API-PA: Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission Offers Framework for Constructive Dialogue
HARRISBURG, Pa., July 22, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Associated Petroleum Industries of Pennsylvania, a division of the American Petroleum Institute, welcomed the release of Governor Tom Corbett's Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission's recommendations. The Commission issued 96 individual recommendations governing all aspects of the development of the Marcellus Shale play.
"Evidence continues to mount that the U.S. has an abundant and reliable domestic supply of clean-burning domestic natural gas that can lead to more affordable energy and stimulate the economy," API-PA Executive Director Rolf Hanson said.
API is reviewing the recommendations as part of our on-going effort for continuous improvement of oil and natural gas operations. Hanson added that API's Monogram Program provides assurance through robust certification processes that manufacturers of equipment and materials meet the requirements for manufacturing quality. Through these programs, the industry has led the way in enhancing safety since 1924.
"We agree with the Commission that well construction materials, like casing and cement, have to meet high standards, and API's own standards set the bar high for the design and construction of shale gas wells and facilities. Natural gas can be developed safely, and not only does it provide clean energy, it is already having a big impact on local economies, jobs, and energy security."
A third in a series of studies offering additional findings on the positive economic impact of Marcellus Shale development in Pennsylvania was released this week by the Marcellus Shale Coalition (MSC). The Penn State study, "The Pennsylvania Marcellus Natural Gas Industry: Status, Economic Impact, and Future Potential" adds to the available economic data released by API one year ago, analyzing "The Economic Impacts of the Marcellus Shale: Implications for New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia."
"As we debate the future of energy production and how best to increase jobs and energy security, the nation can look to Pennsylvania, which now produces enough natural gas to meet its own demand," said Hanson. "With the right government policies, Pennsylvania and other states with access to these abundant domestic shale plays can become principal suppliers of natural gas nationwide.
API thanked the Commission, which includes Commission Chair, Lt. Governor Jim Cawley, and the Governor's Energy Executive Patrick Henderson, for thoroughly reviewing of the science of hydraulic fracturing, impacts to communities, environmental protection, economic development opportunities and the need for infrastructure development.
"We understand that this is a long process and API looks forward to working with the legislature, governor's office and regulatory agencies as we continue to work on the safe and responsible development of our natural gas resources."
Visit www.api.org for information on the API standards program, the hydraulic fracturing process and the benefits of natural gas.
API represents more than 470 oil and natural gas companies, leaders of a technology-driven industry that supplies most of America's energy, supports 9.2 million U.S. jobs and 7.7 percent of the U.S. economy, delivers more than $86 million a day in revenue to our government, and, since 2000, has invested more than $2 trillion in U.S. capital projects to advance all forms of energy, including alternatives.
SOURCE Associated Petroleum Industries of Pennsylvania
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