Statewide PA

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    Range Resources Hands Out $1.2M in Royalty Checks in PA

    Breaking news, this just in from the Wilkes Barre Times-Leader:

    A leading company drilling on the Marcellus Shale natural gas formation in Pennsylvania says it handed out nearly $1.2 million in royalty checks last week.

    Range Resources Corp. spokesman Matt Pitzarella said Monday the distribution is the first significant royalty the company has paid from its 120-plus Marcellus shale wells.

    People in the exploration industry say they haven’t yet heard of such a large distribution of royalties from Marcellus shale gas wells in Pennsylvania.

    The money went to 31 landowners who have wells on or near their land and live near Range’s gas-processing plant about 20 miles south of Pittsburgh.

    Read the article: Marcellus shale wells royalty checks go out (Wilkes Barre Times-Leader)

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    PA Gov. Ed Rendell Justifies New Tax on Marcellus Shale Drilling

    In a Times-Tribune editorial about Pennsylvania’s impending budget deficit, which is now projected to be $2.3 billion, Gov. Ed Rendell is quoted saying a proposed tax on drilling in the Marcellus Shale won’t be more “severe” than in other states:

    The governor is ready to propose a first-time severance tax on natural gas produced at the wells being sunk across the Marcellus Shale formation.

    “The industry is used to paying severance taxes,” he said. “Our tax will not be more severe than other places.”

    Scranton Times-Tribune: Feds could ease pain for states

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    Former PA Rep Dan Surra Appointed to “Protect Interests” of Non-Landowners in Marcellus Shale Drilling

    Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell has violated his own hiring freeze and appointed an ally, former Democrat State Representative Dan Surra, as senior adviser on the Pennsylvania Wilds to DCNR (Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) Secretary Michael DiBerardinis. The position pays $95,000 per year and includes “protecting interests” with regard to Marcellus Shale drilling.

    In his new position, one of Surra’s responsibilities will be to focus on protecting the interests of recreationists and sportsmen as Marcellus Shale drilling expands.

    “The Marcellus Shale gas deposits represent an enormous economic opportunity for the state if done correctly,” [State Rep. Camille “Bud”] George [D-Houtzdale] said. “I think Dan Surra will do a bang-up job in the position. His work with me on the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee dovetails perfectly for this position. He’s a sportsman who is also well versed on mineral extraction.”

    And this comment from State Sen. Mary Jo White, R-Oil City:

    “I don’t know enough about the PA Wilds to know if this particular job is needed. My understanding from the governor is that Mr. Surra will be doing work regarding the Marcellus Shale natural gas development,” White said. “This is an important economic opportunity for Pennsylvania, so to that end I am hopeful that he is successful in working with all affected parties.”

    Courier-Express/Tri-County: Lawmakers react to ex-Rep. Surra’s $95,000/year new job

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    PA Gov. Ed Rendell Proposes Tax on Marcellus Shale Gas Production

    Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, in commenting on a serious budget shortfall in Pennsylvania, is proposing a new tax on gas production coming from wells tapping the Marcellus Shale formation.

    The governor also said he will seek a “severance” tax, or extraction tax, on gas produced in the vast Marcellus Shale formation. Pennsylvania is the only gas-producing state without such a tax. The governor’s plan to establish one, at the level set by other states, would help to increase state revenue without adversely affecting gas exploration and extraction.

    Scranton Times-Tribune: Grim, realistic across board.