This document provides an overview and update on the North American Development Bank (NADB) and Border Environment Cooperation Commission (BECC). It discusses NADB's mandate, ownership structure, eligible sectors, geographic jurisdiction, operating environment, project activities in 2013, cumulative financing results, outcomes of completed projects, an international crossing study, and options for a general capital increase. Key points include NADB providing $359.7 million in new financing for 19 new projects in 2013, $2.22 billion contracted to support 192 projects, 140 projects fully implemented, and a capital increase seen as critical to maintain credit ratings and lending capacity.
The Pennsylvania Marcellus Natural Gas Industry: Status, Economic Impact, and...Marcellus Drilling News
Third annual report issued by Penn State University researchers looking at the economic impact of Marcellus Shale drilling in PA. Study was funded by the Marcellus Shale Coalition, and industry group.
An update to a study originally published in 2008. This new study (2012), titled "Selected Economic & Demographic Indicators in Particular Counties in the Barnett, Fayetteville and Marcellus Shale Play" is published by a consortia of colleges in northeastern Pennsylvania called the Institute for Public Policy and Economic Development. The data show the dramatic impact shale gas drilling has had in NE PA on employment and median income. It also shows counties where drilling does not happen have far less of an impact (no surprise there).
Originally Aired: July 19 - The Economics of Fracking
The second webinar will discuss the economic realities of fracking including economic costs, long term implications of resource extraction, and a summary of interviews covering economic impacts in the gaslands of Ohio (Carroll County).
Presenters:
Melanie Houston of the Ohio Environmental Council
Amanda Weinstein of the Ohio State University
Amanda Woodrum of Policy Matters Ohio
Fracking Fairness and the Future -Full Reportpeyton23
Ohio has significant oil and gas resources trapped in shale rock formations that can now be extracted using hydraulic fracturing. This shale boom is expected to have major impacts on local communities through an influx of workers, increased traffic that damages roads, and higher demands on housing, social services, and infrastructure. While the boom may create thousands of jobs and benefit local businesses, the impacts need to be managed carefully and local governments require support to address the challenges without compromising other services. Further research is also needed to fully understand potential public health and environmental effects.
A report by Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future criticizing PA Senate Bill 1100 and PA House Bill 1950 which are comprehensive bills adding new rules and regulations for drilling in the Marcellus Shale. PennFuture says the legislation in the bills should be "unbundled" and considered separately.
This is a special edition newsletter for the Recovery Act at SRS. It represents a team effort between the client; Creative Energy, Inc., which designed and executed the layout; and my planning, writing, and photo assignments.
This document provides an overview and update on the North American Development Bank (NADB) and Border Environment Cooperation Commission (BECC). It discusses NADB's mandate, ownership structure, eligible sectors, geographic jurisdiction, operating environment, project activities in 2013, cumulative financing results, outcomes of completed projects, an international crossing study, and options for a general capital increase. Key points include NADB providing $359.7 million in new financing for 19 new projects in 2013, $2.22 billion contracted to support 192 projects, 140 projects fully implemented, and a capital increase seen as critical to maintain credit ratings and lending capacity.
The Pennsylvania Marcellus Natural Gas Industry: Status, Economic Impact, and...Marcellus Drilling News
Third annual report issued by Penn State University researchers looking at the economic impact of Marcellus Shale drilling in PA. Study was funded by the Marcellus Shale Coalition, and industry group.
An update to a study originally published in 2008. This new study (2012), titled "Selected Economic & Demographic Indicators in Particular Counties in the Barnett, Fayetteville and Marcellus Shale Play" is published by a consortia of colleges in northeastern Pennsylvania called the Institute for Public Policy and Economic Development. The data show the dramatic impact shale gas drilling has had in NE PA on employment and median income. It also shows counties where drilling does not happen have far less of an impact (no surprise there).
Originally Aired: July 19 - The Economics of Fracking
The second webinar will discuss the economic realities of fracking including economic costs, long term implications of resource extraction, and a summary of interviews covering economic impacts in the gaslands of Ohio (Carroll County).
Presenters:
Melanie Houston of the Ohio Environmental Council
Amanda Weinstein of the Ohio State University
Amanda Woodrum of Policy Matters Ohio
Fracking Fairness and the Future -Full Reportpeyton23
Ohio has significant oil and gas resources trapped in shale rock formations that can now be extracted using hydraulic fracturing. This shale boom is expected to have major impacts on local communities through an influx of workers, increased traffic that damages roads, and higher demands on housing, social services, and infrastructure. While the boom may create thousands of jobs and benefit local businesses, the impacts need to be managed carefully and local governments require support to address the challenges without compromising other services. Further research is also needed to fully understand potential public health and environmental effects.
A report by Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future criticizing PA Senate Bill 1100 and PA House Bill 1950 which are comprehensive bills adding new rules and regulations for drilling in the Marcellus Shale. PennFuture says the legislation in the bills should be "unbundled" and considered separately.
This is a special edition newsletter for the Recovery Act at SRS. It represents a team effort between the client; Creative Energy, Inc., which designed and executed the layout; and my planning, writing, and photo assignments.
A biased "report" issued from a group of anti-drillers flying under the banner of the Multi-State Shale Research Collaboration. The report supposedly proves the Marcellus and Utica Shale haven't created all that many jobs after all. In other words, this is a big, bold lie to try to convince people the enormous benefits from shale drilling in the northeast--which has single-handedly saved the northeast from the worst of the Obama depression--didn't really happen! Pay no attention to all those new jobs--shale didn't really create them! Right.
