Senate jams shale tax, industry permits into unhappy package

(AP) Environmental advocates for years have sought a tax on Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale natural gas production while business associations have sought speedier state consideration of permits for the activities of polluting industries.
Now, legislation approved by the Republican-controlled state Senate gave both provisions an unexpected and unwelcome passenger: each other. The compromise package became public July 26 as lawmakers worked to break a stalemate over balancing a gaping hole in Pennsylvania's deficit-riddled budget. Within hours, senators passed it 26-24.
It has an uncertain future in the House of Representatives. It faces a likely lawsuit from environmental groups should it become law over what they see as multiple transgressions of the state constitution.
Business groups feel their members shouldn't have to absorb a tax simply to get efficient consideration of a permit application.