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Public and private sector energy experts were on hand on Friday, Nov. 18 in Bucks County to discuss facts and address concerns about the Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling industry in Pennsylvania. 

“Marcellus Shale Forum: Opportunities and Answers for Pennsylvanians” was co-hosted by the PA Chamber Educational Foundation and the Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce, and moderated by PA Chamber President Gene Barr. The forum was one of several being held throughout the Commonwealth to give business leaders, industry professionals, environmental regulators, and concerned citizens the opportunity to share an open dialogue about the impact of natural gas drilling on Pennsylvania’s economy, answer environmental questions, and dispel myths surrounding the Marcellus Shale industry. 

Panelists included Rayola Dougher, senior economic advisor at the American Petroleum Institute; and Steve Brokenshire, mineral resource specialist with the Department of Environmental Protection. During individual presentations, both experts stressed that if done responsibly, the expansion of natural gas drilling gives Pennsylvania a unique economic advantage and can become an essential element of an energy mix bringing jobs and revenue to the state for decades to come.

A business testimonial was also presented by Chuck Wissman of GES, who explained how his company has experienced a direct economic benefit from the presence of natural gas drilling in Pennsylvania. 

Lt. Gov. Jim Cawley was a special guest speaker at the event where he told the audience that expanding Marcellus Shale play in Pennsylvania would lead to more jobs, economic stability and increased energy independence.

Cawley is among a number of Corbett administration officials who have spoken at the PA Chamber’s Marcellus Shale forums. DEP Secretary Mike Krancer served on the panel at the inaugural Lancaster forum, and Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Alan Walker is slated to speak at the upcoming forum in Harrisburg on Wednesday, Dec. 7.

Additional forums will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 6 in Drexel Hill; Friday, Dec. 16 in Johnstown; and Tuesday, Dec. 20 in Pittsburgh.

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Founded in 1916, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is the state's largest broad-based business association, with its membership comprising businesses of all sizes and across all industry sectors. The PA Chamber is The Statewide Voice of Business.