S&P: How The Marcellus Shale Is Changing The Dynamics Of The U.S. Energy Indu...Marcellus Drilling News
A new report by Standard & Poor's which looks at the Marcellus Shale and the key role it's playing in the U.S. natural gas market, as well as America's larger energy picture. In many ways the Marcellus is the "king of the shale plays" and this report details why. Full of great information, including the Top 15 Marcellus producers, a breakdown of the rate of return producers make on the Marcellus vs. other shale plays, and more.
The document summarizes information about the Marcellus Shale, a deep sedimentary rock formation located underground from Ohio and West Virginia northeast into Pennsylvania and southern New York. It discusses how natural gas is extracted from the shale through drilling and hydraulic fracturing, and analyzes the environmental and economic impacts of extracting natural gas from the Marcellus Shale. Both positive impacts like economic growth and negative impacts like potential water contamination are discussed. Residents have expressed concerns through protests about the environmental effects of shale gas extraction.
Getting the Boom Without the Bust: Guiding Southwestern Pennsylvania Through ...Marcellus Drilling News
A research report published jointly by Washington & Jefferson College (of Washington, PA) and the Washington, DC-based Environmental Law Institute. The study supposedly analyzes and offers ways for PA communities to avoid the boom and bust cycle typically associated with resource extraction, like shale drilling. With "helpful" suggestions for local politicians with regard to the Act 13 legislation and how they can use it against shale drillers. The report was funded by the anti-drilling Heinz Endowments.
A special report published by the Public Policy Institute, Inc. (PPI), the research arm of The Business Council of New York State. Examines how many jobs and how much new tax revenue is likely when the drilling moratorium is lifted in New York State.
The Effects of Marcellus Shale Natural Gas Development on HuntingRoxann Steelman
This document summarizes a thesis that examines the effects of Marcellus Shale natural gas development on hunting, fishing, and other recreational activities throughout Pennsylvania. The thesis discusses biological, recreational, and economic issues associated with natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale formation. It also reviews Pennsylvania's existing regulations for oil and gas activity on state forest lands. The thesis argues that a new environmental policy paradigm is needed that recognizes the environment as an ecosystem with intrinsic value essential to human well-being, rather than the current market paradigm that assigns monetary values to natural resources.
The document summarizes various costs associated with hydraulic fracturing or "fracking" for oil and gas extraction. These costs include cleanup of contaminated drinking water supplies, which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars; impacts to public health like respiratory illness that impose health care costs; damage to natural areas and habitat that harm wildlife and industries like hunting; infrastructure damage to roads that requires millions in repairs; and costs of water infrastructure to support fracking operations. Taxpayers may also face costs of orphaned wells if companies abandon fracking sites. The true costs of fracking to society are likely much higher than acknowledged by the oil and gas industry.
A fact sheet of quotes from scientific studies, organizations and prominent indidviduals about the safety and benefits of Marcellus Shale gas drilling. Published by the Independent Oil & Gas Association of New York.
Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland Paper on Community Planning for Shale DrillingMarcellus Drilling News
A paper authored by an analyst with the Fed Bank of Cleveland titled, "Deep Wells, Deep Pockets, and Deep Impact". The paper supposedly looks at how communities can and should plan for the inevitable boom and bust cycle that comes with oil and gas drilling. While it identifies a number of potential problems, the proffered solutions are a little light on specifics.
Report: The Economic Impact of Sunoco Logistics' Mariner East Projects in Pen...Marcellus Drilling News
A study published by research firm Econsult Solutions, Inc., commissioned by Sunoco Logistics. The study finds the Sunoco Mariner East 1 & 2 pipeline projects together in Pennsylvania--designed to flow ethane, propane and natural gas liquids from western PA and eastern OH to a refinery in the Philadelphia area, will add around $4.2 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy, support more than 30,000 jobs during the construction period, and create 300-400 permanent jobs. Good news for PA!
This document discusses hydraulic fracturing and proposes potential economic solutions to address its environmental and social costs. It summarizes that while hydraulic fracturing is touted as an economic necessity, it poses risks to groundwater and emissions. It lacks oversight and does not account for all costs. The document proposes repealing the 2005 law exempting fracking from Clean Water Act oversight, implementing performance standards to limit water impacts, and requiring performance bonds to cover cleanup costs from spills. Passing the proposed 2012 FRAC Act could bring fracking under a single federal authority to oversee risks.
White Paper: Shell Petrochemical Complex (“Cracker”) Project OverviewMarcellus Drilling News
A white paper issue by the Ben Franklin Shale Gas Innovation and Commercialization Center. Provides an excellent overview of the coming ethane cracker in Beaver County, PA--with details for how and who can benefit from it.
The Economic Effects of Hydrofracturing on Local Economies: A Comparison of N...Marcellus Drilling News
A new report issued by the Manhattan Institute showing the dramatic economic impact that would be created if fracking were allowed in New York State. The study also compares counties within PA and shows that counties with drilling do better economically than those without--although this tide does raise all boats (all counties, even those without drilling benefit economically).
The U.S. natural gas industry is undergoing radical changes due to increased shale gas production from several regions. A report from Bentek Energy found that gas production from the Northeast has increased over 500% since 2005 largely from the Marcellus Shale and Utica Shale. Major shale gas formations driving this change include the Marcellus Shale, Utica Shale, Barnett Shale, Eagle Ford Shale, and Bakken Shale, which are producing large amounts of natural gas and oil across different regions of the United States.
Natural gas employment presentation finalJeffSchrade
Natural gas development has the potential to create millions of new American jobs according to studies and reports summarized in this document. Over 1 million new jobs nationwide could be created by 2018 just from increased oil and natural gas development. Specific regions could see hundreds of thousands of new jobs, such as 400,000 new jobs nationwide from increased shale gas development. Increased natural gas production and infrastructure such as pipelines would help generate over 200,000 jobs in Ohio and Michigan alone. Overall, widespread development of America's natural gas resources has the potential to create millions of new jobs and economic opportunity across the country according to the analyses presented.
Penn State Report: The Impact of Marcellus Shale Development on Hotel Revenue...Marcellus Drilling News
A new report from researchers at Penn State looking at the impact of Marcellus Shale drilling on the availability of hotel rooms and drilling's economic impact on the hotel industry in Pennsylvania. The researchers have found Marcellus drilling has led, so far, to $685 million in new revenue for the hotel industry in the state--along with 1,600 newly created jobs. However, occupancy rates have now leveled off and may be slightly decreasing, indicating the industry may have overbuilt hotels.
This document summarizes a presentation on the competing issues of energy security and water security as they relate to coal seam gas and shale gas extraction through hydraulic fracturing in Australia. It discusses the risks fracking poses to reducing groundwater supply and quality. While fracking has economic benefits, there are also concerns about potential contamination of groundwater from chemicals and methane, as well as depletion of water resources. The likelihood of large-scale coal seam gas extraction in Queensland is high given planned liquefied natural gas projects and investments from major energy companies in shale gas prospects in the Cooper Basin. However, the potential environmental impacts on water remain contested and could be exacerbated by economic pressures on state governments.
This 3-page document discusses the potential environmental and health impacts of hydraulic fracturing for shale gas extraction in British Columbia. It outlines 3 options for managing BC's shale gas reserves: 1) rapid expansion, 2) maintaining current extraction rates, or 3) a temporary moratorium. The authors recommend option 2, allowing extraction to continue at current rates in less ecologically sensitive areas, while further monitoring and studying impacts. This balances economic benefits with environmental and health risks given current uncertainties.
Introduction climate is rapidly Work on climate.pdfbkbk37
Canada's climate is changing rapidly and local governments play a key role in climate change adaptation. Municipalities can implement adaptation strategies through land use planning tools like zoning rules and permits. One effective method is for municipalities to include climate change adaptation directly into official plans, which are long-term vision documents that guide local policies, initiatives, and regulations. Official plans can include climate risk assessments, adaptation strategies and prioritized actions. While approaches vary by province, public consultation and approval are typically required when developing or updating official plans.
This document summarizes a study on the socioeconomic impact of the coal industry in the Appalachian region of Kentucky. It finds that as coal mining employment increases in a county, median household income decreases, poverty rates increase, and age-adjusted mortality rates increase. The study examines variables like income, poverty, employment, health, and education outcomes in coal mining counties compared to non-mining counties. It reviews previous literature finding higher mortality, birth defects, and poorer health and education indicators in coal mining areas. The paper aims to provide policymakers additional information on the direct impacts of coal on local communities to inform discussions around economic transition as coal declines in the region.
A biased "report" issued from a group of anti-drillers flying under the banner of the Multi-State Shale Research Collaboration. The report supposedly proves the Marcellus and Utica Shale haven't created all that many jobs after all. In other words, this is a big, bold lie to try to convince people the enormous benefits from shale drilling in the northeast--which has single-handedly saved the northeast from the worst of the Obama depression--didn't really happen! Pay no attention to all those new jobs--shale didn't really create them! Right.
S&P: How The Marcellus Shale Is Changing The Dynamics Of The U.S. Energy Indu...Marcellus Drilling News
A new report by Standard & Poor's which looks at the Marcellus Shale and the key role it's playing in the U.S. natural gas market, as well as America's larger energy picture. In many ways the Marcellus is the "king of the shale plays" and this report details why. Full of great information, including the Top 15 Marcellus producers, a breakdown of the rate of return producers make on the Marcellus vs. other shale plays, and more.
The document summarizes information about the Marcellus Shale, a deep sedimentary rock formation located underground from Ohio and West Virginia northeast into Pennsylvania and southern New York. It discusses how natural gas is extracted from the shale through drilling and hydraulic fracturing, and analyzes the environmental and economic impacts of extracting natural gas from the Marcellus Shale. Both positive impacts like economic growth and negative impacts like potential water contamination are discussed. Residents have expressed concerns through protests about the environmental effects of shale gas extraction.
Getting the Boom Without the Bust: Guiding Southwestern Pennsylvania Through ...Marcellus Drilling News
A research report published jointly by Washington & Jefferson College (of Washington, PA) and the Washington, DC-based Environmental Law Institute. The study supposedly analyzes and offers ways for PA communities to avoid the boom and bust cycle typically associated with resource extraction, like shale drilling. With "helpful" suggestions for local politicians with regard to the Act 13 legislation and how they can use it against shale drillers. The report was funded by the anti-drilling Heinz Endowments.
A special report published by the Public Policy Institute, Inc. (PPI), the research arm of The Business Council of New York State. Examines how many jobs and how much new tax revenue is likely when the drilling moratorium is lifted in New York State.
The Effects of Marcellus Shale Natural Gas Development on HuntingRoxann Steelman
This document summarizes a thesis that examines the effects of Marcellus Shale natural gas development on hunting, fishing, and other recreational activities throughout Pennsylvania. The thesis discusses biological, recreational, and economic issues associated with natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale formation. It also reviews Pennsylvania's existing regulations for oil and gas activity on state forest lands. The thesis argues that a new environmental policy paradigm is needed that recognizes the environment as an ecosystem with intrinsic value essential to human well-being, rather than the current market paradigm that assigns monetary values to natural resources.
