Pittsburgh Legal Newslog: Marcellus Shale Gas Play Raises Legal Issues.

Posted By Cliff Tuttle | May 9, 2009

Posted by Cliff Tuttle

The Marcellus Shale natural gas pool in Western Pennsylvania, called the greatest gas bonanza since [fill in the blank], has made a lot of news lately. It has also raised some legal issues.

Tax Issues

Clean and Green tax preferences, intended to keep agricultural lands agricultural, are subject to “rollback taxes” when land is developed. Two House Bills are trying to change the game. Hearings were held in Williamsport on the subject.

Williamsport Sun Gazette, May 8, 2009.

Meanwhile, Governor Rendell had proposed adoption of a gas severence tax as a way of balancing the State budget. However, Republican legislative leaders have criticized the plan as killing the goose that has yet to lay the golden egg and note that the plunging price of gas has already put a chill on drilling activities.

Philadelphia Inquirer, May 9, 2009.

Bucks County Courier Times, May 9, 2009.

For those who want to read up on Marcellus Shale exploration, here’s a selection of articles compiled by Geology.com.

Welcome

CLIFF TUTTLE has been a Pennsylvania lawyer for over 45 years and (inter alia) is a real estate litigator and legal writer. The posts in this blog are intended to provide general information about legal topics of interest to lawyers and consumers with a Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania focus. However, this information does not constitute legal advice and there is no lawyer-client relationship created when you read this blog. You are encouraged to leave comments but be aware that posted comments can be read by others. If you wish to contact me in privacy, please use the Contact Form located immediately below this message. I will reply promptly and in strict confidence.

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