After four years of discussion on the topic, several versions of bills and a conference committee, the House voted on a compromise Marcellus Shale bill.

The revised version of House Bill 1950 was voted out of the House by a vote of 25-4.

The legislation would establish an impact fee dedicated to offsetting the effects on local communities where drilling is occurring, enhance water protections and environmental safeguards, increase fines and penalties, fund environmental programs and conservation districts, and preserve local control.

Under the new compromise bill, counties would have the ability to impose an annual fee that is dependent on the price of natural gas during the year.

The fee would last 15 years and be collected and distributed by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC).