State Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, earned a 100 percent on the Marcellus Shale Scorecard for his efforts to protect the commonwealth’s water, air and neighborhoods from gas drilling.

On Tuesday March 27, 2012, four of Pennsylvania’s largest citizen-based environmental organizations released their joint “Pennsylvania Marcellus Shale Scorecard” which gave each state senator and representative an environmental grade based on their votes on House Bill 1950, now Act 13.

“I am honored to be recognized by these organizations for my work in protecting public health and the environment,” Briggs said. “Since I have been in office, gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale region has been the number one issue my constituents have contacted me about.”

Briggs voted for measures that would have made drillers pay their fair share in fees that would increase revenue for statewide programs; be responsible for repairing any damage to roadways; and protect drinking water.

“I’ve watched as public support on a severance tax has grown, and the law championed by House and Senate Republicans is a shockingly inadequate response to the cries of the public they were elected to represent. I will continue to work toward a more reasonable and acceptable tax that can provide benefits throughout Pennsylvania,” Briggs said.