The numbers are out.  According to the office of Governor Corbett the natural gas drilling Impact Fee Tax raised $225 million this year.  Sixty percent of the money goes to communities where the natural gas wells are located.  Other communities and counties statewide will receive small amounts of of the tax proceeds.

The Impact Fee Tax has become a central issue in the race for Pennsylvania Governor.  Governor Corbett and his supporters tout the tax as a progressive and fair method of raising money from the industry.  They also point out that the money raised primarily benefits the communities mostly effected by natural gas drilling.

Opponents of the Impact Fee Tax argues that it is too little too late.  They point to every other natural gas drilling state which all impose a natural gas severance tax.  These taxes run around five to six percent and the proceeds benefit the entire state and mostly are directed into the general fund.  Governor Corbett opposes a severance tax.  His opponent supports a fair severance tax.  It should be noted that an increasing number of Republican State Senators also support the imposition of a severance tax.

The 12 Trial Lawyers at DLP are proud of the impact they have on their clients’ lives in pursuing fair and just results in cases involving serious personal injury claims.  DLP lawyers have been fighting for clients in Rural Pennsylvania for over 35 years.  DLP has settled and tried cases in Bradford, Susquehanna, Wyoming, Sullivan, Tioga, Potter, Clinton, Pike, Wayne, Lycoming, Center, and other counties.  DLP attorneys know the local courts and local lawyers.  Clients injured in the Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling region come to learn the experience and capabilities of DLP.  Remember–Injury??  CALL DLP!!