Cabot Celebrates Vast Impact of CNG Investment

SPRINGVILLE, Pa., Aug. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation hosted a Natural Gas Celebration to highlight the benefits of expanded natural gas usage across northeastern Pennsylvania. The event featured displays by companies and organizations throughout the region that are using natural gas in their equipment and products, as well as displays from local colleges that have expanded their course offerings to meet the growing demand for employees in the industry.

The topics covered by the speakers at the event included the growth of jobs and small businesses in the region, education and training by area colleges for students interested in the natural gas industry, the increased usage of natural gas in operating equipment and vehicles, and the economic impact of the industry throughout northeastern Pennsylvania.

Additionally, Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation celebrated the opening of the first CNG fueling station in Susquehanna County for Cabot to fuel their 60 vehicles, and showcasing drilling and fracturing equipment that run on natural gas. In addressing the commitment Cabot has to the area and their roots that keep growing in the region, Gary Hlavinka, the company's Regional Operations Manager said, "Cabot's strategic approach to gas development has enabled our company to produce unprecedented amounts of natural gas from the 'sweet spot' of the Marcellus Shale deposit. Because of our production success and the innovative way we operate, our investment in the region continues to grow.  This CNG fueling station and the equipment on display here are examples both of our deepening roots and our application of the latest technology as an industry leader."    

Other speakers addressed how the expanded access to natural gas in the region has resulted in many benefits including:

• Decreased use of gasoline and diesel replaced with less expensive CNG that is allowing companies to reduce costs and individuals to save money at the pump
• Use of a fuel that is cleaner for the environment and is reducing dependency on foreign fuels
• Grants from the Department of Environmental Protection to help businesses and individuals convert their vehicles and build CNG fueling stations
• A growing need for engineers to design natural gas engines and the mechanics to keep them operating
• Expanded course offerings from colleges and universities around the area to meet the workforce needs of the industry and to provide maintenance training on the new natural gas vehicles and fueling stations in the area
• Expanded infrastructure across northeastern Pennsylvania that will continue spurring innovation and economic growth for years to come

Representatives of local, state and federal elective offices attended the event as well as numerous industry and business leaders from throughout the region and the Commonwealth.  Patrick Henderson, Energy Executive, Office of Governor Tom Corbett although unable to attend, provided the following statement, "Governor Corbett appreciates Cabot Oil & Gas' efforts to bring together so many community stakeholders for the CNG Celebration in Springville, PA.  With representatives from large and small employers, along with leaders from PA higher education institutions, and other community leaders, this event provides a great forum to highlight both the current and future job growth and education opportunities presented by the safe and responsible development of the Marcellus Shale."

Mark Volk, President of Lackawanna College, which offers a curriculum in the study of petroleum & natural gas, stated, "Our school recognizes the nearly limitless growth potential the natural gas industry offers students. Our goal at Lackawanna College is to educate the next generation of leaders in an industry that offers great promise for our region, our state and indeed our nation. Lackawanna College is committed to working in strong partnership with Cabot to ensure that this promise is realized in all our students."

ANGA, America's Natural Gas Alliance, and other industry organizations were represented at the event. Amy Farrell, vice president of market development at America's Natural Gas Alliance said, "Steps by Cabot and other ANGA members to use natural gas in a range of applications from fueling vehicle fleets to powering drilling equipment just shows our industry's commitment to the benefits of using natural gas." She then continued, "This clean, abundant and affordable resource offers immense benefits to our customers in power generation, industrial applications and transportation fleets and it also makes our own operations cleaner and less costly. We are thrilled to support Cabot at their CNG Celebration."

Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation, headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a leading independent natural gas producer with its entire resource base located in the continental United States.  For additional information, visit Cabot's blog at www.wellsaidcabot.com

SOURCE Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation