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. Read more »