Accessing affordable and reliable energy is central to lifting millions out of poverty and mitigating the world’s environmental impacts, geologist and energy sector expert Dr. Scott Tinker told members of the Pennsylvania Legislature yesterday.

The concept of “equitable energy”, where there is equal access to affordable and reliable energy everywhere, supports a healthy economy and a clean environment, Tinker said.

Hunger, clothing, shelter, clean water; rights and empowerment of women; education and health care – all of these things are closely tied and can be addressed with access to energy, reshaping the trajectory of the world.

And we have all these tools in here Pennsylvania, giving us the opportunity to use domestic shale production to propel not just the state and country forward, but the entire world.

“Energy underpins the economy; it allows the economy to grow. And the economy then allows us to invest in the environment,” Tinker continued during “An Honest Conversation About Energy, the Economy, and the Environment.”

Dr. Tinker’s presentation comes on the heels of a recent initiative by Governor Tom Wolf to power 50% of the state government’s electricity – including state buildings and vehicles – through solar energy by 2023, the administration announced Monday.

The Governor’s announcement brings about the importance of having a domestic supply of natural gas, the needed backup to renewable, intermittent resources to ensure the electric grid remains reliable during times of peak demand.

We know the increasing use of natural gas in power generation is what’s driving America’s environmental progress and, as wind and solar gain market share, these sources will work together for continued growth.

As a recent General Electric whitepaper highlights:

“Deployed in tandem, [natural gas and renewables] can provide decarbonization at the pace and scale needed to help achieve substantial climate goals.”

From a global perspective, the United States exported liquefied natural gas (LNG) to a record number of countries in 2020, driven by increased demand in Asia as they work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“LNG and LNG exports can help serve countries all around the world and help alleviate what’s known as energy poverty. LNG can help clean the air in the world and provide for economic development as well,” MSC president Callahan said recently.