West Virginia lawmakers are considering tax breaks to encourage development of the state's Marcellus shale natural gas field.

A measure endorsed Wednesday Feb. 23, 2011 by the House Finance Committee would tweak several existing programs to aid drillers and related businesses.

One would extend the life of a tax credit for alternative fuel vehicles, and expand it to include their refueling facilities.

Another program would offer gas companies tax credits for in-state research and development.

The bill would apply a manufacturing investment tax credit to this industry.

The Senate Finance Committee is considering its own version of this measure. Those bills are separate from one pending with the House Judiciary Committee that would regulate drilling operations.