Campaign Will Focus on Jobs and Economic Growth Potential of Shale
CHARLESTON, W.V.— The U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century Energy today launched a major new campaign focused on building support for utilizing shale energy resources in West Virginia.
The “Shale Works for US” campaign is a national effort designed to build support for the vast economic and energy security benefits of natural gas and oil produced from shale. The Institute for 21st Century Energy is the energy policy arm of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world’s largest business organization.
“West Virginia has a long history of providing its natural energy resources to the rest of the country,” said Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the Energy Institute. “Now the opportunity exists for West Virginia to build upon the strong coal industry by becoming a leader in shale energy production. The Shale Works for US campaign will help educate the public and the business community about the benefits and opportunities presented by increased shale production in the Mountain state.”
West Virginia is already seeing benefits from shale energy production. In 2009, the industry was responsible for 7,600 jobs and generated $14.5 million in state tax revenue and over $2 billion in business volume. Studies indicate that shale energy could employ nearly 20,000 by 2015.
“In West Virginia, we know better than anyone how important energy is to a strong economy,” said David Knuth, executive director of the Marshall County Chamber of Commerce. “Shale energy has the potential to bring jobs and revenue to our state, meaning more money for schools, public safety and infrastructure.”
The Shale Works for US campaign was launched in West Virginia at Walker Machinery, a local business which is expanding to offer a line of equipment for the shale industry.
“For the last 62 years, we’ve been a key partner and supplier to much of West Virginia’s coal industry,” said Eric Ramey of Walker Machinery. “Now with the expansion of shale energy in the state, we can expand our business and continue to play a pivotal role in keeping West Virginia one of the nation’s leading energy producers.”
Nationally, the Shale Works for US campaign will build a network of communities, businesses and policymakers throughout the states and at the federal level to support the economic, job creation and energy security benefits generated by shale energy.
The campaign will include extensive grassroots recruitment, advertising, and educational outreach to businesses and community groups. Initially, similar efforts are underway in Ohio and Pennsylvania with plans to expand across the country.
The mission of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for 21st Century Energy is to unify policymakers, regulators, business leaders, and the American public behind a common sense energy strategy to help keep America secure, prosperous, and clean. Through policy development, education, and advocacy, the Institute is building support for meaningful action at the local, state, national, and international levels.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.