Statewide PA

Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Statewide PA | Taxation

PA IFO Predicts Impact Tax Revenue to Soar 46% in 2025
December 9, 2025December 9, 2025

Pennsylvania assesses an impact fee (PA’s version of a severance tax) on shale drillers, raising revenues that are paid to local municipalities (60% collected) and the black hole of Harrisburg politicians (40%). Yesterday, the PA Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) issued an estimate of how much the impact fee will raise this year, with the funds distributed in April of next year. The IFO says it expects, based on the price of natural gas and the number of new and existing wells, that PA will generate $239.9 million from the impact fee in 2025, a huge $75.3 million (46%) increase from 2024. The average fee per well generated will be $19,056 in 2025, up from $13,560 (41%) in 2024. Read More “PA IFO Predicts Impact Tax Revenue to Soar 46% in 2025”
Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Regulation | Statewide PA

PA DEP Proposes Revision to Erosion & Sediment Permit for O&G
December 9, 2025December 9, 2025

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) published proposed revisions to its Chapter 102 Erosion and Sediment Control permit. The DEP is now accepting comments on the changes until January 20. The primary goal of the revision is “regulatory alignment.” Since the original policy was written in 2012, Pennsylvania passed the Chapter 78a (Unconventional) regulations (in 2016) and updated the ESCGP-4 permit (in 2024). The new draft updates the policy to match these legally binding rules rather than creating entirely new standards. The most significant change coming is an increase in setbacks to”support facilities” from 900 feet to 1,320 feet. Read More “PA DEP Proposes Revision to Erosion & Sediment Permit for O&G”
Hydrogen | Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Statewide PA

PA’s 2 Hydrogen Hubs Urge Sen. McCormick – Don’t Forget About Us!
December 5, 2025December 5, 2025

In October 2024, the Bidenistas announced seven hydrogen hub projects (from 33 finalists) that would receive a collective $7 billion in federal funding (see Hydrogen Hub Winners Announced – WV Takes Prize in M-U Region). Among the winners was the West Virginia-led Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2), which is a project that will use Marcellus/Utica natural gas as the feedstock to produce “blue” hydrogen, which is hydrogen made from natgas where carbon dioxide from the process is captured and either used or stored underground. ARCH2 qualified for up to $925 million of taxpayer money. Another winner was the Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen Hub (MACH2) project, centered in Joe Biden’s home state of Delaware. MACH2, funded with up to $750 million, would give a few economic table scraps to the Philly area, which excites and titillates PA politicians. Both projects are appealing to U.S. Senator David McCormick to not forget them. Read More “PA’s 2 Hydrogen Hubs Urge Sen. McCormick – Don’t Forget About Us!”
Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Research | Statewide PA

PA IFO 3Q25: Production Up 5%, Drilling Up 84%, Spot Price Up 51%
December 4, 2025December 4, 2025

Yesterday, the Pennsylvania Independent Fiscal Office (IFO) released its latest quarterly Natural Gas Production Report for July through September 2025 (full copy below). There were 116 new horizontal wells spud (drilled) in 3Q25, a huge increase of 53 wells (+84%) compared to 3Q24. Natural gas production volume was 1,934 billion cubic feet (Bcf) in 3Q25, up 93 Bcf (+5%) from 1,841 Bcf produced in 3Q24. The average Pennsylvania spot hub price was $2.18, an increase of $0.74 (+51%) from the prior year’s $1.44. All in all, it was a great third quarter for the PA Marcellus. The numbers are going in the right direction. Read More “PA IFO 3Q25: Production Up 5%, Drilling Up 84%, Spot Price Up 51%”
Anti-Drilling/Fossil Fuel | Electrical Generation | Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Regulation | Statewide PA

Louisiana vs. Pennsylvania – How and Why PA is Throwing Away $92B
December 2, 2025December 2, 2025

Today is data center day here at MDN, given that most of our main stories today revolve around the issue of data centers, facilities full of computers that need enormous amounts of electricity, most of which will be generated by gas-fired power plants. This past summer, Pennsylvania’s newest U.S. Senator, Dave McCormick, convened the Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit in Pittsburgh. Together with the Trump administration, McCormick announced a mind-blowing $92 billion of promised new investment for PA mostly related to AI data centers (see Pittsburgh Energy Event Truly Mind-Blowing, $92B+ Investments for PA). Since that time, the left and the PA Democrat Party (one and the same) have done their best to frustrate and block that new investment, thereby jeopardizing it. Read More “Louisiana vs. Pennsylvania – How and Why PA is Throwing Away $92B”
AI | Electrical Generation | Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Regulation | Statewide PA

PA Needs “Sensible Regulation” to Attract AI Data Centers
December 2, 2025December 2, 2025

