Initial Marcellus Shale Impact Fee Revenues Exceed Expectations

Following the enactment of Act 13 of 2012 – the law that imposes an impact fee on natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale region – the initial impact fee revenues collected by the Commonwealth have exceeded original projections.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission was tasked with the collection of the impact fee revenue, and has collected a total of $197.6 million, or $17.1 million more than the original projection of $180.5 million.

Of those revenues, a total of $104.8 million will be allocated to local governments affected by drilling, and $69.8 million will go to statewide initiatives such as emergency response planning, training and other activities; water, storm water, and sewer system construction and repair; and infrastructure maintenance and repair. In all, the state is collecting payments from 58 drilling companies.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Across the nation, the medical community, women, men and their families recognize October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer that affects women in the United States.  The American Cancer Society estimated that approximately 226,870 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed among women in the United States this year, and nearly 2.9 million breast cancer survivors are living in the United States.

This disease affects our wives, mothers, daughters, neighbors and friends. While I am pleased that our medical community continues to research breast cancer to find a cure, it is extremely important to stay dedicated to getting the word out about the importance of early diagnosis and prompt treatment.

Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that grows in one or both of the breasts and usually develops in the ducts or lobules, also known as the milk-producing areas of the breast.  Following lung cancer, it is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women.  Although less common, males can also be diagnosed with breast cancer; however, the disease is about 100 times more common in women.

Every October, the water fountain behind the state Capitol is dyed pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to honor those afflicted by this disease. If you are able to make a trip up to the state Capitol building, I encourage you to take the time to see this unique dedication.

Information about breast cancer, including tests, treatments and educational materials can be accessed by visiting Cancer.org.