep. Jesse White, D-Washington/Allegheny/Beaver, is introducing legislation to attract the global gas company Royal Dutch Shell to Pennsylvania, but without the use of any taxpayer dollars.
Link:
http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2012/2012062058.HTM

Governor Tom Corbett Highlights Potential for Jobs, Economic Growth from Building Petrochemical Industry in PA
Wallaby
June 20
Harrisburg – Governor Tom Corbett was joined today by members of his cabinet, elected state officials and representatives of labor and business to highlight the importance of bringing a petrochemical complex to Pennsylvania.
Link:
http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2012/2012062045.HTM

Articles

White proposes surtax to support cracker plant
Observer-Reporter
Christie Campbell
June 21
Even as Gov. Tom Corbett on Wednesday highlighted the importance of bringing a petrochemical complex to Pennsylvania, a local lawmaker was introducing legislation to attract the complex and others without using taxpayer dollars.
Link:
http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/story11/Corbett-cracker-plant

Justice is lacking in Shipman case
Observer-Reporter
Editorial
June 21
[...]For those who haven’t followed the story, Shipman, the former owner of a wastewater disposal company, was accused of dumping millions of gallons again, millions of gallons of gas-drilling wastewater, sewage sludge and restaurant grease into streams and mine shafts over a six-county area.
Link:
http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/editorial11/Toothman-editorial

Marcellus talk draws crowd in Buffalo Township
Observer-Reporter
Scott Beveridge
June 21
TAYLORSTOWN A Clean Air Council representative and other environmentalists visited Washington County Wednesday to express and discuss their concerns about air pollution relating to the Marcellus Shale natural gas development boom.
Link:
http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/story11/Buffalo-Marcellus-worries

Untapped goldmine of natural gas sits below Bucks County
Philly Burbs
Amanda Cregan
June 21
New government data reveals that a potential goldmine of untapped natural gas sits below Bucks County.
Link:
http://www.phillyburbs.com/my_town/palisades/untapped-goldmine-of-natural-gas-sits-below-bucks-county/article_80280894-4286-5922-85bd-c46e270acb66.html#.T-NpdlgKvqA.facebook

Injection Wells: The Poison Beneath Us
Pro Publica
Abrahm Lustgarten
June 21
Over the past several decades, U.S. industries have injected more than 30 trillion gallons of toxic liquid deep into the earth, using broad expanses of the nation's geology as an invisible dumping ground.
Link:
http://www.propublica.org/article/injection-wells-the-poison-beneath-us

A New Video Short From Josh Fox
State Impact
Scott Detrow
June 20
Link:
http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/06/20/a-new-video-short-from-josh-fox/

DEP Investigating Potential Shell Methane Migration
State Impact
Scott Detrow
June 21
Link:
https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/06/21/dep-investigating-potential-methane-migration-by-shell/

Inhofe Bill To Kill EPA Air Toxic Rule Loses 46-53
John Hanger's Facts of The Day
Blog
June 20
Senator Inhofe's effort to kill the EPA air toxic rule won this afternoon the support of 46 senators but drew the opposition of 53.  The bill needed 50 votes to pass.
Link:
http://johnhanger.blogspot.com/2012/06/inhofe-bill-to-kill-epa-air-toxic-rule.html

Big government, big business, big labor back $1.65B tax credit for big oil
PA Independent
Eric Boehm
June 20
HARRISBURG — Business groups, union leaders and representatives of state and local government threw their support behind a plan to provide Shell Oil with a $1.65 billion tax credit as part of the state budget agreement.
Link:
http://paindependent.com/2012/06/big-government-big-business-big-labor-back-1-65b-tax-credit-for-big-oil/

Corbett pushes hard for petrochemical plant
Inquirer
Amy Worden
June 21
HARRISBURG - With the clock winding down toward the Assembly's summer break, Gov. Corbett made his biggest public push yet to line up legislative support for his plan to bring a multibillion-dollar petrochemical plant to Western Pennsylvania.
Link:
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20120621_Corbett_pushes_hard_for_petrochemical_plant.html?cmpid=124488459

Inquirer
Mayer Krain
Letter to the Editor
June 21
Republican Gov. Tom Corbett is trying to bring more jobs to Pennsylvanians by giving enormous tax breaks to Shell (Daily News, June 5).
Link:
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/159795405.html

Corbett lines up tax credit crew
Pitt Trib
Timothy Puko and Michael Macagnone
June 21
Government, labor and industry representatives joined Gov. Tom Corbett in Harrisburg on Wednesday to urge lawmakers to pass a tax credit benefiting petrochemical plants.
Link:
http://triblive.com/news/2056226-74/jobs-corbett-pennsylvania-state-credit-job-plant-industry-department-subsidy

