We are fortunate in Pennsylvania to have a robust natural gas industry that contributes to our economy, creates good jobs and generates millions of dollars annually for critical programs through the impact fee.

This unique-to-Pennsylvania tax has benefited every county in the state—regardless of whether natural gas extraction occurs in that county or not. The annual funds that aren’t distributed to the counties go toward important environmental programs throughout the commonwealth. 

This is a tax that doesn’t go into the abyss of the state’s general fund. It is based off a set formula that determines the distribution of the funds, is appropriate in scope and directly benefits local communities.

This tax keeps Pennsylvania competitive—creating a stable and predictable tax environment for the industry, while at the same time providing critical funding for important programs in every county. 

We should keep all of these benefits in mind before proposing any additional taxes on the natural gas industry, which would upset the positive balance that currently exists.

Dawn Bukaj
Dingmans Ferry, PA