Over 800 attendees gathered in Erie for the thirteenth annual Shale Insight conference, highlighting the broad benefits and end-use opportunities clean and responsibly-produced Pennsylvania natural gas provides our state, region and nation, as well as the innovations underway to train workers and meet growing energy needs in an increasingly decarbonized world.

The key takeaway? Natural gas is pivotal in achieving these shared goals and will continue to drive emission reductions, environmental gains, a healthy and robust workforce, as well as Pennsylvania’s continued economic prosperity for generations to come.

“We need to look for every opportunity to reduce emissions, keep it in the pipe – whether that’s with technology, definitely with changing practices that were standard before but aren’t going to be standard moving forward,” said Greg Floerke, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, MPLX LP.

Fresh economic data unveiled at the conference backs up these themes and underscores the true impact of Pennsylvania natural gas solely within the Commonwealth’s borders. The data are clear: natural gas is the powerhouse  of the state’s economy, supporting 123,000 Pennsylvania jobs and contributing $41 billion in economic activity through tax revenues, Impact Fees, royalties and labor income.

“We believe in using the resources we have in this basin to build a stronger tomorrow, without ignoring the critical realities of today,” said Marcellus Shale Coalition President Dave Callahan during his opening remarks.

More, a far-above average annual wage paid by the sector is driving once-in-a-lifetime career opportunities for “everyone from a GED to a PhD,” Callahan told local TV reporters at WJET.

“Workforce development remains a top priority for Coterra and in the areas where we operate. I think we would all agree that our workforce is our future,” said Gary J. Hlavinka, Vice President – Marcellus Business Unit, Coterra Energy.

Here’s more of what was said at SHALE INSIGHT 2023:

INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS, REGULATORY REFORM

  • “It’s imperative for members of congress to advocate for an economic environment that unleashes American energy and supports Pennsylvania natural gas,” Honorable Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA) Chief Deputy Whip, U.S. House of Representatives.
  • “Of course, Washington can pass laws to grow our energy production but those laws mean nothing if we cannot build the infrastructure required to get energy where it needs to be,” Honorable Joe Manchin (D-WV) Chairman – Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, U.S. Senate.
  • “We have to start looking ahead and plan for the growth that we have to have and I think that is going to be more gas from the Marcellus to fill those energy needs. It’s addition, not transition,” Joel Moxley, President and Chief Executive Officer, GPA Midstream Association.
  • “If we want to continue to ensure US security, our officials must come together and embrace an all of the above energy approach,” Jeff Kotula, Washington County Chamber PA.
  • “The demand for energy is not going away… I truly believe that pipelines are the safest, most efficient way for us to achieve the energy independence we so desperately need to keep the rogue nations who weaponize energy at bay,” David Butterworth, Business Agent, Pipeliners Local 798.

BUILDING ON A LEGACY OF CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

  • “We’ve been testing an Appalachia First strategy for 160 years – refining it as needed to ensure we’re truly making an impact in our region and beyond,” Navneet Behl, Chief Operating Officer, CNX Resources Corporation.
  • “Having affordable, reliable natural gas- it’s one of the strongest things in our toolbox right now,” Patty Horvatich, Senior Vice President, Business Investment, Pittsburgh Regional Alliance.
  • “The workforce is here and ready,” Jeff Nobers Executive Director, Builders Guild of Western PA, Founder and Executive Director, Pittsburgh Works Together.
  • “The power of the resources that we are developing and the impact that we can make overall can be staggering. What we do matters, the path ahead will be challenging, but people need what we do,” Dennis Degner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Range Resources.
  • “Our energy future is bright, and with the right policies in place, we will continue to resiliently lead from the front by achieving energy affordability and reliability, manufacturing, environmental protection and emissions reduction, as well as national security goals that benefit all Pennsylvanians and Americans,” David Callahan, President, Marcellus Shale Coalition.

MEETING GLOBAL ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL NEEDS

  • “We’re lowering energy costs, boosting America’s energy security, and strengthening our global competitiveness,” said Geoffrey Pyatt, Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Energy Resources, U.S. Department of State.
  • “If we use our 6 bcf a day of gas production to replace foreign coal, it would reduce global emissions by 180 millions tons a year,” Rob Wingo Executive Vice President, Corporate Ventures, EQT Corporation.
  • “The world is craving energy, craving LNG. I can’t think of a better place for it to come from than America,” Josh Viets, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Chesapeake Energy Corporation.