Marcellus Shale top issue for Onorato, Corbett in gubernatorial race

[phantom power]

The Marcellus Shale industry and how it will impact Northeastern Pennsylvania and the entire state is an issue on the minds of voters and the two gubernatorial candidates, who each have received donations from the drilling companies.

According to Common Cause, a nonpartisan, nonprofit advocacy organization founded in 1970, from June to September, the natural gas drilling industry dramatically increased its campaign contributions to the state’s two major candidates.

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“Tom Corbett is wrong on this issue,” Onorato said. “We can do this safely and have the industry pay.”

Onorato, 49, said some 20 other states have a severance tax on drilling – something Corbett opposes.

“The tax hasn’t hurt their business,” he said. “The drillers can’t go elsewhere – the gas is here in Pennsylvania. My opponent wants the taxpayers to pay for it.”

http://www.timesleader.com/news/Marcellus_Shale_top_issue_for_Onorato__Corbett_in_gubernatorial_race_10-24-2010.html