PA Marcellus News Digest
June 4, 2012
Releases
DEP Announces Natural Gas Vehicle Resource Website, Technical Assistance Plan
Agency Working with Public Utility Commission to Simplify Fleet Conversions
Wallaby
June 4
Harrisburg – The Department of Environmental Protection announced today the launch of a Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) website and plan to help municipal and commercial fleet owners make informed decisions about converting their fleets to compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas, in advance of a related grant program.
Link: http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2012/2012060475.HTMand
DEP Working with Public Utility Commission to Simplify Fleet Conversions
Link: http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2012/2012060464.HTM
Agency Working with Public Utility Commission to Simplify Fleet Conversions
Wallaby
June 4
Harrisburg – The Department of Environmental Protection announced today the launch of a Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) website and plan to help municipal and commercial fleet owners make informed decisions about converting their fleets to compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas, in advance of a related grant program.
Link: http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2012/2012060475.HTMand
DEP Working with Public Utility Commission to Simplify Fleet Conversions
Link: http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2012/2012060464.HTM
Articles
How Gov. Corbett's tax credits for Shell, ethane would work
Inquirer
Joseph DiStefano
June 4
After I posted referencing Peter DeCoursey's Capitolwire story about Gov. Corbett's "secret" tax break proposal for Shell's planned Pittsburgh-area ethane plant, I heard back from Corbett's office through Steve Kratz, spokesman for the Department of Community and Economic Development.
Yes, Gov. Corbett is recommending a proposed tax credit for ethane, the natural gas by-product used for plastics manufacturing, which Shell plans to collect and process in the new plant, says Kratz. And not just for Shell, but for a whole new ethane-based plastics industry:
Link: http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/inq-phillydeals/Why-Corbett-wants-tax-credits-for-Shells-ethane.html
Inquirer
Joseph DiStefano
June 4
After I posted referencing Peter DeCoursey's Capitolwire story about Gov. Corbett's "secret" tax break proposal for Shell's planned Pittsburgh-area ethane plant, I heard back from Corbett's office through Steve Kratz, spokesman for the Department of Community and Economic Development.
Yes, Gov. Corbett is recommending a proposed tax credit for ethane, the natural gas by-product used for plastics manufacturing, which Shell plans to collect and process in the new plant, says Kratz. And not just for Shell, but for a whole new ethane-based plastics industry:
Link: http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/inq-phillydeals/Why-Corbett-wants-tax-credits-for-Shells-ethane.html
PA wants to give oil giant a $1.7B tax break: Update
Inquirer
Joseph DiStefano
June 4
NEW: Here's what Gov. Corbett's staff says he's really up to with the 5 cents a gallon ethane tax break.
Link: http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/inq-phillydeals/Corbett-wants-to-give-oil-giant-17B-tax-break-report.html
Inquirer
Joseph DiStefano
June 4
NEW: Here's what Gov. Corbett's staff says he's really up to with the 5 cents a gallon ethane tax break.
Link: http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/inq-phillydeals/Corbett-wants-to-give-oil-giant-17B-tax-break-report.html
State extends comment period for gas pipeline plan
Daily Local
Sara Mosqueda-Fernandez
June 4
WEST CHESTER — The state Department of Environmental Protection has agreed to extend the period for public comment on a company’s plan to install a new natural gas pipeline across the Brandywine Creek.
A state official announced Friday that the June 4 deadline for public comment on the Transcontinental Gas Pipeline Company’s river-crossing plan has been extended through a July public hearing, which it has also agreed to hold at the request of state Sens. Andy Dinniman, D-19th of West Whiteland, and John Rafferty Jr., R-44th of Collegeville. The senators had also informed the state that the public needs more opportunity and time to comment on the project.
Link: http://www.dailylocal.com/article/20120604/NEWS01/120609891/state-extends-comment-period-for-gas-pipeline-plan
Daily Local
Sara Mosqueda-Fernandez
June 4
WEST CHESTER — The state Department of Environmental Protection has agreed to extend the period for public comment on a company’s plan to install a new natural gas pipeline across the Brandywine Creek.
A state official announced Friday that the June 4 deadline for public comment on the Transcontinental Gas Pipeline Company’s river-crossing plan has been extended through a July public hearing, which it has also agreed to hold at the request of state Sens. Andy Dinniman, D-19th of West Whiteland, and John Rafferty Jr., R-44th of Collegeville. The senators had also informed the state that the public needs more opportunity and time to comment on the project.
Link: http://www.dailylocal.com/article/20120604/NEWS01/120609891/state-extends-comment-period-for-gas-pipeline-plan
Corbett seeking $1.675 billion tax break deal for Shell
Post-Gazette
Laura Olson
June 4
HARRISBURG -- Gov. Tom Corbett is seeking $1.675 billion in tax credits over 25 years for Shell Oil Company as part of a package to the corporation planning to locate an ethane cracking plant in the commonwealth.