The document summarizes various costs associated with hydraulic fracturing or "fracking" for oil and gas extraction. These costs include cleanup of contaminated drinking water supplies, which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars; impacts to public health like respiratory illness that impose health care costs; damage to natural areas and habitat that harm wildlife and industries like hunting; infrastructure damage to roads that requires millions in repairs; and costs of water infrastructure to support fracking operations. Taxpayers may also face costs of orphaned wells if companies abandon fracking sites. The true costs of fracking to society are likely much higher than acknowledged by the oil and gas industry.
A fact sheet of quotes from scientific studies, organizations and prominent indidviduals about the safety and benefits of Marcellus Shale gas drilling. Published by the Independent Oil & Gas Association of New York.
Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland Paper on Community Planning for Shale DrillingMarcellus Drilling News
A paper authored by an analyst with the Fed Bank of Cleveland titled, "Deep Wells, Deep Pockets, and Deep Impact". The paper supposedly looks at how communities can and should plan for the inevitable boom and bust cycle that comes with oil and gas drilling. While it identifies a number of potential problems, the proffered solutions are a little light on specifics.
Report: The Economic Impact of Sunoco Logistics' Mariner East Projects in Pen...Marcellus Drilling News
A study published by research firm Econsult Solutions, Inc., commissioned by Sunoco Logistics. The study finds the Sunoco Mariner East 1 & 2 pipeline projects together in Pennsylvania--designed to flow ethane, propane and natural gas liquids from western PA and eastern OH to a refinery in the Philadelphia area, will add around $4.2 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy, support more than 30,000 jobs during the construction period, and create 300-400 permanent jobs. Good news for PA!
This document discusses hydraulic fracturing and proposes potential economic solutions to address its environmental and social costs. It summarizes that while hydraulic fracturing is touted as an economic necessity, it poses risks to groundwater and emissions. It lacks oversight and does not account for all costs. The document proposes repealing the 2005 law exempting fracking from Clean Water Act oversight, implementing performance standards to limit water impacts, and requiring performance bonds to cover cleanup costs from spills. Passing the proposed 2012 FRAC Act could bring fracking under a single federal authority to oversee risks.
White Paper: Shell Petrochemical Complex (“Cracker”) Project OverviewMarcellus Drilling News
A white paper issue by the Ben Franklin Shale Gas Innovation and Commercialization Center. Provides an excellent overview of the coming ethane cracker in Beaver County, PA--with details for how and who can benefit from it.
The Economic Effects of Hydrofracturing on Local Economies: A Comparison of N...Marcellus Drilling News
A new report issued by the Manhattan Institute showing the dramatic economic impact that would be created if fracking were allowed in New York State. The study also compares counties within PA and shows that counties with drilling do better economically than those without--although this tide does raise all boats (all counties, even those without drilling benefit economically).
The U.S. natural gas industry is undergoing radical changes due to increased shale gas production from several regions. A report from Bentek Energy found that gas production from the Northeast has increased over 500% since 2005 largely from the Marcellus Shale and Utica Shale. Major shale gas formations driving this change include the Marcellus Shale, Utica Shale, Barnett Shale, Eagle Ford Shale, and Bakken Shale, which are producing large amounts of natural gas and oil across different regions of the United States.
Natural gas employment presentation finalJeffSchrade
Natural gas development has the potential to create millions of new American jobs according to studies and reports summarized in this document. Over 1 million new jobs nationwide could be created by 2018 just from increased oil and natural gas development. Specific regions could see hundreds of thousands of new jobs, such as 400,000 new jobs nationwide from increased shale gas development. Increased natural gas production and infrastructure such as pipelines would help generate over 200,000 jobs in Ohio and Michigan alone. Overall, widespread development of America's natural gas resources has the potential to create millions of new jobs and economic opportunity across the country according to the analyses presented.
Penn State Report: The Impact of Marcellus Shale Development on Hotel Revenue...Marcellus Drilling News
A new report from researchers at Penn State looking at the impact of Marcellus Shale drilling on the availability of hotel rooms and drilling's economic impact on the hotel industry in Pennsylvania. The researchers have found Marcellus drilling has led, so far, to $685 million in new revenue for the hotel industry in the state--along with 1,600 newly created jobs. However, occupancy rates have now leveled off and may be slightly decreasing, indicating the industry may have overbuilt hotels.
This document summarizes a presentation on the competing issues of energy security and water security as they relate to coal seam gas and shale gas extraction through hydraulic fracturing in Australia. It discusses the risks fracking poses to reducing groundwater supply and quality. While fracking has economic benefits, there are also concerns about potential contamination of groundwater from chemicals and methane, as well as depletion of water resources. The likelihood of large-scale coal seam gas extraction in Queensland is high given planned liquefied natural gas projects and investments from major energy companies in shale gas prospects in the Cooper Basin. However, the potential environmental impacts on water remain contested and could be exacerbated by economic pressures on state governments.
This 3-page document discusses the potential environmental and health impacts of hydraulic fracturing for shale gas extraction in British Columbia. It outlines 3 options for managing BC's shale gas reserves: 1) rapid expansion, 2) maintaining current extraction rates, or 3) a temporary moratorium. The authors recommend option 2, allowing extraction to continue at current rates in less ecologically sensitive areas, while further monitoring and studying impacts. This balances economic benefits with environmental and health risks given current uncertainties.
Introduction climate is rapidly Work on climate.pdfbkbk37
Canada's climate is changing rapidly and local governments play a key role in climate change adaptation. Municipalities can implement adaptation strategies through land use planning tools like zoning rules and permits. One effective method is for municipalities to include climate change adaptation directly into official plans, which are long-term vision documents that guide local policies, initiatives, and regulations. Official plans can include climate risk assessments, adaptation strategies and prioritized actions. While approaches vary by province, public consultation and approval are typically required when developing or updating official plans.
