This year, Braskem, in partnership with Eastern Controls and Delaware County Community College, announced a new, eight-week Process Operator Academy designed to train workers in the petroleum, chemical, pharmaceutical, food and other industries. Program participants take hands-on courses at the academy that provide skills to be successful process operators, including in the natural gas industry.

The last decade has seen a sharp decline in the talent pool of skilled workers in the chemical and petroleum industry available to fill high-demand jobs as a result of the retirement of a generation of workers. Building a skilled workforce through training programs like the partnership with Delaware County Community College delivers highly trained workers to a field experiencing growing demand.

See more about this innovative program in this video:

Discussing the opportunities for the workforce in the chemical industry in Pennsylvania, PCIC President Abby Foster said, “In 2018, there were close to $200 billion in new/announced chemical industry investments in the U.S. — some of which are here in Pennsylvania.

“With the continued responsible development of our natural gas resources, as both industry feedstock and fuel, we can expect to add more than 100,000 jobs regionally in the chemical and petrochemical downstream application markets and supply chains,” she added.

It’s clear the opportunity for a bright energy future being fueled by natural gas is present in the state. Educational partnerships between colleges, universities and the energy industry are making sure our state has the workforce to meet the demand.

Chemical industry applauds officials for leadership in advancing the development of an ethane storage hub

Recently, members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, led by Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-Greene/Washington) and Rep. Jim Christiana (R-Beaver), demonstrated their commitment to maximizing the potential of the Marcellus and Utica Shale formations by introducing a resolution to support the establishment of an ethane storage hub in the Appalachian region.

The resolution calls for the expedient passage of several pieces of federal legislation and policies to support the storage hub’s development.

“Pennsylvania has the assets to be a strong player in the global plastics market, and the Shell Polymers plant investment is a signal to industry that Pennsylvania is open for business,” Bartolotta said. “This resolution demonstrates our support for continued momentum in capitalizing on the commonwealth’s energy resources long term and ensuring we’re putting natural gas to work for the people of Pennsylvania. The development of an ethane storage hub in the Appalachian region would build a strong foundation for future investments.”

According to “The Potential Economic Benefits of an Appalachian Petrochemical Industry,” a study commissioned by the American Chemistry Council, the region contains enough natural gas liquids feedstock to attract $35 billion in new chemical and plastics industry investment. Investments of this scale could create 100,000 jobs, $28 billion in new economic output, more than $6 billion in annual payroll, and nearly $3 billion a year in federal, state and local tax revenue.“Shell’s investment was the first of many to produce the next generation of industrial and economic prosperity for western Pennsylvania,” Christiana said. “I was proud to play a role in bringing industry, labor and government to the table to make that a reality. That investment started with a conversation, and we need to continue those conversations and efforts to solidify the sustained and diversified benefit of building out markets around the state’s energy resources.”

“Our state’s skilled workforce, abundant high-value natural gas, and strategic location make Pennsylvania a prime place for energy investment,” said Team Pennsylvania CEO and President, Ryan Unger. “Improving our state’s natural gas liquids infrastructure is critical to maintain our competitive advantage in securing additional petrochemical investments and growing our plastics industry.”

The natural gas produced from the Marcellus Shale play is rich in ethane and propane, two high-value natural gas liquids used in petrochemical production and plastics manufacturing. The IHS Markit study “Prospects to Enhance Pennsylvania’s Opportunities in Petrochemical Manufacturing,” commissioned by Team Pennsylvania in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, forecasted that, from 2026 to 2030, the expected ethane production from the Marcellus and Utica Shale plays will be enough to support up to four additional world-scale ethane steam crackers in the region.

“From resin and plastic additives and innovations in product properties, the chemical industry is improving the manufacturing process and making the products we use daily more versatile, durable and sustainable,” Pennsylvania Chemical Industry Council President Abby Foster said. “Many of these global industry leaders have chosen to do business here in Pennsylvania, and the development of ethane storage facilities would drive additional investments to grow the supply chain and solidify this market for Pennsylvania. We applaud the Legislature’s leadership in recognizing this potential and driving support for this growing industry.

 

 

Pennsylvania natural gas development has come a long way.

This is evident in an October 2017 report from the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy, “Pennsylvania’s Gas Decade: Insights Into Consumer Pricing Impacts from Shale Gas (2007-2016).” The report acts as a Marcellus Shale baby book, showing how the state’s shale gas sector has grown from its infancy to its current stage.

Pennsylvania has come a long way since the completion of the first Marcellus Shale exploratory well in 2004. The state has transformed into the go-to energy resource for natural gas.

Here are three takeaways that show how:

Pennsylvania drove increases in national natural gas supply

It wasn’t until 2007 that the shale gas revolution really took off in the commonwealth. From 1997 to 2007, the state’s gas production accounted for less than 1 percent of the national supply. However, production grew immensely — 2,788 percent — as the benefits of shale gas development were realized. This increase was “larger than in any other major gas-producing state,” according to the report.

