API and PIOGA Collaborate on Marcellus Shale Educational Efforts in Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Two major energy trade associations announced today the creation of an alliance to create a better understanding of the important issues related to the safe development of Pennsylvania's domestic energy resources. The American Petroleum Institute (API) and the Pennsylvania Independent Oil and Gas Association (PIOGA) have formed a partnership that will serve as a forum for factual information about the vast energy resources found in Pennsylvania.

API and PIOGA are expanding their education campaign on the benefits being realized through the development of Pennsylvania's natural gas reserves in the Marcellus Shale, in new jobs for workers, economic growth for the state and energy security for our nation.  The educational effort focuses on Pennsylvania and is part of API's coordinated nationwide program on oil and natural gas priority issues.

"This partnership will increase informed dialogue among Pennsylvanians and promote a strong local economy through energy development," said Rolf Hanson, executive director of the Associated Petroleum Industries of Pennsylvania. "API is continuing to work with Pennsylvanians who are committed to improving the public's understanding of, and support for, the many opportunities presented by the Marcellus Shale natural gas reserves in the Commonwealth."

"This collaboration builds on the Pennsylvania Independent Oil and Gas Association's commitment to our members and Pennsylvanians to create an environment favorable to creating industry jobs for our neighbors," said PIOGA's Executive Director Lou D'Amico.  "We are a solution-oriented organization, and working with the American Petroleum Institute will help our members educate a larger number of Pennsylvanians."

The partnership will serve as the educational arm of API and PIOGA regarding the Marcellus Shale Play in Pennsylvania.

Hanson and D'Amico said that specific details on the partnership will be announced in the coming weeks.

About PIOGA

PIOGA is the principal non-profit trade association of the Commonwealth's independent oil and gas producers, marketers, service companies and related businesses.  PIOGA promotes the general welfare of Pennsylvania's crude oil and natural gas exploration and production industry and is committed to the economical and environmentally responsible development, production and use of the Commonwealth's crude oil and natural gas resources.

About API

API is the only national trade association that represents all aspects of America's oil and natural gas industry. Our 450 corporate members, from the largest major oil company to the smallest of independents, come from all segments of the industry. They are producers, refiners, suppliers, pipeline operators and marine transporters, as well as service and supply companies that support all segments of the industry.

SOURCE American Petroleum Institute