This document summarizes a study on the socioeconomic impact of the coal industry in the Appalachian region of Kentucky. It finds that as coal mining employment increases in a county, median household income decreases, poverty rates increase, and age-adjusted mortality rates increase. The study examines variables like income, poverty, employment, health, and education outcomes in coal mining counties compared to non-mining counties. It reviews previous literature finding higher mortality, birth defects, and poorer health and education indicators in coal mining areas. The paper aims to provide policymakers additional information on the direct impacts of coal on local communities to inform discussions around economic transition as coal declines in the region.
2. Introduction:
About the Marcellus Shale Region
The Marcellus Shale region is the largest natural gas play in the United States,
and the second-largest in the world. It spans 95,000 square miles in Pennsylvania, New
York and West Virginia, along with parts of Maryland, Ohio and Virginia (Considine
2010). Conversely, the Barnett natural gas field in Texas spans 5,000 square miles.
Currently, the Barnett field is the most productive natural gas region in the United States
(Considine 2010).
It is estimated that the Marcellus Shale region has 489 trillion cubic feet of
recoverable natural gas, and only a fraction of that, or 14 trillion cubic feet, will be
recovered by 2015. By 2020, it is estimated that about 28 trillion cubic feet of natural gas
will be recovered from the Marcellus Shale region, making it a viable resource for
generations to come (Considine 2010).
Natural gas development has exploded in recent years, most notably in West
Virginia and Pennsylvania. Production in Pennsylvania increased dramatically since
2007, while production in West Virginia has begun to slow.
West Virginia lawmakers have imposed a severance tax on natural gas
production, but no such taxes are currently in place in Pennsylvania. The state legislature
has been debating that issue for quite some time, but newly elected governor Tom
Corbett (R) remains adamantly opposed to a severance tax. The governor’s proposed
2011-12 budget calls for massive cuts in education funding, while levying no new taxes
on natural gas production. Corbett contends the natural gas industry will generate enough
revenue through other sources, such as earned income and mercantile taxes, so there is no
2|Ruckno
3. need to tax it further (Burke 2011). His goal is to turn Pennsylvania into the “Texas” of
natural gas production.
Bradford County in the Northern Tier of Pennsylvania is in the heart of the
Marcellus Shale boom, along with the other Northern Tier counties of Susquehanna,
Tioga, Sullivan and Wyoming (Mullin & Lonergan Associates 2010). If developed fully,
that area has the potential to be the second-largest natural gas field in the world (Mullin
& Lonergan Associates 2010). In 2009, 113 natural gas wells were drilled in Bradford
County, with 242 more drilled in 2010, according to the Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection (Mocarsky 2010). The map below provides a detailed look at
active and permitted natural gas wells within that county.
Source: Northeast Driller
3|Ruckno
4. Bradford, Tioga and Susquehanna counties produced more than a third of
Marcellus Shale gas in the state during the second half of 2010 (New data shows
Marcellus Shale’s promise, growth 2011). All three of those counties are the border of
Pennsylvania and New York, where a moratorium on drilling in that state’s Marcellus
Shale region has halted production. Economists estimate the legislative decision will cost
that New York $11 billion in lost revenue between now and 2020 (Considine 2010).
Types of Jobs Required
The extraction of natural gas from underneath the Marcellus Shale involves a
process called hydraulic fracturing, more commonly known as “fracking.” During
fracking, millions of gallons of chemically treated water are blasted thousands of feet
underground. The pressure cracks the shale, releasing the natural gas (Wastewater facility
not welcomed in neighborhood 2011).
Gas industry experts have known for years that the Marcellus Shale deposits in
Northern Pennsylvania contained natural gas, but energy companies felt it was too
expensive to extract it from the ground (Considine 2010). Fracking has made the process
much more cost effective.
The Marcellus Shale Education & Training Center, a joint venture between Penn
College of Technology in Williamsport and the Penn State Cooperative Extension,
recently conducted a needs assessment study to determine the types of jobs required to
extract natural gas. The findings indicated that 47% of the jobs created would be blue
collar jobs. An additional 20% would be general office jobs, and 33% of Marcellus
Shale-related jobs would require a specific skill set (Marcellus Shale Education &
4|Ruckno
5. Training Center 2009). The graphic below illustrates the breakdown of the necessary
occupations.
Source: Marcellus Shale Education and Training Center
The MSETC study also determined that many educational institutions in the
Marcellus Shale region already offer programs that closely match specific gas-related
occupations, but few are currently offering courses directly related to the natural gas
industry. Penn College of Technology offers some courses directly related to drilling, as
does Lackawanna College. The study also determined that many schools in the Central
Pennsylvania and Northern Tier Workforce Development regions do offer programs that
5|Ruckno
6. directly match the skilled occupations that the natural gas industry needs (Marcellus
Shale Education & Training Center 2009).
Direct Economic Impacts
The MSETC needs assessment study determined that natural gas drilling industry
will directly create 8,000 jobs in the next five years – in Central Pennsylvania and the
Northern Tier alone. It takes about 410 individuals, working at 150 different occupations
in order to drill one well, and an average of 20 to 30 contract companies will be utilized
in the process (Marcellus Shale Education & Training Center 2009).
However, there is a fine line between productive and unproductive wells in
Northern Pennsylvania’s Marcellus Shale region. Geologists are still working to
determine where that line is, and that is why so many gas companies have spent billions
to enter into leases with landowners to drill exploratory wells (Disappointing Marcellus
wells help define the play’s promise 2011). Market prices can range from hundreds of
dollars per acre to thousands of dollars per acre, and state law mandates that landowners
must be paid a minimum royalty of 12.5% in the event gas is found (TalismanUSA.com
2011). Some of these royalties have resulted significant income for many Northern
Pennsylvania property owners (Considine 2010).