In 2016, Pennsylvania was responsible for more than 16 percent of the domestic natural gas supply. The report notes these gains “made Pennsylvania the biggest driver of America’s 32-percent increase in annual natural gas production.”

Pennsylvania is a net natural gas exporter

The beginnings of Marcellus Shale development were lean. Because of natural gas’ growing popularity, Pennsylvania was consuming four times more gas than it produced in 2007. This required gas to be imported from other states. The consumption deficit continued until 2011, the first year that Pennsylvania produced more gas than it consumed.

This trend has continued, and in 2016 Pennsylvania produced more than 5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. In-state consumption held at less than 2 trillion cubic feet. In 2016, the state exported or stored 75 percent of the gas it produced. This transformed Pennsylvania into a net natural gas exporter. The report notes that the state “is expected to continue to increase net export volumes.”

Pennsylvania’s electric power prices are below the national average

Pennsylvania is no longer notorious for higher than the national average natural gas costs for power generation and retail prices. The report notes, “It is clear that Pennsylvania consumers enjoyed more significant cost reductions than national averages.”

Natural gas prices for power generation reached their pinnacle in 2008 at nearly $10/Mcf. That all changed the next year when production increases helped decrease prices to approximately $5/Mcf. Aside from slight upticks in 2013 and 2014, prices continued to decrease. In 2016 the price dropped to approximately $3/Mcf. From 2007 to 2016, Pennsylvania electricity ratepayers benefited from a 79 percent reduction in costs, and prices decreased below the national average.

The growth of the natural gas industry in Pennsylvania over the last 14 years has been amazing to watch and, relatively speaking, the industry is still going through early growing pains. We can’t wait to find out what happens next.

By 2035, the natural gas and oil industries are projected to add 1.9 million jobs, according to a March 2016 study from the American Petroleum Institute (API). Of those, women are projected to account for 290,000 positions — just 16 percent of the total.

The API study shows that, while the natural gas and oil sectors are growing, the amount of women in these industries has not kept pace with growth. The topic of gender disparity isn’t isolated to the natural gas and oil industries. However, the energy industry and related STEM fields are making proactive strides in attracting more women to the industry, with organizations such as the Women’s Energy Network growing in size and scope yearly.

Women who work in the industry will tell you there’s still work to be done.

In recognition of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, we talked with four women, and one man, in the natural gas industry to get their feelings on the gender disparity in the field and to find out what attracted them to the sector. Below are excerpts from those interviews.

Brittany Ramos
Coordinator of External Affairs, Cabot Oil & Gas Corp.

Years in industry: 6

What did you know about the industry before coming aboard?
“I knew nothing about energy. When I was in college, I didn’t think about energy. I just thought it came from a light switch.”

Does the industry suffer from gender disparity?
“I think we need to be honest about the disparity of women in energy. Oil and gas has a lower percentage of women than technology does. But I can tell you through my experiences that I have encountered female and male champions for gender parity. We’re making strides forward, but we still have a long way to go.”

How can the industry bring aboard more women?
“It’s important to talk about the wide variety of careers available to students so they really consider the options they have within the industry. We need to get people thinking about energy jobs as more than just engineers, but as accountants, supply chain experts, welders and countless others. Odds are, if they have an interest in something, there’s a corresponding career within the oil and gas supply chain. There’s so much more than the stereotypes about this industry, and we need to make sure young people are aware of the opportunities that exist.”

Sara Blascovich
Regional Regulatory Manager, HDR Inc.

Years in industry: 10

What do you enjoy most about working in the oil and gas sector?
“[The sector is] pretty fast-paced, especially when you compare it to other industries. In transportation, you can work on a project for years and years without feeling any sense of accomplishment. In oil and gas, you can see the fruits of your labor very quickly, which is very nice. I also like that a lot of people in oil and gas like to do the right thing when it comes to environmental, and I like working for an industry that has that kind of mindset.”

Does it irritate you that we’re still having a conversation about gender disparity?
“I think that, as a whole, there’s gender disparity across the board in all industries. It does irritate me we’re still having this conversation. The solution is pretty simple: Women do not want to be treated differently.”

Whom do you look to as a mentor or for advice?
“When I became chair of the Capital Chapter of the Society of Women Environmental Professionals, I reached out to [chapter founder and former chair, and Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development Senior Energy Adviser] Denise Brinley for her advice and input. She’s somebody who’s very conscious of uplifting other women and being a big supporter. I also talked to my grandmother about business and how she was able to succeed while having a family.”

Loren Anderson
Director, Technical Affairs, Marcellus Shale Coalition (MSC)

Years in industry: 10

How have you seen things change for women in the energy sector?
“Much like engineering over the past 15 years, more women are working in the industry and as leaders in their companies. In fact, the MSC has 15 standing committees and in 2018 over half of them are chaired or vice chaired by women.”

