With Pennsylvania sitting on one of the largest deposits of natural gas in the world, Tom Wolf believes that the Marcellus Shale must be a key component of any plan for Pennsylvania's future. We must ensure that we take advantage of this resource and
opportunity in a way that benefits all Pennsylvanians and protects our water and environment.
Four years ago Tom Wolf called for a severance tax on natural gas extraction and responsible development, saying: "Pennsylvania is sitting on one of the
largest deposits of natural gas in the world, the Marcellus Shale formation, which stretches from our northeast to southwest corner. With new drilling techniques we can now efficiently unlock these massive natural gas deposits that lie beneath huge
portions of our state. That would make our commonwealth the Saudi Arabia of natural gas and, if managed correctly, transform our economy." Tom Wolf believes Marcellus Shale must be a key component of any plan for Pennsylvania's economic future.
Moratorium on gas drilling in state parks and state forests
All four Democratic candidates would oppose a broad moratorium on natural gas drilling, support a moratorium on drilling in state parks and state forests and in the Delaware River Basin, and oppose reducing local governments' zoning authority over
drilling activity. They would also seek to require exploration companies to publicly disclose chemicals used in fracking. In addition, McCord would seek a ban on the use of open wastewater pits and the waterway discharge of drilling wastewater.
Source: The Patriot News on 2014 Pennsylvania governor debate
, May 10, 2014
Severance tax on natural gas is common sense
Pennsylvania is one of the few states fortunate enough to have abundant natural gas resources. And yet we are the only one of those states without a severance tax. And let's understand exactly what a severance tax is.
It's a tax paid by people mostly outside of Pennsylvania to use our natural resources. And by failing to put in place this commonsense tax, we're actually just paying other states' taxes.
Source: 2018 Pennsylvania State of the State address
, Feb 6, 2018
PA is on target to exceed the Paris Accord on GHGs
Q: Consider climate change a serious threat?
Scott Wagner (R): No. Earlier suggested heat from human bodies & planet moving closer to the sun were causes of global warming. Recently acknowledged human impact.
Tom Wolf (D):
Yes. "The science of climate change is settled. Reduce Pennsylvania's carbon emissions. by promoting a cleaner energy mix."
Q: Support government limits on greenhouse gases? Support participation in
US Climate Alliance, a coalition of states committed to climate change action.
Scott Wagner (R): No. Opposes regulatory overregulation. Government should also pare down regulations on natural gas drilling industry.
Tom Wolf (D): Supports limiting greenhouse gases, but hasn't joined Climate Alliance. Says PA is on target to exceed the Paris climate agreement without joining the Alliance.
Q: Renewable Energy: Support government subsidies for renewable energy?
Scott Wagner (R): No. Does not support subsidizing renewables or clean energy. Need to let market decide.
Tom Wolf (D):
Yes. Has supported loans & grants for solar energy. Also financing mechanism for low-cost funding for energy efficiency, renewable energy, & water conservation upgrades to commercial properties.
Q: Support severance tax on oil & gas extraction?
Scott Wagner (R): No. Would drive drillers to other states.
Tom Wolf (D): Yes. Only gas-producing state that doesn't have this kind of tax, though drillers do pay comparable impact fee. Would raise $250 million in first year.