That offer was first reported by the online news service Capitolwire this morning, and later confirmed by a top state Senate staffer.
Link: http://shale.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/news/archives/24583-corbett-seeking-1675-billion-tax-break-deal-for-shell
Post-Gazette
Laura Olson
June 4
HARRISBURG -- Gov. Tom Corbett is seeking $1.675 billion in tax credits over 25 years for Shell Oil Company as part of a package to the corporation planning to locate an ethane cracking plant in the commonwealth.
That offer was first reported by the online news service Capitolwire this morning, and later confirmed by a top state Senate staffer.
Link: http://shale.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/news/archives/24583-corbett-seeking-1675-billion-tax-break-deal-for-shell
DCNR to collect money from drillers who harvest gas under public streams
Times-Tribune
Laura Legere
June 4
Natural gas drillers have to sign leases and compensate the state if they plan to collect gas trapped deep beneath publicly owned streams and rivers, according to a policy developed recently by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
The policy applies to gas gathered from pads on neighboring properties - away from the streams and their banks - where wells are drilled vertically before turning and boring laterally underground.
Link: http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/dcnr-to-collect-money-from-drillers-who-harvest-gas-under-public-streams-1.1324697
Times-Tribune
Laura Legere
June 4
Natural gas drillers have to sign leases and compensate the state if they plan to collect gas trapped deep beneath publicly owned streams and rivers, according to a policy developed recently by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
The policy applies to gas gathered from pads on neighboring properties - away from the streams and their banks - where wells are drilled vertically before turning and boring laterally underground.
Link: http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/dcnr-to-collect-money-from-drillers-who-harvest-gas-under-public-streams-1.1324697
Pennsylvania natural gas interests spent $1.3 million on lobbying
State records show how much was spent during debate on a new impact fee for the natural gas industry.
Morning Call
John L. Micek
May 26
Five of Pennsylvania's largest natural gas drilling interests spent a staggering $1.3 million to lobby state government from January through March as lawmakers and the Corbett administration worked to approve a new impact fee on the industry.
Link: http://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-pa-impact-fee-lobbying-expenses-20120526-8,0,3007705.story
State records show how much was spent during debate on a new impact fee for the natural gas industry.
Morning Call
John L. Micek
May 26
Five of Pennsylvania's largest natural gas drilling interests spent a staggering $1.3 million to lobby state government from January through March as lawmakers and the Corbett administration worked to approve a new impact fee on the industry.
Link: http://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-pa-impact-fee-lobbying-expenses-20120526-8,0,3007705.story
Report: Corbett Wants To Give Shell A $1.7 Billion Tax Break
State Impact
Scott Detrow
June 4
Link: http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/06/04/report-corbett-wants-to-give-shell-a-1-7-billion-tax-break/
State Impact
Scott Detrow
June 4
Link: http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/06/04/report-corbett-wants-to-give-shell-a-1-7-billion-tax-break/
Experts: Drillers must coordinate to prevent sprawl
Pitt Trib
Timothy Puko
June 3
Gas wells, compressor stations and pipelines springing up across the state could chew up as much land as the strip mine industry once did, a Penn State University researcher said.
That's why, five years into the state's drilling boom, it's important to take steps soon to help keep gas drilling development from sprawling out of control, said Patrick Drohan, a soil, forest and fish expert studying drilling at Penn State.
Link: http://triblive.com/news/1909152-74/companies-drilling-state-pipelines-gas-industry-pennsylvania-researchers-rules-doing
Pitt Trib
Timothy Puko
June 3
Gas wells, compressor stations and pipelines springing up across the state could chew up as much land as the strip mine industry once did, a Penn State University researcher said.
That's why, five years into the state's drilling boom, it's important to take steps soon to help keep gas drilling development from sprawling out of control, said Patrick Drohan, a soil, forest and fish expert studying drilling at Penn State.
Link: http://triblive.com/news/1909152-74/companies-drilling-state-pipelines-gas-industry-pennsylvania-researchers-rules-doing
Shale gas vs. the hermit thrush: Marcellus development is fragmenting the forests where the songbirds live
Post-Gazette
Patrick McShea
June 3
Can a hymn-like bird song serve as a call for better regulation of Pennsylvania's booming shale gas industry?
The thought occurred to me on a late July evening after a unique forum at the Oakland studios of WQED. As I drove across a rutted patch of Fifth Avenue, the backseat contents shifted, engaging a recording of forest bird calls. Flute-like hermit thrush notes provided a sound track completely at odds with the urban surroundings.
Link: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/opinion/perspectives/shale-gas-vs-the-hermit-thrush-marcellus-development-is-fragmenting-the-forests-where-the-songbirds-live-638750/
Post-Gazette
Patrick McShea
June 3
Can a hymn-like bird song serve as a call for better regulation of Pennsylvania's booming shale gas industry?
