Solobay to Legislature: Let's Go Back Into Session

Sen. Tim Solobay on Friday called on legislative colleagues to return to Harrisburg at least one week early in order to complete work on Pennsylvania’s Marcellus Shale energy policy.

“We were supposed to address this issue before we left town last month. We had a bill with bipartisan support on third consideration in the Senate,” Solobay, D-Canonsburg, said. “How long are we going to put this off?”

Solobay argued that an extra week would give legislators more than sufficient time to pass a gas-drilling impact fee and address any issues raised by the Marcellus Shale Commission.

“Our dance card is filling up quickly for fall. If the recent past is any indication, this issue is going to get pushed to the back burner again. The legislature doesn’t exactly have a good track record when it comes to multi-tasking,” the senator said. “We are long overdue to get this done and need to give this issue our undivided attention.”

Democratic Leader Jay Costa, who covers Allegheny County said in a statement that he supported Solobay’s call for action.

“We are willing to move on this at a moment’s notice. We put in an eleventh hour push to get this passed right before the stroke of midnight on July 1," Costa said. "We are eagerly awaiting progress on this issue, and I think Senator Solobay’s idea is a good one."

The final report of the Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission is due to be completed this week, and the Transportation Funding Advisory Commission will follow on its heels. A third commission, addressing privatization of state assets, will start work soon.  The Senate is not currently scheduled to return from its recess until Sept. 19.

“There’s no reason to wait that long,” Solobay said. “There is legislation cued up and ready to go. The Marcellus commission gave us their input. Let’s give this issue the attention it deserves and get this done.”

State Rep. Jesse White, D-Cecil, this week also introduced a