We need an extraction tax
The Pennsylvania Legislature might finally tax gas production. What took so long? Every other state where natural gas drilling takes place taxes its extraction. That must mean we either have the smartest legislature or the dumbest.
I understand that the natural gas industry has provided some jobs, and schools have launched training programs to fill future openings. But the jobs are almost all driving water trucks, which are most likely temporary. Like everything with this business, it’s feast or famine. Meanwhile, 10 years after drilling started in Washington County, virtually every other vehicle connected to natural-gas operations has out-of-state license plates. Are these people part of our community or carpetbaggers?
Should we be concerned about the industry leaving if it is taxed? No. Have you seen the furious pace of pipeline construction? Plus, the cracker plant is being built in Beaver County.
Jacob L. Kribel
Amity