HARRISBURG - The U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy Thursday launched a major campaign focused on building support for using shale energy resources in Pennsylvania.
The “Shale Works for US” campaign is a national effort designed to build support for the vast economic and energy security benefits of natural gas and oil produced from shale. The Institute for 21st Century Energy is the energy policy arm of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world’s largest business organization.
“Shale energy is already an economic game changer for Pennsylvania, but it has the potential to be much more,” said Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the Energy Institute. “Local businesses, consumers and families are beginning to see the benefits of shale in the form of new jobs, lower utility bills and increased tax revenues, and the good news is that much more shale energy sits below the surface.
“The Shale Works for US campaign will help educate the public and the business community about the benefits and opportunities presented by increased shale production in the Keystone state.”
Pennsylvania is already a leader in the shale gas production which created more than 300,000 jobs in the last two years, and by the end of 2012, will generate more than $2.5 billion in state and local tax revenues.
“Pennsylvanians all across the state are benefiting from shale energy development,” said Gene Barr, president of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry. “New tax revenues are allowing the state and localities to invest in critical needs like education and public safety in addition to helping make America more energy secure.
“Jobs are being created and manufacturing is returning to Pennsylvania, especially to many areas hit hardest by the sluggish economy. It is critical that the business community and local leaders throughout the state support future development of shale resources to keep this positive momentum.”
According to the institute, on a national level, the shale campaign will build a network of communities, businesses and policymakers throughout the states and at the federal level to support the economic, job creation and energy security benefits generated by shale energy.
The campaign will include extensive grassroots recruitment, advertising and educational outreach to businesses and community groups.
Initially, similar efforts are under way in Ohio and West Virginia with plans to expand across the country.