Executives at the P & G Mehoopany Federal Credit Union, headquartered in
Tunkhannock, Wyoming County, have seen many landowners approach them about
making large deposits into their accounts (Stanziale 2011). Employees there frequently
have to explain that the financial institution can only insure assets up to $250,000.
6|Ruckno
7. Beyond that, the credit union has no means to protect their customers from potential
losses.
Preliminary drilling seems to indicate that gas wells in Luzerne, Columbia,
southern Wyoming and northern Lackawanna counties are not as productive as the gas
companies have originally hoped (Disappointing Marcellus wells help define the play’s
promise 2011), but drilling companies are still interested in exploring the region.
Williams Production Appalachia recently announced plans to drill exploratory wells at
the border of Luzerne and Columbia counties, despite the fact that Encana Energy
Corporation decided to abandon drilling operations just a few miles away (Drilling rig to
return to Columbia/Luzerne border 2011). EXCO Holding PA, a subsidiary of Texas-
based EXCO Resources, also plans to drill exploratory wells in that area (Drilling rig to
return to Columbia/Luzerne border 2011).
Gas-related construction projects are also moving forward all over the region.
There is a proposal on the table to build a compressor station in Dallas Township,
Luzerne County (Pipeline planned for familiar site 2011), and another company has
expressed interest in building a treatment center for well water at the Wyoming Valley
Sanitary Authority complex in Hanover Township, near Wilkes-Barre (Wastewater
facility not welcomed in neighborhood 2011).
In addition, many energy companies are opening corporate offices in the region.
Oklahoma-based Williams recently announced plans to open offices in Wyoming
County, near Tunkhannock. The expansion is expected to create 100 new jobs by 2013
(Gas firm plans 100 new jobs 2011). Haliburton also has a presence in Pennsylvania, and
expects to be in the state for 30 to 40 years (Mahon 2011). Haliburton employees
7|Ruckno
8. working in and around the natural gas industry receive a starting wage between $45,000
and $55,000, which is higher than the wages of most Pennsylvanians (Mahon 2011).
In a 2010 report presented to the American Petroleum Institute, author Timothy J.
Considine, Ph.D., of Natural Resources Economics Inc., said the economic benefits
would be far reaching.
“The development of the Marcellus Shale will have significant economic impacts
for the economy of the Marcellus region,” Considine wrote. “Leasing, exploring, drilling
and developing these natural gas reserves will directly generate thousands of high-paying
jobs and indirectly create many others as employment is stimulated in support industries
as workers spend these wages and households spend royalty income.”
Considine believes that natural gas drilling could substantially increase the
region’s gross domestic product, income, and ultimately tax revenue. Long-term, the
Marcellus Shale region could evolve into a major exporter of natural gas to eastern
Canada and the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States (Considine
2010).
“A larger industry in the long run will be a far greater generator of government
tax revenue than an industry stunted by high taxes and excessive regulations,” Considine
added (Considine 2010).
The region’s close proximity to the Transco pipeline, a 10,000-mile network of
gas lines constructed or the last 60 years, only makes it easier to move the gas to market.
The Transco line, which is owned by the Williams Energy Corporation, supplies gas to
major markets on the East Coast, from New York City to Atlanta (Transco update
includes increased horsepower 2011). In addition, the quality of the gas that is extracted
8|Ruckno
9. from Marcellus Shale needs very little processing before it can be sold (Transco update
includes increased horsepower 2011).
The graphic below, provided to The Citizens’ Voice by Williams Energy, depicts
the planned upgrades to the Transco pipeline in the Northern Tier. The green dotted line
depicts the area where the upgrades will be made.
A closer look at Employment Data
For statistical purposes, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry
classifies natural gas drillers as miners. The mining and logging industry saw 100 new
jobs created in December 2010 alone (Center for Workforce Information and Analysis
2011). The mining industry itself has seen an 80-percent increase in job growth since
2009, and there is more to come. Bradford County leads the state in new job openings for
miners, with 24. Lycoming County has nine openings for miners, while Tioga County has
four (Center for Workforce Information and Analysis 2011).
9|Ruckno
10. The statewide unemployment rate is at 8.5%, and is projected to fall steadily.
Many Northern Tier counties, however, already enjoy unemployment rates that are much
lower than that. Currently, the unemployment rate in Bradford County is 6.9%. Tioga
County is at 7%, while Sullivan and Wyoming Counties boast 7.5% and 7.8%
unemployment rates respectively. Meanwhile, the unemployment rates in Lycoming and
Susquehanna Counties are at 9%, slightly above the state average (Center for Workforce
Information and Analysis 2011).
Contrast that with the more urbanized areas of Lackawanna and Luzerne
Counties, where unemployment is at near record highs. Lackawanna County’s current
unemployment rate is at 9.4%, while Luzerne County’s unemployment rate is at 10.1%
(Center for Workforce Information and Analysis 2011). As of July 2010, the Wilkes-
Barre/Scranton metro area had the highest unemployment rate in the state (Lynott 2010).
Residual Economic Impacts
Other industries are also reaping the benefits of natural gas drilling. The
management industry is exploding, while manufacturing and government are seeing
modest gains (Center for Workforce Information and Analysis 2011). Since 2009,
management has seen a 30% increase in job growth. Manufacturing jobs have increased
by 8%, and government jobs have seen a 4% increase since 2009 (Center for Workforce
Information and Analysis 2011). The Pennsylvania Department of Labor also noted gains
in temporary employment, the hotel and motel industry – excluding casino hotels – and
non-residential plumbing and heating employment (Center for Workforce Information
10 | R u c k n o
11. and Analysis 2011). In addition, more corporate regional offices are also moving into the
state (Center for Workforce Information and Analysis 2011).
