Pennsylvania Senate passes bill to stop automatic gas tax increase
Thursday, January 26, 2023
Earlier this month, the Pennsylvania Senate approved a bill to stop an automatic gas increase from going into effect for the duration of this year, according to Pennsylvania Business Report.
The gas tax increase was trigged when gas rose above $2.00 last year and it went into effect Jan. 1. The passing of SB 35 would eliminate the tax increase and prevent the second-highest gas tax in the U.S. after California.
The legislation would also require the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue to re-evaluate the average wholesale gas price.
SB 35 now awaits the decision of the state House of Representatives for approval.
Learn more: Pennsylvania Business Report > Pennsylvania Senate approve bill eliminating gas tax increase
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Shale FAQ
What is fracking?
Fracking is a slang term for hydraulic fracturing. Fracturing is a process by which highly pressurized fluid is pumped thousands of feet into the ground to fracture rock formations. The goal is to release the natural gas that’s locked inside the rock.
Is it safe?
What most concerns people about fracturing is ground water contamination. The worry is that fractures underground, caused by the process, will extending upwards and into aquifers, releasing gas and chemicals into the ground water supply. There’s been no confirmed reports of such a thing happening. Though surface spills and drill site blowouts can lead to localized environmental concerns.
Will my water catch on fire?
Flammable water is caused by the release of methane gas into a drinking water supply. Methane gas occurs naturally and can be released by any kind of drilling, including water wells. In Pennsylvania officials fined Chesapeake Energy $1 million for contaminating ground water with methane. It was determined that the company had not properly cemented it’s boreholes and gas migrated up the well, between rock and into aquifers.