Absolutely, our industry consistently evaluates and sees both long- and short-term positive impacts associated with clean-burning natural gas production and use.
As more clean-burning American natural gas is safely produced here at home, tens of thousands of jobs are being created, especially in the manufacturing sector. Likewise, responsible and tightly-regulated shale development is bringing about clear environmental benefits. At the same time, this ongoing and historic American energy renaissance is bolstering our nation’s security and competitiveness.
How far-reaching are these benefits? “We are heading toward some problems,” commented one OPEC official recently, with regard to the cartel’s weakened position as a result of increased American oil and natural gas production.
From an economic standpoint, in addition to the more than $1.7 billion in state revenue that the natural gas industry has generated since 2006 in Pennsylvania, the recently enacted natural gas impact fee has generated more than $400 million for communities and important programs across the entire Commonwealth.
In the long-term, American natural gas production is a national “game-changer”. President Obama underscored these benefits in a recent speech, where he said: “We should strengthen our position as the top natural gas producer because, in the medium term at least, it not only can provide safe, cheap power, but it can also help reduce our carbon emissions,” adding: “The bottom line is natural gas is creating jobs. It’s lowering many families’ heat and power bills.”