Pennsylvania Department of Labor statistics indicate that leisure and hospitality is
the fastest-growing industry in the state, seeing a net gain of 5,753 jobs between July and
December 2010 (Center for Workforce Information and Analysis 2011). A more long-
range view indicates that the arts, entertainment and recreation industry has gained 7,300
jobs since 2007, up 8.5%. Education, meanwhile, is up 5.79% since 2007. The industry
has seen 15,000 new jobs since that time (Center for Workforce Information and Analysis
2010).
Northern Tier chambers of commerce are singing the praises of the gas boom and
what it has done for businesses in their service areas. Maureen Dispenza, executive
director of the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce, can’t believe what has
happened in her quiet neighborhood. Small retailers are thriving in the county seat of
Tunkhannock, especially those retailers who cater to the growing natural gas industry.
Restaurants, hotels, and small business owners are all reaping the benefits, she said
(Dispenza 2011).
Bill Kelley, owner of Taylor Rental in Montrose, has seen his business explode in
the past three years. He started as a small business that rented primarily construction and
party equipment, but now he has expanded operations into Tunkhannock. The natural gas
boom has inspired him to launch a spinoff business called BX3 Oil Field Supply
(Wyoming chamber gets boost from gas companies 2011).
Right now, nearly 70% of the natural gas workforce is imported from out-of-state
(Mahon 2011), largely because local workers are not adequately trained to work at active
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12. drilling sites. Penn College of Technology in Williamsport is looking to change that, so it
opened the Marcellus Shale Workforce Resource Center in 2010. The school is in the
process of doing a study to determine how much of the Marcellus Shale workforce is
local (Mahon 2011). Meanwhile, all those out-of-town workers need places to eat, sleep,
and, ultimately, live.
Housing
The influx of workers has added to an existing shortage of accessible, modern
rental properties in the Northern Tier. Units that were once renting for $375 or $400 per
month are now renting for $800 to $1,200 per month. The region’s price floor for a two
bedroom unit has gone from $600 per month to $1,200 to $1,500 per month. Landlords
are withdrawing from the Section 8 program, and opting not to renew leases with good
tenants in order to raise their prices (Mullin & Lonergan Associates 2010).
Housing issues aside, Bradford County boasts one of the lowest unemployment
rates in the state, down to around 7% from 10.0%, and it leads Pennsylvania in new job
creation (Mullin & Lonergan Associates 2010). In addition, Bradford, Susquehanna, and
Tioga counties account for 56% of the state’s total natural gas production (Mullin &
Lonergan Associates 2010), surpassing production in the western part of the state.
Education
In October of 2010, The Times Leader reported that enrollment was on the rise in
Bradford County schools, specifically the Wyalusing Area School District. At Wyalusing
Area, the majority of those students were directly associated with the gas industry,
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13. superintendent Ray Fleming said (Mocarsky 2010). Elk Lake school district in
Susquehanna County has also seen enrollment declines slow, as has the Northern Tioga
school district in Tioga County (Mocarsky 2010).
“The student enrollments in Bradford County schools have been declining almost
across the board until last year. In the 2009-2010 school year, we received 57 new
students and the majority of those students were associated with the gas industry,” said
Fleming. “That doesn’t seem like much, but it was a major impact on our school district
because we were expecting a little further decline again. We had to hire additional
teachers and had to do a few other things to get that working (Mocarsky 2010).”
The enrollment increase at Wyalusing Area resulted in the hiring of three new
teachers, six or seven aides, and a custodian (Mocarsky 2010). Futhermore, the
employment market is booming. Fleming cannot find substitute custodians, cafeteria
workers or secretaries because they’re all working for the gas companies (Mocarsky
2010). He believes the impact would be greater, were it not for a shortage of available
housing (Mocarsky 2010).
The Dark Side
The natural gas industry has been heavily criticized by environmental advocates
who believe the fracking process contaminates the drinking water supply. In 2009, the
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection cited Cabot Oil and Gas for
violating a variety of environmental regulations, resulting in a settlement that left Cabot
on the hook for more than $120,000 in fines (Dimock Twp. Property Owners Sue Gas
Driller Cabot 2009). Fifteen residents of Dimock Township, Susquehanna County,
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14. subsequently sued Cabot in Federal court, claiming that the Houston-based driller caused
property damage, created health hazards, and manipulated them into signing unfair
contracts (Dimock Twp. Property Owners Sue Gas Driller Cabot 2009).
Many Northeastern Pennsylvania lawmakers, including State Rep. Phyllis Mundy,
D-Kingston, have publicly advocated for a moratorium on gas drilling while state
regulators scramble to catch up to the ever-increasing need for their services. The
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has continually expanded its
regulatory force over the last few years, but even the government has trouble recruiting
and retaining qualified employees. Many of them are leaving the public sector for more
lucrative opportunities with private sector energy companies (DEP losing staff to gas
drilling industry 2011).
In addition, a recent New York Times expose revealed that Pennsylvania natural
gas frack water, which is extremely salty, had high concentrations of naturally occurring
radioactive materials in it. Frack water can contain hazardous materials such as barium,
strontium, and other radioactive elements, which can ultimately reach the Earth’s surface.
Between 10 and 40 percent of the water used in fracking will resurface during the first
few weeks of gas drilling (Urbina 2011). In a subsequent article, the newspaper slammed
drillers for not recycling enough “frack” water, and further alleged that recycling it does
not eliminate all of its contaminants (Urbina 2011). The story also stated that some
drillers are selling that brine for use as a road de-icer in the winter. When the ice melts or
is washed away by rain, the runoff can end up in the water supply (Urbina 2011).
