The House Finance Committee Friday canceled a meeting scheduled for October 16 to consider House Bill 1401 (DiGirolamo-R-Bucks) imposing a 3.2 percent natural gas severance tax in addition to the Act 13 drilling impact fee.

No reason for the cancellation was given.

The proposed tax would raise an estimated $300 to $400 million annually, according to the sponsor, and be distributed to: basic education accountability block grants-- 40 percent; state pension funds-- 30 percent; human service programs-- 15 percent; and the Environmental Stewardship (Growing Greener) Fund-- 15 percent ($75 - $100 million).

However, PLS Reporter reported Friday an amendment was to be offered to direct all monies to the General Fund.

Click Here for a sponsor summary of the bill.

Rep. Bernie O’Neill (R-Bucks) serves as Major Chair of the Committee and can be contacted by sending email to: boneill@pahousegop.com.   Rep. Jake Wheatley (D-Allegheny) serves as Minority Chair and can be contacted by sending email to: jwheatley@pahouse.net.

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[Posted: Oct. 13, 2017]

10/16/2017