We’ve all heard the benefits of Pennsylvania’s prolific natural gas reserves. It’s an economic driver – supporting thousands of direct and indirect jobs in the state, while also providing a cleaner, more affordable and reliable energy source for our residents. But did you know that it’s also helping to provide affordable housing throughout the Commonwealth?

Revenue from Pennsylvania’s unique natural gas impact fee (which is basically a tax) helps to fund the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) Fund. This statewide program provides housing assistance throughout the Commonwealth and also helps to create affordable housing options. According to Lehigh Valley Business, the total availably PHARE funding exceeded $85 million.

This is just another example of how the impact fee and natural gas industry is helping to improve the every day lives of citizens across the state. When it was enacted over a decade ago, lawmakers could have chosen to just have the revenue go to the state’s General Fund, where it would be hard to track how the money is being used. But they chose a different path – one that is marked by accountability and transparency. Impact fee revenues are distributed using a set formula. You can easily track how the funds are utilized.

I for one am glad that lawmakers had the foresight to take the path less traveled when it came to taking the natural gas industry – ensuring that the proceeds are felt statewide and each region and county reap the benefits of this natural resource under our feet.

ERIC P. MATTHEWS

Athens

Submitted by Virtual Newsroom