Editor:
With President Obama visiting the region this week to talk about the economy, his positive remarks about safe natural gas development come immediately to mind.
“We should strengthen our position as the top natural gas producer,” the president said in June, adding: “The bottom line is natural gas is creating jobs. It’s lowering many families’ heat and power bills.”
Isn’t that what every Pennsylvania family is looking for right now? And for those who have seen economic hard times in many parts of the state, the opportunities that come with shale development – cleaner air; more jobs, especially in our manufacturing sector; and enhanced energy security – are a blessing. We must continue to work together to get this historic opportunity right – now and for future generations.
This well-regulated development has been, and continues to be, a powerful source of job creation. Pennsylvania produces nearly 10 percent of the nation’s natural gas, and shale supports nearly 240,000 jobs statewide. Nationally, according to U.S. Energy Information Administration data, while U.S. private sector employment has grown roughly 1 percent from 2007 through 2012, oil and natural gas employment has expanded by 40 percent during that same period. As Sen. Bob Casey recently said, “Developing natural gas will allow Pennsylvania to take control of its energy and economic destiny.”
He is absolutely right. In your travels this week, Mr. President, we have confidence that you will continue to recognize how responsible shale development is helping families, our nation and our environment. Let’s work together to get it right.
KATHRYN Z. KLABER
CEO, Marcellus Shale Coalition, Pittsburgh
NOTE: Click HERE to view this letter online.
