Engagement 101

American shale gas development has improved the lives of all Americans. Join us in advocating for the movement that has transformed our economy, our environment and our future.

Write a Letter to the Editor or submit a Guest Opinion Column

Especially when an issue is being debated and discussed in the public square, lending your voice to let your neighbors and public officials know where you stand is an impactful advocacy tool.

  • Make it newsworthy: Newspapers are more inclined to publish submissions that are already receiving news coverage.
  • Provide proof: Use concise and compelling language that includes facts and personal stories, as applicable.
  • Pass it on: Send your letter to your state senator, representative and other local officials to ensure your message is being heard.
  • Tips for success: Keep letters to under 200 words, opinion columns to under 600 words, and always provide your name, address and telephone number for verification purposes.

Participate in Public Hearings & Town Hall Meetings

Public officials at all levels of government hold hearings and town hall meetings on a variety of proposals that impact Pennsylvania’s energy economy. From local zoning to permits to proposed regulations, the response of the public is a critical element to government decision making.

  • Do your homework: Take time to understand the composition of the governing entity before whom you plan to speak, the issue or proposal at hand and the general arguments for and against it.
  • Identify yourself: Be prepared to identify yourself and possibly provide your address.
  • Deliver your remarks: Maintain a calm, respectful and confident demeanor; being combative or emotional can alienate the audience and most importantly, decisionmakers. State your support or opposition to the measure, and deliver a concise argument for why you’re taking that position. Provide a combination of facts and personal perspective/anecdotes, and at the conclusion, thank the governing body for their consideration.
  • Tips for success: Plan to arrive early, especially if there is no advance public comment registration; especially on controversial topics, rooms and public participation slots fill up quickly. Keep your remarks to the time allotted. When not making remarks, plan to sit quietly and respectfully.

Meet with your government officials  

Most public officials only hear from their constituents when they need or are angry about something. Establishing a relationship pre-ask breeds trust and goodwill that will best enable you to work positively and collaboratively with policymakers whose decisions impact Pennsylvania’s energy economy.

  • Know your audience: Do research in advance about the official with whom you plan to meet, identify commonalities and be cognizant of areas of potential disagreement.
  • Request a meeting: Reach out via official phone number listed on the appropriate government website. For Pennsylvania state legislators, you can find your lawmaker here. Call the office closest to your residence; identify yourself and where you live for confirmation as a constituent; request a meeting and be flexible with scheduling. Thank the individual assisting you.
  • Put your best foot forward: Express gratitude for the meeting, and let the official know a little bit about yourself and why you are there (e.g. you work in/around the natural gas industry, own a business benefiting from low energy costs, etc.). Volunteer to be a resource going forward. Listen carefully to understand the official’s views and respond respectfully and with fact-based information and well as personal impact.
  • Follow up: Send a hand-written note thanking the official for the meeting and reiterating your desire to provide your perspective on issues in the future. When an issue arises, reach out again for a meeting and relay factual information and personal impact. Be respectful but specific about the action you wish your public official to take.
  • Tips for success: Arrive 5 minutes early and be patient as you wait for your meeting to begin. Remain calm, respectful and confident; no one disagreement should overshadow opportunity for a long-term relationship and conversations about future issues.