CANONSBURG, Pa. – Marcellus Shale Coalition (MSC) president and executive director Kathryn Klaber issued the following statement today applauding the Lycoming County Community Gas Exploration Task Force for earning the Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence, and for its ongoing and fact-based support for responsible, 21st century shale gas development in the Commonwealth:
“The world may currently know Williamsport as the home of Little League Baseball, but Lycoming County is quickly making a name for itself as key contributor to the emerging energy revolution associated with responsible Marcellus shale exploration. Local and state elected officials came together in tandem with regional businesses leaders to form the county’s Community Gas Exploration Task Force. Their aim was simple and straightforward: educate and inform the public about shale gas production, its tight regulations, and its overwhelming economic benefits.”
“The annual Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence,” according to a description from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), “recognizes efforts and investments to turn environmental problems into opportunities and promote America’s energy independence.”
Klaber also applauded the work of Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), who “very early on saw the full scale of promise and potential that responsible natural gas exploration in northcentral and northeast Pennsylvania could have in helping to create and sustain high-paying jobs in his community,” Klaber said.
This from DEP’s statement about the honorees, which is available HERE:
Lycoming County Community Gas Exploration Task Force
The Board of Commissioners for Lycoming County and the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce collaborated to form the Community Gas Exploration Task Force. Since early 2008, a number of gas companies began establishing a significant presence in Lycoming County to arrange leases with county landowners to drill the Marcellus Shale. The task force identifies key issues, researches facts and information, and reviews and proposes public policy regarding the positive, economic impact of gas exploration of the Marcellus Shale in Lycoming County.