The thought occurred to me on a late July evening after a unique forum at the Oakland studios of WQED. As I drove across a rutted patch of Fifth Avenue, the backseat contents shifted, engaging a recording of forest bird calls. Flute-like hermit thrush notes provided a sound track completely at odds with the urban surroundings.
Link: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/opinion/perspectives/shale-gas-vs-the-hermit-thrush-marcellus-development-is-fragmenting-the-forests-where-the-songbirds-live-638750/
Pennsylvania to remain center of gas drilling, experts say
Pitt Trib
AP
June 2
Like a runner who's gotten a big head start in a race, Pennsylvania may be set to dominate natural gas production in the Marcellus shale region for many years, experts say.
Link: http://triblive.com/state/marcellusshale/1904677-74/gas-pennsylvania-drilling-york-wells-companies-production-gheit-industry-marcellus
Pitt Trib
AP
June 2
Like a runner who's gotten a big head start in a race, Pennsylvania may be set to dominate natural gas production in the Marcellus shale region for many years, experts say.
Link: http://triblive.com/state/marcellusshale/1904677-74/gas-pennsylvania-drilling-york-wells-companies-production-gheit-industry-marcellus
Embrace the natural-gas solution
Inquirer
Edward G. Rendell
June 3
States, cities, and local municipalities are feeling the burden of high gasoline prices across the nation. Just like you, mayors and city managers feel the pain at the pump each time they refuel one of their fleet or public transportation vehicles on traditional gasoline or diesel fuel. Each time they fill up, valuable taxpayer money that could be used to pay for critical programs or to hire teachers, police officers, and firefighters is instead wastefully poured into a gas tank, often sending U.S. dollars overseas to fund regimes that are hostile toward our values.
Link: http://articles.philly.com/2012-06-03/news/32007319_1_natural-gas-natural-gas-marcellus-shale
Inquirer
Edward G. Rendell
June 3
States, cities, and local municipalities are feeling the burden of high gasoline prices across the nation. Just like you, mayors and city managers feel the pain at the pump each time they refuel one of their fleet or public transportation vehicles on traditional gasoline or diesel fuel. Each time they fill up, valuable taxpayer money that could be used to pay for critical programs or to hire teachers, police officers, and firefighters is instead wastefully poured into a gas tank, often sending U.S. dollars overseas to fund regimes that are hostile toward our values.
Link: http://articles.philly.com/2012-06-03/news/32007319_1_natural-gas-natural-gas-marcellus-shale
Towns prepare for Marcellus impact fees
Post-Gazette
Laura Olson
June 3
HARRISBURG -- For the tiny Columbia in Bradford County, the new gas drilling impact fee will yield a check later this year nearly equal to the township's annual budget.
Link: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/marcellusshale/towns-start-to-prepare-for-marcellus-impact-fees-638702/
Post-Gazette
Laura Olson
June 3
HARRISBURG -- For the tiny Columbia in Bradford County, the new gas drilling impact fee will yield a check later this year nearly equal to the township's annual budget.
Link: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/marcellusshale/towns-start-to-prepare-for-marcellus-impact-fees-638702/
Fracking Fluids Could Contaminate Freshwater Aquifers, Says Study
Truthout
Christine Shearer
May 18
A recent study has found that, under certain conditions, the chemical-laced water used in hydraulic fracturing can migrate through fractures and faults up to overlying aquifers in as little as tens of years.
Link: http://truth-out.org/news/item/9076-the-potential-for-fracking-fluids-to-reach-freshwater-aquifers
Truthout
Christine Shearer
May 18
A recent study has found that, under certain conditions, the chemical-laced water used in hydraulic fracturing can migrate through fractures and faults up to overlying aquifers in as little as tens of years.
Link: http://truth-out.org/news/item/9076-the-potential-for-fracking-fluids-to-reach-freshwater-aquifers
Study: Frack Water in Marcellus Could Find Drinking Water Within Decades
Allegheny Front
Reid R. Frazier
May 5
(audio available)
No aspect of hydraulic fracturing is more controversial than its impact on groundwater. The industry says that if done properly, fracking is safe for groundwater. But a new study, commissioned by an environmental group, casts doubts on this assumption. The Allegheny Front’s Reid Frazier has more.
Link: http://alleghenyfront.org/story.html?storyid=201205031550000.0163006
Allegheny Front
Reid R. Frazier
May 5
(audio available)
No aspect of hydraulic fracturing is more controversial than its impact on groundwater. The industry says that if done properly, fracking is safe for groundwater. But a new study, commissioned by an environmental group, casts doubts on this assumption. The Allegheny Front’s Reid Frazier has more.
Link: http://alleghenyfront.org/story.html?storyid=201205031550000.0163006
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