An impressive lineup of key industry leaders recently came together to showcase how shale gas production is breathing new life into the Appalachian basin economy. Writing in the West Virginia State Journal, David Spigelmyer, president of the Pennsylvania-based Marcellus Shale Coalition; Corky DeMarco, executive director of the West Virginia Oil and Natural Gas Association; and Shawn Bennett, executive vice president of the Ohio Oil and Gas Association, which is a member of CEPI, highlighted the continued industry’s continued investment and commitment to the region.
Natural gas development’s crown jewel, however, is sparking a regional manufacturing renaissance. Nowhere is this more true than right here in our region. Just last week, Royal Dutch Shell announced it will invest between $6 billion and $7 billion in the tri-state area building a world-class petrochemical facility to leverage the bounty of clean-burning natural gas and natural gas liquids that underlies much of Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
The trio go on to underscore how the abundance of affordable natural gas is powering America’s resurgent manufacturing sector, but not before noting the key role natural gas is playing in reducing carbon emissions.
Just as shale development continues to generate meaningful economic benefits, it’s directly strengthening our environment as well. In fact, greater natural gas production and use have largely driven U.S. CO2 emissions to a 25-year low, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data, helping the United States achieve meaningful climate progress.
In conclusion, the piece notes the growing need for greater pipeline capacity capable of delivering this valuable domestic resource to homes and businesses across the region and the nation.
The facts are clear: America’s shale revolution is boosting hard working, middle class families, driving a manufacturing renaissance and strengthening America’s air quality. And with the right policies in place — that encourage responsible production, expanded pipeline infrastructure and greater end use, especially among our manufacturers and power generators — we can continue to experience shale’s economic and environmental opportunities.
The proposed Rover Pipeline will be a critical component to ensuring the longevity of the promising economic and environmental realities that stem from natural gas production in the Appalachian basin. Together we can ensure an energy future tied to affordability while at the same time making headway in reducing emissions.