American Petroleum Institute Pennsylvania (API PA) recognized “Natural Gas and Oil Day” Tuesday to highlight the commonwealth’s energy advantage and advocate for policies that strengthen its robust natural gas and oil industry.
The celebration, which was held at the capitol, kicked off with a press conference and was followed by a hands-on, interactive showcase with over 10 energy industry and technology-related vendors.
“Home to the first U.S. commercial oil well and the shale revolution, Pennsylvania has truly pioneered modern energy development,” said API PA Executive Director Stephanie Catarino Wissman. “Natural gas development has not only breathed new life into communities across the Keystone State – the number two natural gas-producing state, behind only Texas – but also benefited every corner of our commonwealth by generating thousands of good jobs, billions of dollars in economic impact, more than $2.7 billion in impact fee funding for critical projects, and affordable, reliable energy for families and businesses while helping to reduce emissions.”
According to the most recent PwC report, the natural gas and oil industry contributes over $75 billion toward the state’s economy and supports more than 423,000 jobs. Research shows that every direct job in the natural gas and oil industry generates 3.6 additional jobs in Pennsylvania.
Other event attendees included leaders of the Pennsylvania Gas and Oil Caucus — Sens. Camera Bartolotta (R-46) and Lisa Boscola (D-18) as well as Reps. Ed Neilson (D-174) and Eric Nelson (R-57) — and Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23), chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, and Rep. Marty Causer (R-67), minority chairman of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. Along with Wissman, the legislators outlined the value of Pennsylvania’s natural gas and oil while advocating for policies needed to strengthen our energy advantage and economy.
“Last week, API released its 5-point policy plan to secure American energy leadership and help reduce inflation,” Wissman said. “The points focus on protecting consumer choice, bolstering our geopolitical strength, leveraging our natural resources, fixing our permitting system, and advancing sensible tax policy. This policy roadmap can help keep Pennsylvania in the driver’s seat when it comes to energy leadership and strengthen our economy to help families across the commonwealth.”
The day also included a showcase of advanced technologies and engineering practices from industry and technology-related companies that highlight their ability to deliver natural gas and oil safely and efficiently. It also included a presentation from the Energy Education Foundation’s Mobile Energy Learning Unit (MELU), which API sponsors. The MELU features six learning stations with curriculum-based, hands-on activities. It offers a chance to learn about the industry’s proactive efforts to promote STEM education and introduce the energy sector as a possible career path for students as they head into high school.