As the third largest natural gas producing region in the world, Appalachia has transformed from the Rust Belt to the “epicenter of our nation’s green economy,” MSC’s Dave Callahan, GOWV’s Charlie Burd & OOGA’s Rob Brundrett wrote in the region’s top papers. Natural gas is the engine of the area’s innovation economy, resulting in historic air quality and environmental improvements alongside steady economic growth.
It’s never been – and never will be – either environmental progress or strong economies, the energy sector leaders write, with natural gas, we’re achieving both.
Here’s what they’re saying in the states’ top newspapers:
Natural Gas Makes Rust Belt Green Energy Epicenter
“Thanks to the significant increased use of natural gas for power generation, we have seen historic improvements in our regional air quality as pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides and other emissions have plummeted, in some cases by nearly 90%. This leads to fewer respiratory issues, fewer hospitalizations, and enhanced public health—particularly for those most vulnerable, like young children and senior citizens.” …
“Appalachia is our home. We care deeply about our people, the communities in which we live, and the environment that surrounds us. We go to work each day to protect and conserve what makes our neighborhoods great — which is why our respective member companies have been leading the way in tackling planet-warming emissions for years.” …
“From enhanced leak detection, repair programs, and seeking independent environmental, social, and governance risks performance verification, to targeted methane reduction and abandoned well-plugging efforts, there is both an environmental and economic incentive for us to ensure methane is safely and efficiently transported to market—after all, it is the core component of the very product our members produce and sell.”
Celebrating Appalachia’s green transformation
“We know natural gas is our sharpest tool to curb carbon emissions worldwide. Our country’s embrace of natural gas is the main reason we achieved emission reductions faster than any other nation in the world, while at the same time growing our economy. As the collective voice for Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia’s natural gas and oil industry, we’re proud of the contributions American energy has made in creating a cleaner and healthier planet, stronger communities with good-paying jobs, and a more prosperous economy.” …
“Driven by the shale revolution that unlocked Appalachia’s natural gas and oil resources, America is now the world’s top natural gas and oil producer and the world’s top environmental performer. That’s because our members carefully develop these critical resources under the strictest environmental and safety standards, and we see it as a privilege to contribute to our nation’s environmental and energy leadership.”
Natural gas is energy future
“The energy we produce across Appalachia is not just critical to domestic energy security, it’s becoming more important to our allies abroad.” …
“To ensure we continue to deliver the energy America and its allies rely upon, we need lawmakers to commit to policies that support responsible domestic exploration, production and transmission, enhance permitting efficiencies for critical infrastructure projects, and in some cases stop demonizing the industry that’s keeping our economy running and making our modern way of life possible.” …
“Our region has a bright future in realizing generational energy and environmental benefits because of the resources located right beneath our feet.
