WASHINGTON, Jan. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a statement by Regina Hopper, President and Chief Executive Officer of America's Natural Gas Alliance, on the recent White House briefing paper on Investing in America, which highlights the key role American natural gas can play in advancing our nation's economic recovery.

"We applaud the Obama administration for its commitment to domestic natural gas production. The White House briefing paper correctly notes the significant economic benefits natural gas production brings to our country. And it rightly points out that the surge in domestic natural gas production lowers energy costs for consumers, cuts pollution in our communities and drives investment and creates jobs not only in the natural gas sector, but across a range of important American industries that are now more competitive thanks to our nation's vast and affordable supplies of natural gas."

"By creating jobs in communities and powering downstream industries, natural gas can provide a much-needed boost to our economy. In 2010, the shale gas industry alone supported more than 600,000 jobs, according to a recent IHS Global Insight report. This figure is expected to grow to 1.6 million by 2035.  The report also found that the average U.S. household now enjoys an increase in annual disposable income of $926 thanks to affordable natural gas, so the benefits of rising shale gas production are felt broadly throughout our economy.

"The natural gas community also shares the Obama administration's desire to ensure that natural gas continues to be produced in a safe and responsible manner. That is a central commitment of our companies.  Thanks to the many benefits of responsible natural gas production, our nation does not have to choose between economic growth and environmental stewardship.

"America's natural gas resources hold vast potential, and our industry looks forward to playing a central role in powering our nation's economic recovery."

America's Natural Gas Alliance (ANGA) represents 30 of North America's leading independent natural gas exploration and production companies. ANGA members are dedicated to increasing the appreciation of the environmental, economic and national security benefits of clean, abundant, American natural gas. Learn more about ANGA at www.anga.us.

SOURCE America's Natural Gas Alliance

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