Election 2014: Schwartz Responses to AF Survey

May 9, 2014

Democratic voters in Pennsylvania head to the polls May 20 to choose a candidate for governor. The winner will face incumbent Republican Tom Corbett in the general election. The Allegheny Front sent a survey on environment and energy issues to the four Democratic contenders.  Thanks to all who contributed questions and ideas via Facebook and Twitter. Here’s a look at Allyson Schwartz's responses.

What is your view of a severance tax on shale gas extraction? How high should it be?

Marcellus Shale gas resources belong to all Pennsylvanians. Our legacy should be world-class schools, a 21st century transportation network, clean and cheap energy, and new jobs to power our economy. Corbett has turned his back on this opportunity. While giving drillers tax breaks and charging a minimal impact fee, he cut $1 billion from education and slashed support for state universities. In addition, he has shielded drillers from accountability, allowing companies to hide information about fracking chemicals and placing a gag order on doctors. As governor, I will enact a moderate 5 percent gas severance tax to support transformational investments in education, transportation, clean energy. I will protect our environment and the health of our families. Pennsylvania stands virtually alone without a severance tax. A 5 percent tax would generate an estimated $737 million in 2014-15. Over a decade, it would generate $13.2 billion in revenue for Pennsylvania.

What other taxes, fees or regulations (if any) would you impose on the natural gas industry?

I will maintain the existing impact fee, as set by Act 13. After some designated payments, Act 13 allocates 60 percent of revenue to compensate communities for the negative impacts of gas operations, such as damage to roads and bridges. A portion of the revenue also funds environmental efforts. These payments would continue. But I will rewrite portions of Act 13 to provide greater environmental protection, to give zoning control to local communities, to lift the gag order on physicians, and to require companies to disclose the fracking chemicals they use.

What's your stand on drilling in state forests?

As governor, I will strictly enforce a moratorium on drilling in state forests and in the Delaware River Basin, and I will block drilling in state parks.

A. What would you do if a company that controlled the mineral rights under Ohiopyle State park wanted to drill there?

B. Some say the state controls mineral rights in Loyalsock State Forest Clarence Moore tracts—what is your stand on drilling there? 

a) Although the state does not always control the mineral rights under state parks, including this beautiful and important natural area along the Youghiogheny, the state DOES HAVE great leverage in controlling any attempt at drilling in state parks. I will use all my powers as governor to block drilling there.

b) Although the 1989 Commonwealth Court ruling put Loyalsock into a unique position legally, I will work staunchly and stubbornly to protect every inch of Loyalsock State Forest.

Would you raise the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards beyond the current number of 8 percent clean energy by 2021? Why or Why not? If yes, at what level would you set it?

Yes. As governor, I will nearly quadruple the AEPS to require that 30 percent of our electricity comes from Tier I renewable resources by 2030. Though Pennsylvania’s current AEPS goal was groundbreaking in 2004, other states have since enacted higher standards and Pennsylvania is falling behind. Pennsylvania has abundant renewable energy potential and can meet this bold goal without impacting grid reliability. My ambitious but achievable AEPS goal will expand job opportunities, reduce carbon emissions, and make Pennsylvania a national leader in renewable energy once again.

Pennsylvania is one of the top greenhouse gas emitters in the world. What is the state's responsibility to lower its emissions? How would you lead the state to lower emissions(if at all)?

Addressing climate change is essential to Pennsylvania’s future and a moral responsibility. Nine states, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont, have stepped up and joined the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), the nation’s first market-based program to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. RGGI has generated $1.6 billion in economic benefit for the region, created thousands of jobs, and cut electric bills. Governor Corbett has ignored the pressing issue of climate change. His refusal to join our neighboring states in this vital and commonsense initiative is unacceptable. As governor, I will push to have Pennsylvania join RGGI, which will help the Commonwealth transition to a clean energy economy, create new economic opportunities, and demonstrate that Pennsylvania is serious about becoming a national leader in environmental protection.

What's your stand on nuclear energy? Would you like to see its use increased in PA?

Nuclear power is an important part part of America's current energy portfolio, especially as a bridge source as we transition away from fossil fuels, to clean energy with a focus on wind, solar, hydro, and energy efficiency.

There are two bills in the PA legislature to change the way the state lists endangered species, giving review power to a political commission, which has been criticized for its lack of scientists, and for making it more difficult for a species to be listed. Do you support these changes? Why or Why not? If no, what would you do with PA's endangered species act?

I do not support the proposed changes to Pennsylvania's endangered and threatened species law pushed by the natural gas industry. The proposed changes would put decisions that should be made by scientists under political influence.

What's your favorite natural space in PA?

The Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, especially when the leaves are turning in the Fall.

The Allegheny Front requested interviews with each of the candidates.  Katie McGinty and Rob McCord visited our studios in Pittsburgh, and each interview is attached to the survey story.

Tom Wolf and Allyson Schwartz spoke with our colleagues at StateImpact Pennsylvania. The video links to these interviews are displayed within their survey responses.