PA Gov. Rendell Predicts His Proposal to Tax Marcellus Shale Gas is DOA

WTAE Pittsburgh (Feb 25)
Rendell Talks Expanded Sales Tax Plan In Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell (Democrat), has proposed a severance tax on natural gas in the Marcellus Shale. But the Governor himself is not optimistic that the Pennsylvania Legislature will pass his proposals. From the WTAE news report:

In addition, Rendell is reviving proposals he has offered before, including extending the tobacco tax to cigars and smokeless tobacco and adding a severance tax on natural gas extraction to capitalize on the industry’s hot pursuit of Marcellus Shale.

However, Rendell said he’s not optimistic the state Legislature will vote for his changes.