Pennsylvania’s economy moves on natural gas and lawmakers must consider the fundamental role of this home-grown energy resource in policies going forward. The Marcellus Shale Coalition (MSC) has been on the road this quarter – driving conversations and strengthening ties with leaders and organizations across the Commonwealth.
So, where in PA is MSC president, Jim Welty? He’s been gassing up the industry, drilling into the facts, and piping up about the future. From industry roundtables to media interviews and organizational conferences, the MSC has been lighting the way – with Welty sharing insights and reminding Pennsylvanians our future is bright thanks to natural gas.
Here’s what he has shared:
A Catalyst for Economic Growth
Over the past decade, the natural gas industry has been a transformative force in Pennsylvania. With access to one of the largest natural gas reserves in the world, the region has seen hundreds of thousands of family-sustaining jobs created across sectors – not only in drilling and pipeline operations, but also in manufacturing, construction, engineering, and local service industries. The ripple effects extend to small businesses and community programs, many of which are supported through direct industry investment or increased local spending.
“We are situated atop one of the top gas deposits in the world,” Welty said in an interview with the Washington Observer-Reporter. “We’ve been saying for a very long time that opportunities for natural gas extend far beyond production. Significant benefits are also tied to the use of gas locally.”
Some of these local benefits include the billions paid in royalties to landowners and government entities across Pennsylvania. During the 12th annual Pennsylvania Oil and Gas Landowner Alliance (POGLA) conference at State College, Welty emphasized the more than $6 billion in natural gas royalties paid in 2022 alone. That’s a significant source of income for families, farmers and local governments, helping to support household budgets, reinvestment in agricultural operations and funding for public services and infrastructure projects.
The scale of these royalty payments underscores the broad economic impact of natural gas development throughout the Commonwealth, particularly in rural communities where energy development is a major driver of local prosperity.
Equally as impactful for local communities are revenues from the Impact Fee, Pennsylvania’s tax on natural gas production. As heavily discussed during the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors’ (PSATS) 2025 Annual Educational Conference, the Impact Fee is a sound policy framework that actually works for local governments.
The program has provided $2.7 billion to local governments and statewide economic development and environmental programs, empowering county and municipal leaders to invest in projects that make sense for their community. It’s a model that ensures natural gas development contributes to both local and statewide quality of life – even in the places where little to no activity occurs.
Fueling Manufacturing and Energy Security
Natural gas isn’t just a resource – it’s a driver of growth in manufacturing and a key pillar of American energy independence. From powering steel mills and chemical plants to enabling the development of advanced materials and clean hydrogen, natural gas is helping to attract new industrial investment to the region.
“This is an economic revival opportunity… having the natural gas under our feet that can help drive the rebirth of manufacturing in PA is a once in a generation opportunity,” Welty shared on air with KDKA Radio’s Marty Griffin.
These comments echoed those at the MSC’s Shale 2.0 training in Southpointe, where experts provided an in-depth look at the various aspects of the natural gas sector and the coordinated processes that move energy from the wellhead to the burner tip. Participants heard from Western Pennsylvania business and economic development leaders who highlighted how local communities and consumers are capitalizing on the Commonwealth’s natural gas abundance to support long-term growth and opportunity.
Advocacy and Policy: Ensuring a Stable Future
The need for clear, consistent and forward-looking public policy is essential to maintain current momentum we’re seeing at a national level. Uncertainty or overregulation will drive future investment opportunities elsewhere and threaten the economic gains Pennsylvania has worked hard to achieve.
“We need predictability and certainty from a policy perspective. We need those that are willing to show that there’s a path forward to make sure that happens here,” said Welty on WPXI’s Our Region’s Business.
These engagement efforts are just one part of MSC’s broader mission: to educate the public, encourage lawmakers and ensure all stakeholders understand the clear and long-term benefits Pennsylvania natural gas brings to the table.
Read and watch the interviews here:
WPXI’s Our Region’s Business – Marcellus Shale Coalition
Observer-Reporter – Shale Coalition leader knows the drill, advocates for it
On Air with KDKA Radio’s Marty Griffin – “Utilize The Energy Under Our Feet”
