Natural Gas Impact Fees Help Local Communities

In addition to supporting the state’s growing energy needs and providing good-paying careers, Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry contributed more than $243.8 million in impact fees in 2025.

Under Act 13 of 2012, impact fees are collected from natural gas drilling companies with 60% returned to counties and municipalities affected by drilling. The rest of the money goes into a Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund, a portion of which is provided to counties. The remaining funds are used by the state for emergency response planning, training and other activities; water, storm water, and sewer system construction and repair; infrastructure maintenance and repair; as well as statewide environmental initiatives.

Municipalities in Clearfield County received a total of $138,038, and municipalities in Elk County received a total of $763,769.