API-PA: Repetitive, Punitive Tax Proposal Rebranded as RestorePA is Bad for Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG, February 4, 2020 – API-PA Executive Director Stephanie Catarino Wissman released the following statement on Governor Wolf’s renewed proposal to increase taxes on Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry.

“The governor’s severance tax – which he has proposed six times in six years – continues to be counterproductive, jeopardizing the very existence of the natural gas industry in our state. Responsible natural gas development has been good for the state economy, good for local economies and good for Pennsylvanians. This initiative doesn’t restore Pennsylvania; it jeopardizes Pennsylvania’s economy and the hundreds of thousands of jobs supported by natural gas production,” API-PA Executive Director Stephanie Catarino Wissman said.

“Pennsylvania has led the way for the nation in natural gas production, and due to our energy leadership, the world has seen a monumental shift in the balance of energy power. This leadership is delivering for communities across the Commonwealth – by keeping utility bills down and bringing manufacturing jobs back, all while delivering savings and cleaner air to Pennsylvanians.” Wissman said. “This additional tax could discourage investments and risk the loss of revenues that have helped bolster communities and infrastructure in all 67 counties.”

Since 2012, Pennsylvania has generated nearly $1.7 billion in new revenues from the existing impact tax, and per the Independent Fiscal Office estimates, the impact tax collected from the natural gas industry in 2019 will bring that total close to $2 billion. Since its creation, counties and municipalities used these funds for environmental programs, public safety and emergency preparedness, infrastructure construction, and more.

API-PA is a division of API, which represents all segments of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Our more than 600 members produce, process and distribute most of the nation’s energy. The industry supports more than ten million U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of millions of Americans. API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization. In our first 100 years, API has developed more than 700 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.