City joins lawsuit opposing unified drilling zone
Pitt Trib
Cindy Ekas
June 21
Connellsville City Council adopted a resolution Wednesday night to support a lawsuit opposing Act 13, which amends the Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Act to establish a unified zoning scheme across the state.
Link:
http://triblive.com/news/fayette/2068441-74/act-council-gas-resolution-state-zoning-health-drilling-matthews-program

In Western Pennsylvania, an Energy Boom Not Visibly Stifled
NY Times
Jonathan Weisman
June 20
SMITHFIELD, Pa. — From his farm nestled far from the big cities, in the wooded hills above the Monongahela and Cheat Rivers, David Headley has not heard much about the battles in Washington over regulations that Republicans say are stifling a domestic energy revolution.
Link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/21/us/an-energy-boom-in-western-pennsylvania.html?_r=3&pagewanted=1&exprod=myyahoo

Methane, water spout
Wellsboro Gazette
Jason Przybycien
June 20
Shell Appalachia subsidiary SWEPI LP suspended operations in Union Township while they contain and investigate methane and water releases around the Guindon K 706 well pad.
Link:
http://www.tiogapublishing.com/news/the_wellsboro_mansfield_gazette/methane-water-spout/article_a9733e36-bb02-11e1-8204-0019bb2963f4.html

Low natural gas prices contribute to risky renewable energy investing
Post-Gazette
Amy Friedenberger
June 20
Aol Energy covered the 9th Annual Renewable Energy Finance Forum Wall Street yesterday in New York. The common theme: renewable energy project financing and development is falling to the wayside as regulatory uncertainty and low natural gas prices continue to be a major influence, resulting in a risky situation for investors.
Link:
http://shale.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/news/archives/24634

New Data Documents Shale Gas Is The Difference Between Coal Booming Globally But Busting in North America
John Hanger's Facts of the Day
Blog
June 19
BP's 2011 Statistical Energy Review confirms that shale gas is the difference between coal booming or busting.  Last year, coal boomed globally, reaching its highest share of global energy consumption since 1969, but it busted in North America.
Link:
http://johnhanger.blogspot.com/2012/06/new-data-documents-shale-gas-is.html

Chesapeake Energy announces upcoming roadwork in northern Pa.
Daily Review
June 19
TOWANDA - Chesapeake Energy Corp. announced Monday the following ongoing, upcoming and completed roadwork projects in Bradford, Susquehanna, and Sullivan counties to improve regional transportation infrastructure. These projects are part of Chesapeake's ongoing commitment to responsible development of the Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania. Chesapeake has invested more than $300 million since 2010 repairing and rebuilding more than 450 miles of road infrastructure in northern Pennsylvania and expects to invest $25 million this year upgrading approximately 56 miles of state roads and another $15 million on township roads:
Link:
http://thedailyreview.com/news/chesapeake-energy-announces-upcoming-roadwork-in-northern-pa-1.1331625

Support For Shell Tax Break In Monaca, But Skepticism Over Job Claims
State Impact
Scott Detrow
June 20
Link:
http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/06/20/support-for-shell-tax-break-in-monaca-but-skepticism-over-job-claims/

Shell Tax Break: American Chemistry Council Conducted Jobs Study For Eight Other States, Too
State Impact
Scott Detrow
June 19
Link:
http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/06/19/shell-tax-break-american-chemistry-council-conducted-jobs-study-for-eight-other-states-too/

Mansfield University: Growing with the gas industry
Daily Review
C.R. Wagner
June 19
[...]In February 2011, Seatrax, a company which provides safety training for Shell, approached Sikorski for a larger classroom. And thus began the growing relationship between MU and the natural gas industry. Every Thursday MU started hosting Seatrax trainings.
Link:
http://thedailyreview.com/news/mansfield-university-growing-with-the-gas-industry-1.1331603

Lawmaker fighting for release of air data
Observer-Reporter
Christie Campbell
June 19
Although the state Department of Environmental Protection insists nothing of significance was found from recent air testing at a Smith Township medical center, a local lawmaker wants the department to release the raw data from those tests.
Link:
http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/story11/06-19-2012-White-DEP

