Natural gas needs to be used to fuel power plants and the vehicles we drive. The result would be lower oil prices and less dependency on foreign oil from unfriendly countries. Natural gas prices would improve and allow growth of the industry domestically through continued technological advancements and survival of the traditional producer.
Steven Green Attorney, Babst, Calland, Clements and Zomnir Charleston, WV Challenge: The tri-state shale gas plays present multi-faceted complications along with their opportunities. Solution: Expanding shale gas development in West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Ohio has drawn the attention of both governmental and non-governmental entities. Increased government involvement in shale gas development has resulted in expanded regulation and enforcement efforts. The prospect of lucrative profits has also spurred an increase in mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures, with the most recent focus of these activities being on further development of shale formations containing natural gas liquids, i.e., wet gas. Litigation prompted by landowners and lease holders is also on the rise. In short order, our collective shale sensibilities have become an important part of our tri-state economy.
David Haney President, E & H Manufacturing, Inc. and D. G. Haney, Inc. Charleston, WV Challenge: Refuting the lies and uninformed comments being filtered through the media and other means regarding the natural gas industry. Solution: To combat this problem, the industry has been forced to come out from under the radar. Through coalitions such as Just Beneath the Surface and Energize West Virginia, the industry is providing factual information to the public about the issues under attack. We must be more proactive in spreading the good news about gas being an abundant and cheap source of energy that can reduce our dependence on foreign oil; can provide numerous high paying jobs in West Virginia; has the smallest sustained environmental footprint of any energy source and provides the state with an abundant source of tax revenue. ď Ž
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spring 2012
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