Sen. Bartolotta calls on Congress to support ethane storage hub

State Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-Carroll Township) recently introduced a Senate Resolution that calls for the passage of several bills that would help the establishment of an ethane storage hub in the Appalachian region, which produces one-third of the country’s natural gas.

Shell Chemical is constructing a $6 billion ethane facility in Beaver County. The facility is expected to generate $28 billion in new economic output and $3 billion in taxes, attract $35 billion in plastic and chemical industry investment, and create up to 100,000 jobs in the Appalachian region.

“Pennsylvania is one of the nation’s leading states in terms of natural gas production, manufacturing, and the petrochemical industry,” Bartolotta said at a news conference with the Pennsylvania Chemical Industry Council. “Building an ethane storage and distribution hub would help our state capitalize on its existing infrastructure and natural resources, giving us an opportunity to create more quality jobs and drive business growth throughout the region. In order to fully capitalize on the opportunities that are in front of us, we need to take strategic steps to ensure the responsible and sustainable development of our energy resources.”

In Pennsylvania, the chemical industry produces $24 billion in economic activity. The press conference coincided with Pennsylvania Chemical Day.