October 29, 2010
For Immediate Release
Press Release

Bennett Supports Legislation Regarding Marcellus Shale
Payne Votes Against House Majority

From the Desk of Phyllis Bennett

"The Pennsylvania State Legislature promised to pass a severance tax on deep natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale by October 1, 2010.  The Senate dropped the ball, and John Payne voted against the majority in the House, which passed it comfortably.  This inaction has already cost us tens of millions of dollars, according to the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center.  This despite the fact that a large majority of PA citizens want their share of this money.  We want and need this money, mainly to remediate damage to the local infrastructure and environment.  It is also rightfully ours."
 
I promise to fight AGAINST the Gas Industry lobbyists – including former Governor Tom Ridge (who now works for the Gas Industry, for almost a million dollars a year – who are doing all they can to counter the wishes of PA citizens.
 
I promise to fight WITH legislators and officials, land trust organizations and conservancies, outdoor sports enthusiasts, and most of you who care about Pennsylvania's environment and economy.
 
I promise to lobby hard for a reasonable severance tax and to vote for one.

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