Pa. Senate OKs its 1st fees on shale drilling

Associated Press

HARRISBURG, Pa.

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Tuesday launched into what could be the final debate on a bill imposing regulations and fees on the state’s burgeoning natural-gas drilling industry during a late-night floor session that could result in sending the measure to Gov. Tom Corbett.

The House took up the Marcellus Shale bill hours after the state Senate approved the measure by a comfortable margin.

Natural-gas drilling has transformed the state in recent years, and the bill could direct a windfall into state and local governments by raising some $180 million in the first year.

Other provisions would expand regulations, fund road work and environmental cleanups and give local governments the power to impose the fees on their local wells.