Pa. DEP Sec. Krancer focuses on Marcellus Shale
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Michael Krancer says when it comes to the Marcellus Shale, the future is now.
Sec. Krancer made his comments during an insightful speech to about 65 Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation public and private-sector investors and partners during last Friday’s Legislative and Governmental Relations (LGR) Committee Luncheon at the Best Western Plus Lehigh Valley Hotel & Conference Center in Bethlehem.
Pa. DEP Sec. Krancer: Urges passage of H.B. #1950
That crucial time, according to Sec. Krancer, involves House Bill #1950 that was introduced last Wednesday to the House of Representatives. The bill contains initiatives adopted by the state-appointed Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission and Gov. Corbett that would, Krancer said, provide the state DEP the required tools to guarantee the safety of Marcellus Shale drilling.
“I exhort you to tell the legislators it is time for them to do their jobs,” he said.
Sec. Krancer, who reminded the audience that he is a former judge and that the governor is a former prosecutor, said he had no tolerance for those who would be “bad operators” toward the environment.
“I say let’s throw the book at them,” he said. “We simply cannot tolerate cheaters.”
That said, he added that many of the public’s concerns are simply misguided, inaccurate or ideologically driven, saying natural gas is the “cleanest burning fossil fuel.”
The secretary’s message transcended the mere safety of Marcellus Shale drilling, instead positioning the industry as a vibrant economic driver that has and will continue “to spur family-sustaining job creation and can help reverse brain drain” throughout the entire Commonwealth.
“In addition we are also talking about lower gas and lower electricity prices.”
Although the governor’s initiatives do call for impact fees, Sec. Krancer dismissed the notion of extraction taxes.
“Let’s be clear about this, the industry has already paid $1.1B in taxes and $2.6 B in royalties.”
Sec. Krancer was nominated by Gov. Corbett on Jan. 18th and confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate April 26, 2011. Prior to becoming the DEP secretary, he served as a Chief Judge and Chairman of the Pennsylvania Environmental Hearing Board (EHB). Secretary Krancer also served as Assistant General Counsel for Exelon Corp.
The LGR luncheon series is organized by LVEDC’s LGR Committee, who hosts meetings throughout the year to keep investors apprised of various legislative issues. The Legislative Luncheon Sponsor is Air Products. Gold Sponsors for Secretary Krancer’s address were HDR Engineering and PPL Corp. Lunch Event Sponsors were J.M. Uliana & Associates, Fitzpatrick, Lentz and Bubba, and SSM Group.
By Steve Althouse
About the author:
As Business Relations Manager at LVEDC, Althouse develops and coordinates LVEDC’s Business Retention and Expansion Program, an intricate part of the organization’s mission to grow existing business and jobs through interviewing and surveying Lehigh Valley business owners and public sector officials.... read more
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