Environmental Business Journal, Climate Change Business Journal, Environmental Industry Research Reports, Climate Change Industry Research Reports, Segment and Market Data Packs, EBI Primary Research Survey Results, Newsletters, Subscriptions

County-assessed impact fees, more stringent regulatory standards, and incentives to promote the conversion of motor vehicles to natural gas power are the elements of a new plan issued by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett to regulate drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale region of the state. The plan includes setbacks for gas wells from private drinking-water wells and public water systems, increased fines for drilling companies that violate the rules, and an increased area around a well within which a driller may be held liable for environmental damages. The fee structure starts with a $40,000 annual assessment, decreasing each year thereafter, with counties retaining 70% of the monies raised. Under another part of the plan, the state would develop “green corridors” of natural gas fueling stations and incentives for schools and mass transit systems to convert to vehicles powered by natural gas.