Rendell Wants Gas Industry To Help Shale Towns

Gov. Ed Rendell says the gas industry should be taxed to help communities where Marcellus Shale drilling is taking place.

Rendell visited Washington yesterday to talk to local officials, business leaders and environmental groups about why he thinks companies drilling for natural gas in the state should be taxed. He was greeted by about two dozen protesters holding red, white and blue signs calling for an end to drilling.

Rendell says the drilling is creating new challenges for communities that are worried about the environmental effects of the process and about incurring the costs associated with drilling accidents.

Rendell and state lawmakers pledged in this summer's budget agreement to enact a severance tax on drillers by Oct. 1.

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