Apr 4, 2014 2 min read

Act 13 this year is expected to generate $224.5 million through an impact fee assessed on unconventional natural gas wells, raising the total to more than $630 since the act was enacted in 2012.

The majority of Act 13 funds are directly invested in local communities.

“We are building a stronger Pennsylvania by harnessing our abundant resources to create jobs for working families, reinvest in our local communities, and protect our environment for generations to come,” Gov. Tom Corbett said in a statement Friday.

“Through Act 13, we are protecting public health and safety, safeguarding our environment, and making sure our world-class energy industry grows in a responsible way.”

Data released by the Public Utility Commission Friday show the state expects to collect $224.5 million in 2014 through the fee. Coupled with the $406 million collected in 2012 and 2013, Act 13 will generate more than $630 million since it was signed into law.

The majority of Act 13 funds are directly distributed to counties and municipalities across the state for environmental, public safety, infrastructure, emergency response and other authorized uses.

Act 13 funds also are directed to commonwealth agencies including the Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, the Public Utility Commission, Office of the State Fire Commissioner, and the Fish and Boat Commission to strengthen their oversight of drilling activities. County conservation districts also receive significant new funding under Act 13.