HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania House Republicans pushed through three tax credit programs Wednesday that are designed to capitalize on the Marcellus shale drilling boom by encouraging companies to use more natural-gas powered vehicles and to give them more convenient places to refuel.

Supporters of the measures, which are part of the House GOP’s “Marcellus Works” package, said they would increase employment, improve the environment and lead the state away from dependence on foreign oil.

“It’s time for us to understand that if this state is to grow and prosper, we’ve got to get out of the 20th century and into the 21st,” said Majority Whip Stan Saylor, R-York.

But Democratic opponents called them handouts to big business and expressed skepticism that the job creation predictions will prove accurate.

“These unfunded corporate giveaways help the few at the cost of the many,” said Minority Whip Mike Hanna, D-Clinton.

All three measures were approved largely on the strength of Republican support, but several members from both parties crossed partisan lines for each vote.

The bills were sent to the state Senate.