Chambers pins his departure on ‘dysfunctional’ school board
Daily Local
Sara Mosqueda-Fernandez
June 18
EAST WHITELAND — Bruce Chambers last week said the Great Valley School Board’s “dsyfunctional nature” was behind his decision to resign from the board.
“Due to the dysfunctional nature of our school board and the resultant stress that is affecting my health, I can no longer serve on the board,” Chambers wrote in his resignation letter.
Link:
http://www.dailylocal.com/article/20120618/NEWS01/120619564/chambers-pins-his-departure-on-dysfunctional-school-board

Landowners spar with gas pipeline drillers
Herald Standard
J. Miles Layton
June 18
SPRINGHILL TWP. — The Headley and Bezjak families say they are regretting their decisions to allow a natural gas pipeline to cross their properties.
Link:
http://www.heraldstandard.com/news/local_news/landowners-spar-with-gas-pipeline-drillers/article_bad21970-908c-58a0-bcf0-7c5bdbbf7915.html

Consider pros and cons of leasing before signing on
Observer-Reporter
Pat McCune and Bill Summers
June 18
It's no secret that the Marcellus is a capital intensive arena. The amount of equipment and inventory necessary to develop a world-class energy play are staggering. Businesses usually borrow money to buy property or equipment. However, for tangible assets, such as construction equipment or reusable items, you may wish to lease.
Link:
http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/business11/06-18-2012-FINANCING-IN-THE-MARCELLUS---MON-BIZ

Nockamixon gas drilling lawsuit will likely advance to PA Supreme Court
Philly Burbs
Amanda Cregan
June 18
[...]As the township advances through the courts, a gas drilling company will soon learn the fate of a permit application that could bring the first gas well to Bucks County.
Link:
http://www.phillyburbs.com/my_town/palisades/nockamixon-gas-drilling-lawsuit-will-likely-advance-to-pa-supreme/article_f6bc8750-3548-5fad-b6c0-5f2b7088c940.html

Residents’ documentary tells ‘real story’ of shale gas drilling
Tribune-Democrat
Kathy Mellott
June 17
 A group of northeastern Pennsylvania natives has produced and is releasing a film geared at providing what it feels is an accurate portrayal of deep shale gas drilling in the Marcellus and Utica beds.
Link:
http://tribune-democrat.com/local/x1901565351/Residents-documentary-tells-real-story-of-shale-gas-drilling

State investigating spill in Georges Creek
Herald Standard
J. Miles Layton
June 18
SPRINGHILL TWP. — The state Department of Environmental Protection is investigating a spill into Georges Creek of a lubricant similar to clay that is used in the pipeline drilling process.
Link:
http://www.heraldstandard.com/news/local_news/state-investigating-spill-in-georges-creek/article_9d2cb962-e170-5434-9e22-3afa9c8091c3.html

Valerus puts emphasis on Marcellus shale gas safety
Post-Gazette
Erich Schwartzel
June 19
SMITHFIELD, Pa. -- The shale gas industry isn't often seen as a natural place to find pomp and circumstance, but six months of working at the Valerus gas processing firm will earn you a graduation cap of sorts.
Link:
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/business/news/valerus-puts-emphasis-on-marcellus-shale-gas-safety-640971/

Supervisors urged to adopt resolution opposing Act 13
Pitt Trib
Linda Harkcom
June 18
[...]"I represent over 200 Westmoreland County residents who have serious concerns about the health and environmental effects of the gas drilling operations as well as concerns about the effect on property values," said WMCG President Jan Milburn, a resident of Ligonier Township.
Link:
http://triblive.com/news/fayette/2051998-74/township-act-group-supervisors-marcellus-officials-pleasant-resolution-approved-citizens

New Data Documents Shale Gas Is The Difference Between Coal Booming Globally But Busting in North America
John Hanger's Facts of the Day
Blog
June 19
BP's 2011 Statistical Energy Review confirms that shale gas is the difference between coal booming or busting.  Last year, coal boomed globally, reaching its highest share of global energy consumption since 1969, but it busted in North America.
Link:
http://johnhanger.blogspot.com/2012/06/new-data-documents-shale-gas-is.html

PA Loses Jobs in April & May: Needs More Than Just Marcellus Shale
John Hanger's Facts of the Day
Blog
June 18
After compiling a jobs creation record over the last year that put Pennsylvania among the worst performing states, Pennsylvania has lost jobs during April and May. Here are the troubling numbers that demonstrate Pennsylvania needs more jobs than the gas boom by itself can provide.
Link:
http://johnhanger.blogspot.com/2012/06/pa-loses-jobs-in-april-may-needs-more.html

Clay drilling lubricant leaks into W. Pa. creek
Centre Daily Times
AP
June 18
POINT MARION, PA. — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is monitoring a creek where a clay substance used as a lubricant leaked from an underground drilling operation in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Link:
http://www.centredaily.com/2012/06/18/3233191/clay-drilling-lubricant-leaks.html

Local officials say they aren’t told about spills
Fuel Fix
AP
June 16
PITTSBURGH — Gas drilling-related companies spilled oils, gases or chemicals about 134 times onto land and into water across Pennsylvania since Jan. 1, 2011, but the state rarely, if ever, notified the public.
Link:
http://fuelfix.com/blog/2012/06/16/local-officials-say-they-arent-told-about-spills/

Safe, clean energy
Post-Gazette
Brian Drake, Marcellus Shale Coalition
Letter to the Editor
June 19
Jeff Schmidt's June 6 letter ("Natural Gas Is Not a Clean Energy Investment") lodges a series of claims that are fundamentally unsupported by the facts about the safe, responsible development of clean-burning American natural gas.
Link:
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/opinion/letters/safe-clean-energy-640975/#ixzz1yFEw224p

Nat.gas tax credit an "essential" part of budget deal for Corbett, negotiators say.
Morning Call
Capitol Ideas
John L. Micek
Blog
June 18
Legislative authorization of a $1.65 billion tax credit for Shell Oil and other petrochemical producers is a Corbett administration "essential" as negotiations over the 2012-13 state budget enter their final days.
Link:
http://blogs.mcall.com/capitol_ideas/2012/06/natgas-tax-credit-an-essential-part-of-budget-deal-for-corbett-negotiators-say.html

SWPA-EHP releases guidelines to monitor, test private wells
Post-Gazette
Amy Friedenberger
June 18
The Southwest Pennsylvania Environmental Health Project, nonprofit environmental health project funded by The Heinz Endowments, the Pittsburgh Foundation and the Claneil Foundation, released a set of guidelines for monitoring and testing private wells in the effort to address the concerns of Washington County residents who are worried about the safety of water from private wells near natural gas drilling locations.
Link:
http://shale.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/news/archives/24628-swpa-ehp-releases-guidlines-to-monitor-test-private-wells

Big test for Corbett looms in election, tax credit
Times Leader
Marc Levy, AP
June 18
HARRISBURG — It’s budget season again for Gov. Tom Corbett, and that means the same thing as last year: His approval rating has plummeted as Pennsylvania’s no-new-taxes chief executive preaches austerity for public schools and social services while prescribing tax cuts and tax breaks for businesses.
Link:
http://www.timesleader.com/stories/Big-test-for-Corbett-looms-in-election-tax-credit,164883

Is Ohio Still Wooing Shell? Governor’s Office Won’t Say
State Impact
Scott Detrow
June 18
Link:
https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/06/18/is-ohio-still-wooing-shell-governors-office-wont-say/

Corbett Asks For Automatic Withholding On Drilling Royalty Payments
State Impact
Scott Detrow
June 18
Link:
http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/06/18/corbett-asks-for-automatic-withholding-on-drilling-royalty-payments/

Air quality concerns raised as gas compressor stations multiply
Times-Tribune
Laura Legere
June 18
The number of natural gas compressor stations planned for Northeast Pennsylvania is multiplying as companies lay more pipelines to carry Marcellus Shale gas to customers.
Link:
http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/air-quality-concerns-raised-as-gas-compressor-stations-multiply-1.1331314

Chartiers residents voice concern over gas well
Observer-Reporter
Kathie O. Warco
June 16
During a public hearing Tuesday on a proposed oil and gas extraction ordinance to make Chartiers Township compliant with the state's new gas drilling law, the supervisors heard from residents unhappy a gas well may be coming to their neighborhood.
Link:
http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/story11/06-16-2012-chartiers-act-13-hearing

A debate over Shell chemical plant, and the tax credits that might it lure it to Pa.
Inquirer
Andrew Maykuth
June 18
The Corbett administration is mounting a full-court press to persuade Shell Chemical L.P. to build a huge petrochemical plant in Pennsylvania that officials see as the cornerstone of a manufacturing revival fueled by Marcellus Shale natural gas.
Link:
http://articles.philly.com/2012-06-18/business/32282957_1_natural-gas-tax-credit-construction-jobs

AG spokesman says sentence 'bad for Pennsylvania'
Herald Standard
Jennifer Harr
June 17
A spokesman for the state attorney general said the office is “extremely disappointed” in the probationary sentence that a Greene County man received for six years of illegal dumping and theft.
Link:
http://www.heraldstandard.com/news/local_news/ag-spokesman-says-sentence-bad-for-pennsylvania/article_e570b5dc-a6f7-53a1-96dd-589dc3662b80.html

Drilling won’t threaten Pa. parks, officials say
The Vindicator
Jeanne Starmack
June 17
[...]
The view is breathtaking, and worth protecting. There is no fracking going on underneath the gorge — fracking is not allowed under any state park land, said Terry Brady, deputy press secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.One of the wells is drilled and fracking is under way, said John Poister, spokesman for the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Work has started on a second well.
What would happen if a well casing failed, or a blowout threatened the watershed or the creek?
Poister said the DEP regularly inspects the wells, even when they are capped, to make sure no failed casings could allow fracking fluid or natural gas to migrate to ground water.
Link:
http://www.vindy.com/news/2012/jun/17/drilling-wont-threaten-pa-parks-official/

Panel OK's bill to keep gas drill waste out of NJ
Bloomberg Businessweek
Andrew Duffelmeyer
AP
June 15
Lawmakers on Thursday approved legislation banning hydraulic fracturing byproducts from other states from entering New Jersey, citing concerns about waste from neighboring Pennsylvania endangering public health and the environment in the Garden State.
Link:
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-06/D9VDJSR00.htm

Cracker plant jobs claim may be way off
Pitt Trib
Timothy Puko
June 15
The jobs created by a proposed petrochemical plant in the region could be less than half of what Gov. Tom Corbett and state leaders have been touting, according to new numbers from a member of Corbett's cabinet.
Link:
http://triblive.com/state/2008446-74/jobs-state-plant-permanent-shell-industry-corbett-numbers-tax-billion

Fracking Forces Central PA Mobile Home Residents Out
Allegheny Front
Emily Reddy
June 16
(includes audio)
Just over three months ago residents of a mobile home park in Central Pennsylvania were told they had to leave. The Riverdale Mobile Home Park, near Jersey Shore, had been sold.
Link:
http://www.alleghenyfront.org/story.html?storyid=201206141024390.197551

Greene County businessman sentenced for dumping wastewater across six counties
Post-Gazette
Torsten Ove
June 15
A Greene County businessman who admitted to 13 of 98 charges of illegally dumping millions of gallons of wastewater across six local counties was sentenced today to seven years of probation, 1,750 hours of environement-related community service and ordered to pay $257,316 in restitution.
Link:
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/washington/green-county-businessman-sentenced-for-dumping-wastewater-across-six-counties-640556/

Tax Marcellus Shale to help governor's budget
Patriot-News
Edward I. Benintende
June 15
Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed 2012 budget hurts the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians: public school and university students, the elderly and the disabled.
Link:
http://www.pennlive.com/letters/index.ssf/2012/06/tax_marcellus_shale_to_help_go.html

If state must compete, tax credits are better option
Patriot-News
David E. Black, President Harrisburg Regional Chamber &  Capital Region Economic Development Corporation
Letter to the Editor
June 15
[...]The Corbett administration has been a quiet, nose-to-the-grindstone bunch for the most part. That's good from a work perspective, but in the realm of public policy it gives political opposition the opportunity to define Team Corbett, which is unfortunate given the challenges of government in these times of a still soft economy, growing pension costs and flat (at best) revenues.
Link:
http://www.pennlive.com/letters/index.ssf/2012/06/if_state_must_compete_tax_cred.html

Gov. Corbett advocates for state's environment
Patriot-News
Patrick Henderson, Energy Executive, Office of Gov. Tom Corbett
Letter to the Editor
June 14
While criticizing Mitt Romney and Gov. Tom Corbett, Char Magaro ("Healthy environment should be our priority," June 7) casts unfounded allegations regarding their respective positions on energy and environmental policy.
Link:
http://www.pennlive.com/letters/index.ssf/2012/06/gov_corbett_advocates_for_stat.html

Gas wells in parks more than a drill
Pitt Trib
Nafari Vanaski
June 13
It's a gorgeous day and you don't have to go to work, so you pack a lunch and go on a picnic in the park with a friend.
The two of you decide to toss around the Frisbee. On your first throw, the wind takes it -- right into a drilling rig.
Talk about a daydream buster. It might sound far-fetched, but if Allegheny County Councilman Matt Drozd has his way, it might happen.
Link:
http://triblive.com/news/columnists/1994030-74/drilling-parks-drozd-county-gas-park-lot-acres-allegheny-arabia

Labor fights unpaid OT in gas industry
Standard Speaker
Laura Legere
June 15
The U.S. Department of Labor has started a new effort to combat unfair pay practices in the natural gas industry in the northeastern United States, focusing on subcontractors who avoid paying taxes, overtime and workers' compensation premiums by wrongly classifying employees as independent contractors.
Link:
http://standardspeaker.com/news/labor-fights-unpaid-ot-in-gas-industry-1.1330049

Pipeline plan jeopardizes water quality
Daily Local
Richard Whiteford, Guest Columnist
June 14
Over the years local conservation organizations, the state of Pennsylvania, and Chester County have spent millions of dollars protecting our watersheds to preserve the integrity of our drinking water for our health and safety.
Link:
http://www.dailylocal.com/article/20120614/OPINION02/120619735/guest-column-pipeline-plan-jeopardizes-water-quality

Gas group CEO: Industry must communicate with adversaries
Observer-Reporter
Michael Bradwell
June 15
With America's recent ascent as the world's No. 1 producer of natural gas, it would appear that Regina Hopper's job would be an easy one.
In November 2009, Hopper was named president and chief executive officer of the newly created America's Natural Gas Alliance, which represents 30 of North America's largest independent natural gas exploration and production companies, which include those working in the unconventional shale plays that have produced a surplus of natural gas over the past few years.
Link:
http://www.observer-reporter.com/or/story11/06-15-2012-ANGA-PRESENTATION-TO-CHAMBER

Don't use mine water for Marcellus fracking
Citizens Voice
Audrey Simpson
Letter to the Editor
June 15
The bill recently introduced onto the floor of the Pennsylvania Senate which aims to encourage Marcellus gas drillers to use acid mine drainage water, instead of fresh water, for fracking operations falls well short of making the process more environmentally friendly.
Link:
http://citizensvoice.com/opinion/letters/don-t-use-mine-water-for-marcellus-fracking-1.1329991

Governor Giveaway: Tom Corbett keeps shoveling our money to the oil and gas companies
Post-Gazette
Debbie Srogi, One Pittsburgh
Opinion
June 15
It is not news that Gov. Tom Corbett is a friend of oil and gas companies, but his support of the industry over the hardworking men and women of Pennsylvania is becoming more devastating every day.
Link:
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/opinion/perspectives/governor-giveaway-tom-corbett-keeps-shoveling-our-money-to-the-oil-and-gas-companies-640467/

New Jersey Mulls Barring Pennsylvania Drilling Waste
State Impact
Scott Detrow
June 14
Link:
http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/06/14/new-jersey-mulls-barring-pennsylvania-drilling-waste/

West Virginia “Has Not Had Any Further Discussions” About Cracker With Shell
State Impact
Scott Detrow
June 15
Link:
http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/06/15/west-virginia-has-not-had-any-further-discussions-about-cracker-with-shell/

Corbett Administration Sells Ethane Cracker Tax Break; Secretary Says Shell Asked For It
State Impact
Scott Detrow
June 14
Link:
http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/06/14/corbett-administration-sells-ethane-cracker-tax-break-secretary-says-shell-asked-for-it/

Pa. lawmakers offer Shell tax credit plans
Post-Gazette
Laura Olson
June 14
HARRISBURG -- Two Beaver County lawmakers have released similar versions of a proposed ethane tax credit for Shell Oil Co., which the governor has urged for inclusion in the pending state budget package.
Link:
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/marcellusshale/pa-lawmakers-offer-shell-tax-credit-plans-640322/

New study projects 14 percent growth in shale-related employment in PA
Times-Tribune
June 14
An IHS Global Insight study released Wednesday projects that shale gas-supported employment in Pennsylvania will grow 14 percent each year between 2010 and 2015, more than in any other unconventional gas producing state.
Link:
http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/gas-drilling/new-study-projects-14-percent-growth-in-shale-related-employment-in-pa-1.1329426

Pennsylvania lobbying for DRBC fracking rules
Morning Call
Tim Darragh
June 14
Gov. Tom Corbett's administration has been lobbying neighboring states to approve regulations to open the Delaware River basin to natural gas drilling, a plan that came to a screeching halt in November when Corbett's counterpart in Delaware said the proposal lacked sufficient public health protections.
Link:http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-allentown-marcellus-fracking-20120614,0,4013578.story

CORBETT: SHELL CRACKER PLANT COULD SPUR “NEW INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION” IN PA
Pennsylvania Legislative Services
Mike Howells
Juen 21
(full text below)
Gov. Tom Corbett was joined today by members of his administration, the General Assembly, and business and labor leaders to tout the employment and economic potential of a Royal Dutch Shell ethane cracker plant in Beaver County. Legislation has been offered to provide Shell, which is considering a number of other locations in other states, $66 million in annual performance-based tax credits if the company locates the plant in western Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania is currently the primary choice for Shell as it considers its options.

“We are investing in the opportunity for thousands of Pennsylvanians to have a good job,” Gov. Corbett said. According to the American Chemistry Council (ACC), the petrochemical complex could result in 10,000 construction jobs, 400 direct plant jobs, and 17,000 associated jobs in related industries.

Labor and Industry Secretary Julia Hearthway said the plant could be a “big win” for the state’s labor force and for its business owners, and would create an entirely new industry segment in the Commonwealth.

Gov. Corbett emphasized the initiative is bipartisan in nature, and called the tax credit, HB 2478, sponsored by Rep. Jim Christiana (R-Beaver), “a jobs bill.”

“Even across the party lines, even across the lines of labor and business, we all understand that this is an opportunity for the future of our state,” Gov. Corbett said.

“We are investing…in a new industrial revolution in Pennsylvania,” the governor added. He detailed potential benefits of the industry that would extend beyond Beaver County, notably cheap ethane for consumer product manufacturers throughout the Commonwealth.

“The benefits of employing 10,000 more Pennsylvanians and lowering the cost of raw materials for Pennsylvania manufacturers for outweigh the investment that we’re making,” Gov. Corbett contended.

Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, a Democrat, said the potential for “new wealth” flowing into the western part of the state as a result of Shell building the plant in Beaver County means all sides have to come together to achieve a consensus. He emphasized the state is “not giving anything away” and said for the $66 million annual tax credit cap, Shell will have to achieve a variety of benchmarks related to economic development.

Frank Sirianni, President of the Pennsylvania Building Construction Trades Council, said the measure would mean a great deal to the construction industry in Pennsylvania.

“We are usually the last ones to recover from an economic downturn,” Sirianni said, noting unemployment in the construction sector remains above 20 percent across the Commonwealth. “We are urging every legislator to step forward and work on this issue.”

John DeFazio, District Director for US Steelworkers, called the possibility of the cracker plant “the opportunity of ten lifetimes.” He said the payout for the Commonwealth will be “good paying jobs” that he suggested will remain for many years.

Sen. Elder Vogel (R-Beaver) expressed confidence the Shell plant, if located in Beaver County, would change the face of Southwestern Pennsylvania. He expressed his thanks to the company for considering Pennsylvania given the fact that Louisiana already has the infrastructure in place to accommodate the plant.

“We have the chance of a lifetime, once again, to start something here,” Sen. Vogel said.

Sen. Tim Solobay (D-Washington), whose district includes part of Beaver County, pointed to the success of the Commonwealth's Film Tax Credit in attracting the movie industry and turning Pennsylvania into “the Hollywood of the East.” He indicated the tax credit being offered in HB 2478 could help the Commonwealth retain its status as the “Energy Capital of the East,” while reinvigorating the manufacturing sector.

Sen. John Wozniak (D-Cambria), a native of Johnstown, offered a glimpse into the effects the collapse of manufacturing had on cities throughout Pennsylvania, including Johnstown, Pittsburgh, and Bethlehem. He said the opportunity to bring manufacturing back to Pennsylvania requires all parties to work together quickly to conclude the deal.

Rep. Jim Christiana (R-Beaver), sponsor of HB 2478, thanked Gov. Corbett and his administration and said the governor is part of the reason for Pennsylvania's success so far in the race to win the cracker plant. He remarked the tax credit he authored is not tailored to one single company or even one industry.

“We need to create a partnership with government, labor, and private business to put our folks back to work,” Rep. Christiana said.

Rep. Rob Matzie (D-Washington) recounted how his grandfather, an Italian immigrant, came to America and found work with the American Bridge Company for forty years. He said his family has never lived more than a third of a mile from the rowhouse that was built by the American Bridge Company for his grandfather to live in, and expressed hope a rejuvenated manufacturing sector can ensure such traditions can continue in Pennsylvania.

David Taylor, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Manufacturing Association, said the coalition assembled in support of the Shell plant is “pro-production.” He said its goal is to “seize the high common ground” to achieve more prosperity for Pennsylvania and “especially the 475,000 Pennsylvanians who are today looking for work.”

Taylor called the proposed tax credit “perfectly defensible,” arguing it is performance-based, makes for a lasting investment as the plant would be “impossible” to move once sited, and promises guaranteed technologies and products.

“Any Pennsylvania manufacturer using ethylene in its production process would benefit,” Taylor said.

