The economic, environmental and national security benefits tied to tightly-regulated shale development continue to cascade across our nation. As one news outlet writes this week: “It’s been said many times but warrants repeating: Shale gas has been a game changer for the U.S.”
Here’s what others are saying about this positive and shared progress:
- Marcellus “the most prolific economic generator in a half century”: The naysayers who refuse to see anything positive from the natural gas drilling industry in our area see other things, but at a certain point those perceptions start to lack credibility. The industry has an obligation to respect the environment it is working in. To date, its track record on that locally has been very strong. As long as that remains the case, the Marcellus Shale activity in our region remains the most prolific economic generator in a half century. (Williamsport Sun-Gazette editorial, 2/27/14)
- “Shale development is a powerful source of job creation”: Shale development is a powerful source of job creation. While some attempt to understate this positive impact, which is revitalizing communities across Pennsylvania, a recent Manhattan Institute analysis determines that “overall U.S. employment has yet to return to its pre-recession level, but the number of oil & gas jobs has grown 40 percent since then.” President Obama’s Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz recently stated that shale is creating “economic prosperity” in Pennsylvania. (Allentown Morning Call letter, 2/27/14)
- U.S. Senators Inhofe & Levin: Shale “has helped fuel a resurgence in American manufacturing”: Not long ago, Washington was debating how to secure energy from abroad to meet our economy’s demands. Today, thanks to homegrown technological innovations like hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, the U.S. is the largest natural gas producer in the world, with 65 billion cubic feet extracted daily. This abundance of domestically produced natural gas has helped fuel a resurgence in American manufacturing, boosting production and investment. (Wall Street Journal op-ed, 2/27/14)
- American natural gas “is creating hope and opportunity”: “Shale is creating hope and opportunity for communities that have long-struggled with the recent economic downturn,” said Steve Forde, vice president of communications and policy at the Marcellus Shale Coalition. “From the jobs that are being created along the supply chain and utility cost savings, to the wealth being generated for landowners and improved air quality across the region through the increased use of natural gas — the benefits are real and long-lasting.” (Beaver Co. Times, 2/27/14)
- Shale “fueling a U.S. manufacturing renaissance”: American shale gas is also changing the balance of competitiveness in the world economy. Inexpensive gas is fueling a U.S. manufacturing renaissance, as companies build new plants and expand existing facilities. European industrial leaders watch with alarm at their firms’ loss of competitiveness to U.S. factories using low-cost natural gas. (IHS’ Daniel Yergin, 2/24/14)
- “Marcellus sees growth from efficient drilling”: Recent figures showing substantial growth in Marcellus Shale production are largely a result of greater drilling efficiency. … Self-reported figures from energy companies via the Pennsylvania DEP’s website show shale gas production in the Marcellus increased to 3.1 trillion cubic feet in 2013, up from 1.6 trillion cubic feet in 2012. In 2011, the play produced 1 trillion cubic feet of shale gas. The numbers represent a 93.1 percent growth increase from 2012 to 2013 and a 190.3 percent increase from 2011 to 2013. (Pittsburgh Business Times, 2/28/14)
- “York County’s Rail Trail, Steam Into History to benefit from $100K grant”: While there is no natural gas drilling in York County, all Pennsylvania counties get a share of impact fees paid from areas where there is. Under state rules, the money must be used for environmental and outdoor recreation causes, such as preservation and open space projects. York County has received more than $700,000 from the Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund since distributions started about two years ago. (York Dispatch, 2/27/14)
- “Fracking creates jobs”: The American energy revolution is very good news for vulnerable people, many of whom are living perilously close to financial collapse. … Fracking creates jobs, decreases our energy bills, increases government tax revenue, and allows for people around the world to more consistently and affordably access power. As the United States moves toward becoming a net energy exporter, we can envision a day when we can fuel the world, providing energy more reliably and affordably than our global competitors. (Christianity Today, 2/26/14)
