3:33 pm Tue February 7, 2012  Shale Fee Deal Could be on the
Books Today  The governor's budget address usually sets the
legislative agenda for the year, but today, Pennsylvania
Governor Tom Corbett's speech may be overshadowed by news of a
Marcellus Shale fee structure.  The House and Senate are primed
for final votes on the issue that has hung over the Capitol
since 2009. The measure would place a fee on every Marcellus
Shale well, overhaul Pennsylvania's natural gas regulations, and
restricts local governments' ability to zone and regulate
drilling.  Senate President Pro Tem Joe Scarnati said the
language prevents municipalities from effectively banning
drilling through harsh zoning. "You can't spot zone. You can't
treat this industry any different than you would, say, a powder
metals manufacturer with all the requirements," said Scarnati.
A conference committee approved amendments to the bill last
night, after weeks of private negotiations between top
Republicans. House Democrat Mike Hanna complained his