Pennsylvania Gas Revenues Fall

Municipalities in Northeastern Pennsylvania that have been counting on financial benefits from the natural gas industry apparently will have less to count on.

The Pennsylvania Independent Fiscal Office says the Impact Fee revenue from Marcellus Shale gas exploration will fall by 38 million dollars, meaning a loss in money to counties and municipalities that many have been using to defray the impact of gas drilling on the environment, roadways and sewer systems.

The reduction, which brings the revenue level to the lowest in five years, is being blamed partially on the lower cost of gas and a reduction in the number of new wells drilled.

Bradford and Susquehanna Counties in the Northern Tier are top beneficiaries of Impact Fee revenue in the state.