Speaking to his confidence in the job estimates provided by the ACC, Gov. Corbett said the projections are based on past experiences in the industry and were made by people who have a great deal of experience in the sector. He added the Commonwealth is in competition with Ohio, West Virginia, and Louisiana, among others for the plant. The governor pointed out that there are also projections that a cracker plant would attract other associated businesses to Pennsylvania statewide. He noted propane is a byproduct of the process and said companies in the southeast may look to obtain their propane from Shell as a result.

Gov. Corbett indicated both the Department of Revenue and the Department of Community and Economic Development are currently engaged in internal “fact-checking” of job and economic growth projections. He noted there are also lessons being taken from the industry that exists on the Gulf Coast and said in Pennsylvania the plant would be that much closer to the “feedstock” of natural gas which would then stay within the state. Sec. Hearthway clarified an early estimate of 6,500-8,000 jobs from her department is only the first of two phases of its projection, and includes only the construction jobs and not ongoing operations.

“Numbers – it's going to be a lot of jobs,” the governor stated.

Gov. Corbett reported the administration is currently conducting outreach with legislators and expressed confidence “support will be there” to pass a tax credit bill. With respect to concerns voiced by some lawmakers that the $66 million annual figure has the potential to grow, Gov. Corbett stressed the law has not been passed yet. He predicted considerable debate on both the House and Senate floor and indicated the possibility that the figure, as it is finalized, could well “see movement.”

On the question of what assurances exist that the tax credit will not be “misused,” Gov. Corbett reiterated the credit is performance-based, and will only be conferred if Shell meets various economic goals. He expressed confidence revenues from the new industry will meet or exceed the value of the tax credit.

Asked what impact the tax credit may have on education spending, Gov. Corbett emphasized the initiative has no impact on the upcoming budget, and conceded the current budget environment remains “tough.” He indicated a strong likelihood more money will be put back in on top of the original proposed budget in various areas.

On the possibility of more “broad-based” tax reductions to encourage smaller companies to generate smaller numbers of jobs, Gov. Corbett said “I don't see those kinds of companies coming in and saying 'we're going to provide thousands of jobs – we don't want you to give us money up front, we want to earn it.'” He conceded, however, that he and the legislature would likely listen to other companies who made such a pitch.

###

CLEAN WATER ACTION RALLY FOR MARCELLUS GAS DRILLERS TO IMPROVE PROTECTIONS
Pennsylvania Legislative Services
Jasmine Ohadi
June 19
(full text below)
Numerous members from environmental and community organizations gathered today at the Capitol for a rally organized by Clean Water Action to demand that the three major Marcellus Shale gas drilling companies improve their protections for Pennsylvania communities from natural gas drilling activities.

Myron Arnowitt, PA State Director for Clean Water Action, briefly stated various issues concerning drilling near residential communities. “We will ask them over and over again when they will get CLEAN.”

According to Arnowitt, CLEAN embraces five steps to improve protections: Comply with new EPA air regulations; end the use of frack pits to prevent leaking; end the allocation of wastewater into rivers; partake in annual testing for all water supplies near gas wells; and zone oil and gas operations at least 3,000 feet from residential or commercial areas.

Ralph Kisberg, President of the Responsible Drilling Alliance, made few statements regarding Range Resources, commenting on the industries several environmental mishaps over the years. According to Kisberg, three Washington County families are suing Range Resources for conspiracy to conceal the families’ exposure to toluene, benzene, arsenic, cobalt and cadmium.

“We all know what is in Article 1, Section 27 of the PA Constitution—‘the people have the right to clean air, pure water, and the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic, and atheistic value’s of the environment,’” Kisberg stated.

“Range does a better job than other drillers in terms of violations, but that does not excuse the problems they have caused and continue to cause. Legislation that allows them to destroy people’s quality of life, and effect their health, or ruin their property values, while hiding behind a heartless legal system does not give Range the moral authority to do what we know what they have done to those people,” Kisberg added.

Heather Arnet, CEO of the Women and Girls Foundation, introduced several speakers from their GirlGov program. “We are certainly in favor of having jobs—we all need jobs in our state, and we especially need jobs for women,” she said. “But as we focus on the economic development of our region, we should also make sure that we are securing the basic human rights to clean air and clean water.”

Veronica Tatone, a resident of Derry Township, expressed her concerns and experiences living in a community where drilling operations occur not far from her home. According to Tatone, there were several instances where fires occurred due to flammable gas at the drilling sites.

Pam Parson, Gas Truth of Central PA, also expressed her frustrations with drilling operations.