Press Release

PUC Finalizes Provisions for Collection, Disbursement of Impact Fee

Published on 5/10/2012

Filed under: Gas

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today finalized provisions of Act 13 of 2012 related to the collection and disbursement of the impact fee for unconventional natural gas well drilling.

The Commission voted 5-0 to finalize the procedures the PUC will use to implement, collect and distribute the impact fee as directed by Chapter 23 of Act 13. Due to uncertainty surrounding pending litigation, the Commission did not address the provisions of Chapter 33, which governs local ordinances that impose conditions, requirements or limitations on oil or gas operations.

The Final Implementation Order adopted today contains information on the:

• Chapter 23 Implementation plans;
• Producer report;
• Municipal budget report; and
• Impact fee disbursement report.

On Feb. 14, 2012, Governor Corbett signed into law Act 13 of 2012, the Unconventional Gas Well Impact Fee Act, which amended Title 58 (Oil and Gas) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes.  The PUC is responsible for implementing the provisions contained in Chapters 23 and 33 of the Act. Chapter 23 provides for the imposition, collection and distribution of an unconventional gas well fee (also called a drilling impact fee). Chapter 33 governs local ordinances that impose conditions, requirements or limitations on oil or gas operations. The PUC has created a page on its website for Act 13 information.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities to ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protect the public interest; educate consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; further economic development; and foster new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner. For recent news releases, audio of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No. M-2012-2288561

Contact:

• Press Secretary
  717-787-5722