FEBRUARY 6, 2012 | Feature by MATTHEW BROUILLETTE

Memo on Marcellus Shale Impact Fee "Deal"

Memo from Matthew Brouillette to Pennsylvania General Assembly on Marcellus Shale Impact Fee "Deal."

DECEMBER 22, 2011 | Commentary by NATHAN BENEFIELD

Why Gov. Corbett Didn't Get His Christmas Wish List

For Christmas this year, Gov. Tom Corbett hoped the legislature would gift wrap three things he could tie a bow on:  An education reform package that included school vouchers, state liquor store privatization and legislation addressing gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale.

NOVEMBER 16, 2011 | Commentary by KATRINA CURRIE

Gas Drilling for Pennsylvania's Farms, Family and Future

Across Pennsylvania, natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale has benefited not just companies but also human beings -- by creating tens of thousands of jobs, rescuing families from foreclosure, and generating fortunes and sustainable prosperity for farmers, workers and small-business owners.

NOVEMBER 2, 2011 | Policy Brief by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

Fall 2011 Legislative Priorities

Fall 2011 Legislative Priorities.

OCTOBER 28, 2011 | Policy Points by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

Marcellus Shale Impact Fee

Principles and Facts on Taxing Natural Gas

Companies should pay for the cost of government they use.  Many advocates of a new tax simply want more money for Harrisburg politicians to dole out.

OCTOBER 5, 2011 | Commentary by MATTHEW BROUILLETTE

Principles Must Lead Shale Fee Proposal

Before sound could travel from Gov. Corbett's lips to Pennsylvanians' ears, special interest groups and tax-and-spend politicians unwisely laid waste his plan to protect job growth and stave off family budget-crushing tax hikes through a non-punitive natural gas drilling impact fee.

OCTOBER 3, 2011 | News Release by COMMONWEALTH FOUNDATION

CF: Gov. Corbett's Natural Gas Fee Proposal Embraces Key Principles

HARRISBURG, PA - Calling it a huge victory for both working Pennsylvanians and those looking for work, the Commonwealth Foundation praised Gov. Tom Corbett today for his proposal that resists pressure from special interest groups and tax-and-spend politicians to impose a statewide severance tax on natural gas extraction.

AUGUST 26, 2011 | Testimony by ELIZABETH STELLE

Marcellus Shale Local Impact Fee

Testimony of Elizabeth Stelle to the Marcellus Shale Municipal Co-Op

Good evening.  I am Elizabeth Stelle, a Policy Analyst for the Commonwealth Foundation.  We are Pennsylvania's free market think that crafts and promotes free-market policies based on guiding principles like limited government and personal responsibility.  I would like to thank Representative White and members of the Co-op for the opportunity to discuss a local impact fee on natural gas development.

AUGUST 1, 2011 | Commentary by MATTHEW BROUILLETTE

Taxing Gas will Burden Pennsylvanians

Despite the manufactured fears of disaster and cheers for a unique tax on drilling, Pennsylvania can balance economic growth with environmental protection without imposing a new tax. The true impacts of drilling can be addressed by charging drillers fees for services provided, requiring them to be insured for environmental costs, and other measures.

JULY 27, 2011 | Policy Brief by PAUL CHESSER, MARK NEWGENT

The Great Frack Attack: The War on Natural Gas

Much attention has been paid to the efforts of gas companies to influence the political debate through campaign contributions and lobbying efforts.  But anti-drilling activists—while claiming gas companies use their vast financial resources to weaken regulatory structures and silence poorly funded environmental groups—influence politicians through their own lobbying efforts and by spreading myths about drilling. Among the myths alleged about "Big Gas" is that drillers are flocking to Pennsylvania's rich Marcellus Shale reserves, engaging in dangerous and highly polluting drilling activities, and shirking responsibility for damages while successfully avoiding paying taxes.