PA
Pennsylvania House Bill HR131

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HR131

Introduced
5/31/23  
Refer
5/31/23  

Caption

Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study to compare impact fees and severance taxes in the largest natural gas producing states and examine the competitive business climate for the industry in those states.

Impact

The implementation of HR131 could have significant implications for state legislation regarding natural gas extraction and taxation. Currently, Pennsylvania relies on impact fees imposed per new well, rather than a severance tax that levies charges based on the volume of gas extracted. The study will assess the revenue benefits that a severance tax could provide, thereby influencing legislative discussions surrounding the state's approach to natural gas taxation and financial accountability.

Summary

House Resolution 131 (HR131) directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct an in-depth study comparing impact fees and severance taxes among the largest natural gas producing states, specifically examining Pennsylvania's position. The aim of this resolution is to evaluate the potential revenue Pennsylvania could have collected if a severance tax had been implemented since the passage of Act 13 of 2012. In addition to historical financial analysis, the study will also explore competitive factors affecting the business climate for natural gas production in the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment regarding HR131 is notably mixed among legislators and stakeholders in the energy sector. Proponents argue that the study may reveal untapped revenue sources for Pennsylvania, potentially aiding public funding initiatives and economic development. Conversely, critics of the resolution express concerns about the implications of changing existing tax structures, especially regarding potential impacts on small producers and the overall competitiveness of the state’s energy sector.

Contestation

A major point of contention is the comparison between impact fees and severance taxes. While impact fees have resulted in stable but limited revenue growth, proponents of a severance tax suggest it could align Pennsylvania with other leading natural gas states, prompting a reevaluation of how the state shares the financial benefits of its natural resources. The debate will likely highlight issues of fairness in taxation, sustainability of state revenue, and the long-term economic strategies essential for Pennsylvania's growth in the energy sector.

Latest HR131 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HR416

Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study and issue a report on the court system's financial stability and its dependence on fines and fees.

PA HR66

Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study and issue a report on the impact of housing on health in this Commonwealth.

PA SR24

Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study and issue a report on the impact of housing on health in this Commonwealth.

PA HR87

Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study and issue a report on the current status, management and benefits of conservation corridors in this Commonwealth.

PA HR350

Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a comprehensive study of the financial impacts of pooling all school district property tax revenue at the intermediate unit level and distributing that money to school districts based on their average daily membership.

PA HR170

Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a comprehensive study of the financial impacts of pooling all school district property tax revenue at the intermediate unit level and distributing that money to school districts based on their average daily membership.

PA SR325

Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a comprehensive review of current advertising requirements.

PA SR347

Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study of the budgeted funding levels of Federal, State and local agencies that provide child welfare and juvenile justice services compared to the provider contracted rates for those same services in this Commonwealth, and the financial and social impact of any disparity between the approved rate by the State and contracted rate and to issue a report of its findings and recommendations to the Senate.

PA HR321

Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study that examines the effects of the racial wealth disparity on Black residents in this Commonwealth and provide policy recommendations on how to best reduce or eliminate the racial wealth disparity in this Commonwealth.

PA HB518

Provides relative to rates, computation, and administration of severance tax on oil, gas, and other natural resources (EN NO IMPACT GF RV See Note)

Similar Bills

PA HB157

In Pennsylvania Preferred® Trademark, further providing for definitions, for Pennsylvania Preferred® trademark, for licensee qualification, for duties and authority of department, for trademark license agreement, application and licensure process, for costs, for Pennsylvania Preferred® Trademark Licensing Fund, for injunctive relief, for rules and regulations and for purpose, repealing provisions relating to definitions and further providing for qualified veterans and qualified veteran business entities.

PA SR108

Congratulating The Pennsylvania State University wrestling team on its 11th National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Championship and Pennsylvania residents who competed and placed during the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Wrestling Championship.

PA HB997

Authorizing the provision or sale of Pennsylvania milk in Pennsylvania schools.

PA SB297

Authorizing the provision or sale of Pennsylvania milk in Pennsylvania schools.

PA HB179

Authorizing the provision or sale of Pennsylvania milk in Pennsylvania schools.

PA SB463

Authorizing the provision or sale of Pennsylvania milk in Pennsylvania schools.

PA HB2273

In licenses and regulations and liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for Pennsylvania Malt and Brewed Beverages Industry Promotion Board and for Pennsylvania Wine Marketing and Research Program Board; and, in distilleries, wineries, bonded warehouses, bailees for hire and transporters for hire, establishing the Pennsylvania Distilled Spirits Industry Promotion Board.

PA HB552

Providing for the Pennsylvania Amber Alert System, the Missing Endangered Person Advisory System and the Green Alert System and for duties of the Pennsylvania State Police; assessing costs; providing for immunity and penalties; and making a repeal.