Business Energy Forum Highlights Northcentral PA Jobs, Economic Growth Powered by Natural Gas
Williamsport, PA – July 25, 2023 – Investment in the region’s natural gas industry has generated significant benefits for Northcentral Pennsylvania in terms of job creation and training, economic growth, and sustaining the local workforce, regional business and education leaders discussed during today’s Business Energy Forum hosted by the Marcellus Shale Coalition.
In partnership with the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce and Pennsylvania College of Technology, attendees learned about the strength of Pennsylvania’s natural gas sector and heard directly from individuals on state matters and job retention initiatives underway thanks to the industry’s presence locally.
“Natural gas is the workhorse of Pennsylvania’s economy, generating sustained revenue, jobs, and opportunity across the Commonwealth, including here in Lycoming County. Thanks to partners like the Chamber and with Penn College, we’re proud to advance skills training and better prepare students for local energy careers today and well into the future,” said Marcellus Shale Coalition President Dave Callahan. “As we continue to develop these resources responsibly, commonsense policies that encourage production growth, pipeline expansion, and manufacturing and power generation use will help ensure more Pennsylvanians share in the broad benefits natural gas development.”
The Greater Williamsport Area’s career training and higher education institutions have created an intellectual hub for energy education, particularly as programming at schools like Penn College evolves.
“Working hand in hand with the natural gas industry, we have seen tremendous growth in our student population,” Pennsylvania College of Technology’s President, Dr. Michael Reed, said. “I’d like to acknowledge and thank the Marcellus Shale Coalition board members for their extraordinary support of Penn College and ongoing scholarship opportunities for students.”
In addition to career opportunities, officials also referenced the area’s record natural gas impact fee – or tax – revenue received annually. Of the $279 million generated this year, Northcentral PA counties and municipalities received upwards of $50.6 million to support local projects like funding local park renovations and affordable housing programs. This funding wouldn’t be possible without continued development across the region.
“We truly appreciate all the industry has done for this area. Because of our access to natural gas, manufacturing is strong here in Lycoming County, and we’re excited natural gas found here gives us an edge to attract other industries,” said Jason Fink, President and CEO of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber. “What you do transcends so many other economic sectors and is vital for our community.”
Mirroring comments from MSC’s Callahan, State Senator Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming County) underscored the environmental and grid reliability attributes tied to the fuel source.
“We cannot give up fossil fuels, they are part of everything we need – from food to clothing to electronics. If we need power at a moment’s notice, natural gas will be there as a backup,” Yaw said. “In Europe, natural gas is considered “green energy” due to its significant environmental profile. We need to ensure it is treated as such in the United States.”
