BY SCOTT DETROW
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is launching a new promotional campaign aimed at promoting Pennsylvania’s natural gas drilling boom, as the AP reports:
Karen Harbert, head of the institute, says Pennsylvania’s program is part of a national effort to build support for the economic and energy benefits of natural gas that’s being extracted from shale formations. Similar efforts are under way in Ohio and West Virginia.
Gene Barr, president of the Pennsylvania chamber, says gas produced in Pennsylvania from the Marcellus Shale formation is already benefiting residents across the state. He says support for the industry’s continued development is critical because it provides good jobs, attracts manufacturing and provides tax revenue to pay for public programs.
What, exactly, will this campaign entail? The Chamber’s website describes it this way:
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 Shale Works for US campaign will include extensive grassroots recruitment, advertising, and educational outreach to businesses and community groups. Initially, similar efforts are underway in Ohio and West Virginia with plans to expand across the country.