The New York Times series fueled the collective fire of the anti-drilling
contingent, and prompted U.S. Sen. Robert P. Casey Jr., D-PA, to call for increased
14 | R u c k n o
15. testing of public water supplies in the Marcellus Shale region (Casey calls for water
testing 2011). John Hanger, the former secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Protection, recently wrote on his blog that DEP “should order today all
public systems to test immediately for radioactive pollutants” (Casey calls for water
testing 2011). The issue is also haunting Hanger’s successor, Michael Krancer. The
acting director, whose confirmation is pending, was recently asked to respond to the New
York Times allegations, and he said DEP was considering increased testing (Swift 2011).
Krancer disputed several claims in the article (Swift 2011), and his predecessor,
Hanger, criticized the New York Times for not detailing the stricter regulations, increased
staff and more frequent inspections of well sites that have been adopted in the past three
years. Hanger believes one of his administration’s greatest achievements is the enhanced
enforcement of Marcellus Shale drilling regulations (Swift 2011). In a related move, the
Delaware River Basin Commission approved a 30-day extension on the public comment
period for its proposed natural gas drilling regulations (River basin commission adds 30
days to drilling comment period 2011).
Concerned citizens groups have organized anti-drilling campaigns, and people
living near proposed gas-related project sites have been increasingly vocal about their
disapproval of such projects. Amidst community outcry, Chief Energy has to scramble to
find an alternate site for a proposed natural gas compressor station near the Dallas Area
School District Campus (Chief abandons controversial site 2011), and Hanover Township
residents have protested plans to construct a wastewater treatment facility near the
Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority campus (Wastewater facility not welcomed in
neighborhood 2011). Common complaints include noise and road damage from increased
15 | R u c k n o
16. truck traffic, and concerns about safety and hazardous materials that can have an adverse
effect on one’s health.
State and industry regulators insist they are doing all they can to address those
concerns, and pro-drilling organizations like the Marcellus Shale Coalition continue to
laud the economic benefits of this industry, stating that the benefits outweigh the risks.
Conclusion
A common misconception among opponents of natural gas drilling is that the
industry only benefits a select few people in rural areas – those who have enough land to
lease. The data clearly indicates that this is not the case. Everyone benefits. The
Marcellus Shale boom is creating thousands of jobs for people who live in both rural and
urban areas, and who work in a variety of disciplines.
The Marcellus Shale coalition has repeatedly cited a Penn State University study
that indicated that as of 2010, 88,588 jobs were directly or indirectly created by natural
gas drilling. The industry also added $8.04 billion in value to the regional economy, and
generated an estimated $785 million in tax revenue. The study estimates that by 2020, the
Marcellus Shale industry will create almost 212,000 jobs and generate $18.85 billion in
value for the regional economy (Jobs, Revenue and Opportunity for the Commonwealth
2010).
“We have already in the transportation industry seen a pickup in business related
to the Marcellus Shale,” said John Vargo, executive vice president of PGT Trucking, a
company with a strong presence in the Eastern United States. “And with those
productions – 2,000-plus wells that will be new and operational each year, transportation
16 | R u c k n o
17. of the pipe, drill heads, rigging, and other equipment supplies – not just for flatbed
trucking, but for all phases of the trucking industry, is going to be a phenomenal thing
(Jobs, Revenue and Opportunity for the Commonwealth 2010).”
While the exact economic impact is hard to quantify, it is clear that energy
companies are continuing to make significant investments in the Marcellus Shale region.
Regional chambers of commerce have seen first-hand what it the natural gas industry has
done, and housing prices in the Northern Tier have soared.
Anecdotal evidence of growth can easily be seen on a road trip through the
Northern Tier. Equipment dealers are selling tanker trucks for both freshwater and brine
water, and once-deserted rural motels have full parking lots, full of trucks with out-of-
state tags. Cars parked in front of local businesses don Texas and Oklahoma license
plates, while drilling rigs adorn the expansive rural landscape.
In terms of economic benefit, it is important to look at this issue in broad context.
While it is very unlikely that a gas company will approach me about leasing my suburban
back yard, it is not out of the realm of possibility that I could work for an energy
company and be paid a salary that would allow me to maintain my suburban home. It is
also possible, perhaps likely, that I could eat fresh produce grown by a local farmer who
might have sold his land if he didn’t get a gas lease. In the middle of a country road trip, I
might also stop at a rural diner that might have gone out of business without the
additional customers the natural gas industry has created.
Whether we like it or not, the natural gas industry is here. The energy companies
are likely to stick around, and they will need staff members to keep their operations
afloat. Both Chesapeake Energy and Cabot Oil and Gas are making a conscious effort to
17 | R u c k n o
18. hire local workers, and Williams Energy is following suit. Company executives recently
confirmed those intentions at a Business-to-Business forum in Tunkhannock. If
projections of massive growth are accurate, the energy companies will not be unable to
continue to import workers.
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19. Works Cited
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Voice.
Baker, Robert. “Wyoming chamber gets boost from gas companies.” [Article] April 7,
2011, The Citizens’ Voice.
Bradford County Office of Planning and Grants and Pennsylvania Department of
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County.” [Map] Northeast Driller, February 24, 2011.
Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Economy at a Glance: Pennsylvania.” [Table]. Retrieved
March 29, 2011 from http://www.bls.gov/eag/eag/pa.htm.
Burke, Marisa. “Governor Corbett’s Interview.” [Television Interview] March 2011,
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Legere, Laura. “New data shows Marcellus Shale’s promise, growth.” [Article] February
24, 2011, Northeast Driller.
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20. Legere, Laura. “River basin commission adds 30 days to drilling comment period.”
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Lynott, Jerry. “NEPA unemployment rate still Pa.’s highest.” [Article] The Times Leader,
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