Continuing on our data center theme, a new article by MDN friend Gordon Tomb, a senior fellow with the Commonwealth Foundation, makes the case that Pennsylvania needs more energy and sensible regulation to lure data centers. There is a stark contrast to what PA legislators are offering. On the Republican side, legislators are offering a bill that would expedite permits for data center projects that meet or exceed federal standards (see New PA Bill Coming to Build Data Centers & Gas Power Faster, Cheaper). On the Democrat side, legislators offer a six-bill package that would frustrate and block data centers (see PA Dems Intro Multiple Bills to Block AI Data Centers in the State). Tomb sorts through the noise to find the signal that PA needs to build data centers… Read More “PA Needs “Sensible Regulation” to Attract AI Data Centers”
AI | Anti-Drilling/Fossil Fuel | Electrical Generation | Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Statewide PA

PennFuture, ORVI Join Opposition to PA Data Centers
December 2, 2025December 2, 2025

We have to (immodestly) say that we spotted the environmental left’s opposition to AI data centers a mile away. We were the first to alert you to PA green groups lining up to oppose data centers based on an irrational hatred of the fossil energy that powers them (see More Evidence that PA’s Anti-Frackers are Now Anti-Data Center). The list is growing. PennFuture, along with the Ohio River Valley Institute (ORVI), are the latest two groups to jump on the “we hate data centers” bandwagon. The two groups will host a bash-data-center webinar on December 4. Read More “PennFuture, ORVI Join Opposition to PA Data Centers”
Alternative Energy | Anti-Drilling/Fossil Fuel | Electrical Generation | Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Regulation | Statewide PA | Taxation

PA Dems Scramble to Find Replacement for RGGI Carbon Tax
December 2, 2025December 2, 2025

Two weeks ago, Pennsylvania finally passed a budget, four months late. As part of the deal struck between Democrats and Republicans, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) carbon tax scheme was permanently ash-canned (see VICTORY! PA Budget Deal Kills RGGI Carbon Tax for Good). The Dems pinned their hopes on RGGI for seven years. With it gone, they now must find a new virtue-signaling replacement for the environmental base. What to do? Read More “PA Dems Scramble to Find Replacement for RGGI Carbon Tax”
Hydraulic Fracturing | Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Regulation | Statewide PA

PA EQB to Consider Ban on New Shale Drilling Via Setbacks Dec. 9
November 26, 2025November 26, 2025

Pennsylvania Environmental Quality Board (EQB) will hold a meeting on Tuesday, December 9, to consider whether or not to accept a petition by radical green groups, including the Clean Air Council and Environmental Integrity Project, to “study” the issue of increasing setbacks for shale drilling so far that it would ban ALL new Marcellus/Utica drilling in the Keystone State. The EQB tabled a decision on accepting the petition back in April (see PA EQB Votes to Delay Consideration of Marcellus-Banning Setbacks). The hectoring green left continues to agitate and demand that the board consider its shale-banning proposal, so the board will oblige. Read More “PA EQB to Consider Ban on New Shale Drilling Via Setbacks Dec. 9”
AI | Electrical Generation | Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Regulation | Statewide PA | Taxation

PA PUC Continues Down Road to Taxation Perdition re Data Centers
November 25, 2025November 25, 2025

Earlier this month, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) approved a Tentative Order by a 3-2 vote, proposing a statewide model tariff (tax) to manage the growing impact of large-load customers, such as AI data centers, on the electric grid (see PA PUC Votes 3-2 to Levy New Taxes & Regs on AI Data Centers). The stated goal of the new tariff is to encourage investment and job growth while protecting existing ratepayers from cost-shifts and ensuring reliability. The PUC failed. The proposed order was passed on a partisan basis, with the three Democrat commissioners voting to make it harder and more expensive for data centers to locate in the Keystone State, potentially jeopardizing $92 billion of investments promised to the state related to data centers. The PUC published its flawed proposal in last Saturday’s Pennsylvania Bulletin, kicking off a 30-day comment period as a prelude to final adoption. Read More “PA PUC Continues Down Road to Taxation Perdition re Data Centers”
CNX Resources | Coterra Energy (Cabot O&G) | Diversified Energy | Energy Companies | Energy Services | Energy Transfer Partners | EQT Corp | Expand Energy | NRG Energy | Pennsylvania | Range Resources Corp | Seneca Resources | Statewide PA | Williams

PA Marcellus Industry Gives Back This Thanksgiving Season
November 25, 2025November 25, 2025

It’s time to revisit a topic we’ve covered many times before — philanthropy in the Marcellus/Utica region. Drillers and pipeline companies in the M-U region already contribute to the region through the generous lease bonuses and royalties paid to landowners. In addition to the billions that flow to landowners, M-U companies cumulatively donate millions of dollars to local communities and nonprofit organizations. Here’s the latest example of that in action: The Marcellus Shale Coalition (MSC) says its members (and their employees) have embraced this Thanksgiving season by giving back through food drives, volunteering at local charities, and supporting community initiatives. Read More “PA Marcellus Industry Gives Back This Thanksgiving Season”
Chester County | Energy Services | Industrywide Issues | Ohio | Pennsylvania | Sand/Proppant | Smart Sand | Statewide OH | Statewide PA

PA-Based Frac Sand Company Expands Presence in Ohio Utica in 3Q
November 24, 2025November 24, 2025

We first told you about a frac sand company called Smart Sand some 13 years ago (see Smart Sand Lands Big Name for Board of Directors). Smart Sand, headquartered in Yardley, PA, is a supplier of industrial sand, primarily serving customers in the oil and gas industry, including drillers in the Marcellus and Utica Shale region. Sand—the right kind of sand, which is crystalline—is a critical part of the hydraulic fracturing process. The company issued its third quarter update recently. The company said it further expanded its presence in the Utica shale through company-owned Ohio terminals in 3Q. Read More “PA-Based Frac Sand Company Expands Presence in Ohio Utica in 3Q”
Electrical Generation | Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Regulation | Statewide PA

PA Promises to Keep the Lights on for Its Neighbors Post-RGGI
November 19, 2025November 19, 2025

Last week, the Pennsylvania legislature drove the final nail in the coffin of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) carbon tax in the state (see VICTORY! PA Budget Deal Kills RGGI Carbon Tax for Good). Dumping RGGI frees up a growing list of gas-fired power plants to begin construction in the Keystone State. In a post-mortem analysis of the attempt to force RGGI on the state, the Marcellus Shale Coalition (MSC) says that RGGI is primarily a tax revenue generator that serves as a barrier to investment and an unconstitutional regulatory tax. MSC cites a state study that projected a net reduction of only 0.169% in carbon emissions over eight years. Furthermore, the MSC highlights that RGGI would have cost Pennsylvania ratepayers approximately $1.558 billion a year. It was nothing more than a money grab to pad the pockets of Big Green donors. Read More “PA Promises to Keep the Lights on for Its Neighbors Post-RGGI”
AI | Anti-Drilling/Fossil Fuel | Electrical Generation | Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Statewide PA

More Evidence that PA’s Anti-Frackers are Now Anti-Data Center
November 19, 2025November 19, 2025

Last week, MDN warned you that the enviro-left that opposes fracking and shale energy in Pennsylvania (because they have an irrational hatred of fossil fuels) has morphed into opposing data centers, because data centers need lots of electricity and the only practical way of providing that power is via natural gas-fired power plants (see Anti-Fossil Fuel Groups Like Protect PT Morph to Anti-Data Center). We noticed that Protect PT in western PA had succumbed to anti-data centerism. Today, we have more examples of PA-based anti-shale groups that are now anti-data center. Read More “More Evidence that PA’s Anti-Frackers are Now Anti-Data Center”
Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Regulation | Statewide PA

PA Budget Did More than Cut RGGI; New DEP Permit Turnaround Times
November 17, 2025November 17, 2025

Last week, we brought you the fantastic news that the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) carbon tax scheme in Pennsylvania is officially dead with the adoption of the 4-month late state budget (see VICTORY! PA Budget Deal Kills RGGI Carbon Tax for Good). It was a major victory for Republicans. We’re now learning the Republicans won a few more victories with the new budget, including strict new deadlines for the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to issue certain air and water permits, some of which affect the Marcellus industry. Read More “PA Budget Did More than Cut RGGI; New DEP Permit Turnaround Times”
Electrical Generation | Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Regulation | Statewide PA

VICTORY! PA Budget Deal Kills RGGI Carbon Tax for Good
November 13, 2025November 13, 2025

For seven looooooong years, Pennsylvania Senate Republicans (and MDN, we modestly add) have fought against enrolling the Keystone State in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) carbon tax scheme. RGGI taxes gas- and coal-fired power plants, charging them so much per ton of carbon dioxide emitted. The aim is to eliminate these sources and replace them with unreliable renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar. PA’s former failed Governor, Tom Wolf, tried to force the state to join RGGI via an executive order (see Gov. Wolf Goes Bonkers: EO Destroying Gas-Fired Elec, Carbon Tax). His failed replacement, Josh Shapiro, also tried to force the state into the compact (see PA Gov. Shapiro Proves He’s Radical Left – Appeals RGGI Decision). As of yesterday, with a newly passed and adopted budget deal (four months late), RGGI is now permanently gone, never to be resurrected. It is a complete and total victory for brave Senate Republicans who held the line. Hats off! Read More “VICTORY! PA Budget Deal Kills RGGI Carbon Tax for Good”