Scrapbook Photo 03/25/24 - 93 New Stories - REAL Environmental & Conservation Leadership In PA: http://tinyurl.com/3729bhvv
House Republican Policy Committee Discusses Opportunities For Natural Gas

The House Republican Policy Committee held a hearing Wednesday at Bucks County Community College Upper Campus in Perkasie to learn about the potential benefits of using Pennsylvania’s natural gas.

“Job growth and reduced energy costs are both terrific benefits, but let’s look to the downstream economic effect of natural gas industry in the longer term,” said Rep. Kathy Watson (R-Bucks). “We must also be mindful of the delicate balance of the environment, protecting our citizens and the economic benefits. This has been a great windfall for Pennsylvania, and I look forward to learning new ideas on how natural gas applications can provide even more growth.”

“Most of the natural gas discussion has focused on regulatory and taxation issues, but we want to look at the other side of the industry,” said Rep. Dave Reed (R-Indiana), chairman of the House Majority Policy Committee. “It is important for us to learn about how natural gas benefits our economy and the consumer, and that was our goal today.”

The most obvious use for natural gas is to ship it to other areas of the country, but that is actually the least desirable. Energy experts want to use the current opportunity to develop new ways to use the natural gas to re-energize Pennsylvania’s economy.

In addition to helping to keep other energy costs low, experts in transportation, innovation and the economy believe that keeping the energy source here can lead to further positive development, such as in compressed natural gas and various chemical applications for new products or processes.

That can include keeping and attracting a number of industries that consume large amounts of energy, such as food processors and glass manufacturers, which can help make consumer product pricing more competitive, maintain existing jobs and create new ones.

In addition, natural gas vehicles emit fewer harmful emissions, have lower maintenance costs and are quieter to operate – all positive for consumers and residents. Other applications can involve agriculture production, advances in medical technology and various types of processed gases such as hydrogen.

Infrastructure for compressed natural gas was also discussed, with many citing a growing need for compressed and liquefied fueling stations and a way for other industries to access the resource. Some companies are investing in virtual pipelines to keep the gas on site.

Those offering insight about natural gas impact included Phillip R. Hopkins, director of Consulting, Economics and Country Risk for IHS Global Insight; Bill Hall, director, Shale Gas Innovation and Commercialization Center, Ben Franklin Technology Partners; Joe McGinn, senior manager for Public Affairs, Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P; Dave Taylor, executive director, PA Manufacturers’ Association; Robert Episcopo, manager, Government Relations, Air Products; Jim Solomon, director, LNG, Air Products; Bill Brady, executive director, TMA Bucks; and Vince Volpe, executive director, Bucks County Transport.

NewsClips:

Governor’s Race: Face Off Over Taxing Marcellus Shale

Corbett Says Drilling Impact Fee Still Best Deal For Pennsylvanians

Wolf Talks Extraction Tax, Protecting The Environment

Wolf Vague On How Much Of Extraction Tax Would Stay Local

Sunoco, EQT Challenge DEP’s Method To Calculate Fines

EQT Drilling Challenges DEP Method To Calculate Fines

EQT Boosts Profits Despite Lower Natural Gas Prices

Butler County Township Moves To Block Drilling In Residential Areas

Shale Site Air Emissions Studies Incomplete, Court Documents

PennEast Pipeline Is Not A Done Deal

Water Pipelines Mostly A Pipe Dream In Drilling

PUC OKs Columbia Gas Pipeline Extensions For Homeowners

Corbett Signs Bills Addressing Gas Production Transparency

Final Bills Address Marcellus Lease Issues

Bill OK’d Requiring More Frequent Gas Production Reports


10/27/2014

Go To Preceding Article     Go To Next Article

Return to This PA Environment Digest's Main Page