HARRISBURG – State Rep. Camille “Bud” George, majority chair of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, hailed approval of an amendment bolstering environmental protections and funding for communities strained by Marcellus Shale gas drilling.
“The change vastly improved the severance tax legislation, shifting funding from the General Fund to environmental stewardship and boosting the revenues available to our townships, boroughs and counties,” said George, D-74 of Houtzdale. “The amendment provided an instant upgrade.”
George said the state Senate should soon have the opportunity to ignore the obscene campaign contributions, slanted science and outrageous spin to provide a significant victory for the Commonwealth’s taxpayers, water supplies and future.
“The Senate would be well advised to focus on removing capricious caps and limitations on allowable uses of funding intended for hard-pressed municipalities,” George said. “It can further turbo-charge this bill and better protect Commonwealth taxpayers and communities now bearing the brunt from gas drilling.”
The House is expected to give final consideration to Senate Bill 1155 on Wednesday.