KINGSTON — As Pennsylvania’s economy is slowly recovering and additional economic solutions are being sought, the House and Senate Majority Policy committees, along with Rep. Aaron Kaufer, R-Kingston, held a joint hearing and met with area industrial and union leaders to discuss the economic impact and benefits of the Local Resource Manufacturing Tax Credit.

“It is not just about investing in dry natural gas — it is about creating and expanding family-sustaining employment opportunities and opening the door for fresh economic possibilities in Pennsylvania,” said Kaufer, sponsor of Act 66 of 2020. “This tax credit also allows the Commonwealth to once again operate as a manufacturing hub for industrial exports. I want to thank Rep. Causer, his committee and our local industry leaders for coming together today to share future goals and intentions following the enactment of this beneficial tax credit.”

Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint, chairman of the House Majority Police Committee, said programs such as this are even more important today.

“Incentives for manufacturers to build facilities that create jobs are always important, but they are especially critical in the current economy,” he said. “(Thursday’s) hearing allowed committee members to hear from industry leaders who plan to use Pennsylvania energy resources to create jobs and manufacture products here in the Commonwealth.”

Senate Majority Policy Chairman David G. Argall, R-Rush Township, said the tax credit was passed “after months of negotiations between Republicans and Democrats, organized labor and business, the House of Representatives, the Senate and the governor.”

He added, “I am excited for the opportunities that this tax credit will bring to the region. We are going to see heavy investments in Pennsylvania energy while providing thousands of good-paying jobs to our residents.”

Act 66 of 2020 established the Local Resource Manufacturing Tax Credit to attract private investment in the construction and operation of Pennsylvania manufacturing facilities that use dry natural gas to produce fertilizer and other petrochemical products. Plants that use natural gas synthesis to produce fertilizers and other products are designed to capture the majority of greenhouse gas emissions in their manufacturing process which helps dramatically reduce the facility’s carbon footprint.