Capitolwire this morning reported House Majority Leader Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) said he does not anticipate leasing any more state lands for natural gas drilling before the state budget is passed this year.
Gov. Corbett's proposed FY 2011-12 does not contemplate any additional drilling on State Forest land.
On another issue, Rep. Turzai noted Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson) has talked about enacting a Marcellus Shale impact fee to help communities affected by drilling and fund programs like Growing Greener before the General Assembly goes home for the summer.
He said he has not heard the specifics about the fee, but it was something they would have discussions about and follow Gov. Corbett's lead on the issue.
Rep. Turzai told Capitolwire he anticipates a budget bill being introduced in the House by mid-April, saying it will be a real budget, not a stand-in.
