To Those Interested in Natural Gas Issues:
There is a growing concern about environmental and health issues related to the development of natural gas. In spite of the Arkansas Legislature's failure to strengthen regulations, which have successfully passed in other states, we now have an opportunity for the voters to take action. An initiated act has been introduced to revise Arkansas's natural gas severance tax. It would raise the current 5% to 7% and disallow the exemptions that were negotiated in the 2008 version. This action introduced by Sheffield Nelson will be on the 2012 general election ballot if a sufficient number of signatures are collected on petitions and if the electorate understands the issue when they go to vote. These are two big if's! That is why it is important to learn what this is about so that you can spread the word. Volunteers are also needed to help with the petition drive.
Arkansas's taxpayers are faced with over $455 million dollars of highway damage from the heavy truck traffic operating in the Fayetteville Shale Play. The current severance tax paid by the industry and royalty recipients has come nowhere close in covering this cost. Nelson's initiated act would raise the rate to compare with those of adjoining states and provide more funding for these repairs.
Sheffield Nelson is the invited guest speaker at the League of Women Voters of Washington County annual meeting and dinner on Thursday, May 19. He will also be presenting information at a press conference that same day. The public is invited to both of these events, but reservations to the dinner are needed by May 13. Here are the details:
Public Press Conference
When: Thursday, May 19, 3:00 pm
Where: Fayetteville Town Center - Mockingbird Room, 15 West Mountain, Fayetteville
Who: Media representatives and members of the public interested in the natural gas severance tax petition
Reception for Sheffield Nelson
When: Thursday, May 19, 5:15
Where: Butterfield Trails Village - "The Lodge", 1923 Joyce Boulevard, Fayetteville
Who: Anyone interested in meeting Sheffield Nelson from League members or public
Sheffield Nelson Guest Speaker at LWVWC Dinner
When: Thursday, May 19, 5:45
Where: Butterfield Trails Village - "The Lodge", 1923 Joyce Boulevard, Fayetteville
Who: Anyone interested in hearing Sheffield Nelson speak - League members or public
Cost: $10.00 per person for dinner - Reservations required by May 13 to Joyce Hale 527-2777 or email joycehale43@gmail.com
Feel free to share this information and contact me if you have any questions.
Joyce Hale
Joyce Hale, President
League of Women Voters of Washington County
479-527-2777
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