In April MDN shared the news that severance tax collections in West Virginia doubled in 2014 over 2013. We also told you that a paltry 7.5% of what’s collected actually stays in the counties where the drilling happens (see WV Severance Tax Doubles in 2014, 90% Disappears in Charleston). We have more of a breakdown for which counties raised what in severance tax in 2014 below. The interesting thing to MDN is this: Even though Charleston steals 90% of the money to redistribute as they see fit, Marcellus and Utica drilling in places like Wetzel County have lifted that county out of economic depression. Which goes to show that it’s not government showering select groups and geographies with money that creates wealth. It’s the private sector–the oil and gas industry–that is the engine of economic growth and wealth in this country…
