Don't read his lips: Governor Corbett promised no new taxes, and in spite of pressure from environmentalists to tax the gas-drillers of Marcellus Shale, he has technically kept that promise, instead allowing the counties involved to impos a fee in the plan he released today.
As one outlet put it, this has thrown a "curveball" into the debate, with people who were ready to react to the governor's detailed plan one way or another now needing to re-check where they land given this tightrope-sized middle ground Corbett is walking.
Don't worry, though. At the end of the day, by which I mean literally the end of today, Monday, the pros and cons will be lined up and broadcasting their message loud and clear.
This is not to say that it's all hazy. For instance Penn Future notes that there doesn't seem to be anything in the plan about protecting state parks, a crucial issue for the organization. So whatever impact the impact fees have, that may not be enough to safeguard important areas.
If you're still making up your mind, here's a quick rundown of how money would be collected andhow it would be spentunder Corbett's plan.
i've been a critic of corbett up until now, but i applaud him for finally doing something— main liner- i've been a critic of corbett up until now, but i applaud him for finally doing something— main liner
- Drink just one glass of water from Dimock and see if you continue to applaud him. You are about to witness PA's environmental footprint changing forever - enjoy.— River Rat
The experts at Philadelphia's Energy Coordinating Agency answer your energy questions in our regular feature Stay Warm, Stay Green. Send in your question or questions to energy@phillynews.com.
Look for Jenice Armstrong to supply tips on green living as well as occasional columns on the subject of Green. She also blogs at Hey Jen.
Becky Batcha stays tuned for the here-and-now practical side of conservation, alternative energy, organic foods, etc. - stuff you can do at home now. Plus odds and ends.
Laurie Conrad recycles from her ever-growing e-mailbag to pass along the latest travel deals, fashion statements, household strategies, gadgets, cool local events and other nuggets of interest to those who appreciate a clean, green world.
Vance Lehmkuhl looks at topics like eco-conscious eating, public transportation and fuel-efficient driving from his perspective as a vegetarian, a daily SEPTA bus rider and a hybrid driver, as well as noting the occasional wacky trend or product. Contact Vance with your 'green' news.
Ronnie Polaneczky sees the green movement through the eyes of her 12-year-old daughter, who calls her on every scrap of paper or glass bottle that Ronnie neglects to toss into the house recycling bins. Ronnie will blog about new or unexpected ways to go green. She also blogs at So, What Happened Was...
Sandra Shea and the DN editorial board opine on any green-related legislation or policy. And we'll pass along some of the opeds on the subject that people send us.
Jonathan Takiff will be blogging mainly about consumer electronics - those things that we love to use and that suck too much energy. He'll spotlight green-conscious gizmos made in a responsible fashion, both in terms of materials used and the energy it takes to run them.
Signe Wilkinson draws the comic strip Family Tree, which follows the Tree family as they try to live green in the face of nattering neighbors, plastic-wrapped consumer products, and the primal teenage urge to spend vast quantities of money on hair care products of dubious organic quality.
In addition to these updates from our newsroom bloggers, watch for an occasional feature, Dumpster Diver Dispatches, from Philadelphia's original "green" community of artists, the Dumpster Divers. You'll learn about creative ways to reuse and recycle while you reduce, and about the artists who are making little masterpieces from what others throw out.
Sept. 17: A head start on cold season
Oct. 8: Help with fuel bills
Oct. 29: Last-minute ways to winterize
Nov. 19: Budgeting for the big bite
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