As the second largest producer of natural gas in the country, Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry in 2021 has helped the Appalachian region remain the single largest producing basin in the country and the third largest in the world.
Energy production and consumption continues to evolve, and the affordability and reliability of abundant, clean American natural gas is vital to meeting heightened demand without creating unforeseen and harmful consequences for communities and consumers alike.
As we wrap-up 2021, here’s our top 5 headlines that highlight the year that was:
Drilling group notes delays in DEP’s reviewing key earthmoving permit
Pittsburgh Business Times
An analysis of permitting delays by the Marcellus Shale Coalition finds the two major DEP regional offices responsible for the majority of the oil and gas permits in Pennsylvania vary widely when it comes to the time it takes to review the erosion and sediment control general permit. The ESCGP, as it’s called, doesn’t involve drilling per se. It’s more elemental to the process, the approval drillers need before they can start to push dirt around to build the roads, pads and other infrastructure. No ESCGP, no wells.
“This permit is essential to everything we do. Every facet of our operation is impacted by this permit.”
Annual shale energy industry event returns to its roots
Washington Examiner
“Erie and counties along the top tier of this state have historically been these manufacturing powerhouses that have contributed to the birth of the energy industry here 100 years ago and into today,” Callahan said. “We picked Erie to highlight that importance and highlight the opportunities here for downstream manufacturing.”
American LNG Can Be Biden’s ‘Sharpest Diplomatic Tool’
InsideSources
“Nations around the globe are scaling up decarbonization efforts and need affordable, reliable U.S. gas to meet their energy demands. That is where expanded American liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports underpin the global energy transition.”
Nat Gas Impact Tax Revenues Top $2 Billion
Successful tax policy delivers revenues directly to communities across all 67 counties
“Pennsylvania’s natural gas impact tax has generated more than $2 billion in new revenue since 2012, including $146.3 million for 2020, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission announced yesterday. Proceeds from the tax, called the impact fee, largely flow directly to communities in all 67 counties and support critical infrastructure, first responders, and environmental programs, to name a few.”
“The impact tax is a successful policy for Pennsylvanians, local governments, environmental conservation programs, emergency response efforts and much more.”
Energy Leaders Say PA Plays a Critical Role in Natural Gas Industry
KDKA-TV Pittsburgh
“Natural gas infrastructure is just as important as any other element of infrastructure in the country. Whether it’s roads, bridges, highways, airports, you name it – we need this infrastructure to get our essential product to the markets where it’s needed.”
Heading into 2022, we know that delivering clean, low-cost American natural gas to markets around the world via LNG presents us with the opportunity – and responsibility – to take a leadership role in reducing global energy poverty and help nations find a new pathway towards energy abundance and economic growth. American LNG exports will provide other nations with a cleaner fuel and help reduce emissions worldwide.
Natural gas is still also playing an important role in helping strengthen our economy coming out of the pandemic. And with this region being at the forefront of domestic energy supply, Appalachia is well poised to lead America and the world to a cleaner energy future.