Are there misconceptions preventing women from joining the industry?
“In college and throughout my career, I have noticed the number of women in technical fields grow. I think this is because colleges and universities are encouraging women to get more involved in these technical fields that were historically dominated by men.”

How can the industry bring more women aboard?
“I think the industry could do a better job getting the word out to high schools, colleges and universities that there are excellent careers in energy. Organizations like the Women’s Energy Network have helped to create an atmosphere through networking events and sessions that is welcoming to women and promotes careers in the energy industry.”

Nicole Jacobs
Pennsylvania Director, Energy In Depth

Years in industry: 7

What would you like to see occur with women in the energy sector over the next several years?
“I would love to see more women joining this workforce and excelling in it. From the roustabouts on-site to pilots and engineers or those of us who are more geared to communication, I think women have a valuable place in this industry.”

What do you think needs to be done to bring more women into the energy sector?
“I think that the effort really needs to be focused on getting the next generation of girls excited about STEM education. Encourage them to look for cool rocks to study or to excel at math and science.”

What do you like best about working in the energy sector?
“My favorite part of working in this industry is being a part of something so much bigger than just what’s occurring in my own community. Marcellus Shale is driving U.S. natural gas development and part of a global fuel shift, and we get to be a part of that history being made.”

Alyson Joyce
Stakeholder Relations Representative, Seneca Resources Corp.

Years in industry: 3.5

How did you get your start in energy?
“I had friends who were working in energy, so they taught me a lot about the industry and encouraged me to join the fight. I was working in public relations and doing social marketing for clients, specifically in the consumer packaged goods space. The key communications skill sets apply whether you’re working on a brand of dog food or in oil and gas.”

What do you think about the gender disparity conversation?
“My friends will tell you I’m a serial optimist. I think it’s a positive that we’re continuing to A) have the conversation and B) see improvements. There are some frustrations … that we still have to have this conversation and that companies aren’t progressing as quickly as one would hope. But I think as time continues to change and evolve, corporate policies that encourage diversity and provide support for working women will become commonplace.”

What do you enjoy most about working in the energy industry?
“I love that we give back, and that we’re making a difference. We’re bringing good-paying jobs to places that previously had little to no economic development. I love that we are helping to fix roads, build parks and bring STEM programs into the community. That part of what we do is so fantastic. We’re providing jobs and low-cost natural gas. It powers us and keeps America safe.”

Keeping wells productive is imperative to the natural gas industry. To help older wells keep producing, Cabot Oil & Gas teamed with students from the Susquehanna County Career & Technology Center (SCCTC) at Elk Lake High School in Dimock, Pa., to develop a plunger lift training mechanism.

“To get an idea of what’s involved in the gas industry is good because many of them are thinking about what they are going to do after school,” SCCTC welding instructor Ray Ingaglio said.

Cabot external affairs coordinator Bill desRosiers said these tools will help increase production from 2 billion to 3 billion cubic feet per day. That’s necessary to meet upcoming demands from Atlantic Sunrise, Lackawanna Energy Center in Jessup and the Caithness Moxie Freedom Power Generation facility in Berwick.

“All those wells have to be managed, plus the new ones that are being drilled and brought online,” desRosiers said. “These innovations will allow for the field to meet its daily goals.”

Learn more about the project and how Cabot helps prepare students for the natural gas industry on Cabot’s Well Said blog.

January brought the return of the Pennsylvania Farm Show to central PA, with a weeklong celebration of the state’s $185 billion agricultural industry — one of Pennsylvania’s biggest and most essential — along with the energy industry. These two economic powerhouses generate billions of dollars and employ hundreds of thousands of people to ensure state and local economies remain strong.

The Farm Show demonstrated how agriculture and natural gas can come together, and The Stream was there to cover what this partnership means for Pennsylvania.

Shale spotlight: Natural gas in the news

• The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission rejected U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry’s plan to bail out coal and nuclear plants. FERC asked grid operators to suggest ideas for making the system more resilient.
• Natural gas consumption in suburban Philadelphia hit records during the recent cold snap. Peco Energy Co. reported that demand reached 804,372 cubic feet on a single day this month.
• Appalachia is expected to lead the nation in natural gas production through February, according to a U.S. Energy Information Administration report. The region is expected to increase production by 377 million cubic feet over January projections.
• Energy companies are working around opposition and improving infrastructure by supersizing old pipelines. Executives at some of North America’s biggest pipeline operators say they have pivoted toward the strategy as plans for new pipelines have come under attack.
• For the first time since at least 1957, the United States has become a net exporter of natural gas on an annual basis. The trend should move forward thanks to a projected increase in natural gas sent by pipeline to Mexico and a growing number of liquefied natural gas shipments to the rest of the world.

The Stream: What’s in the pipeline

Coming up from The Stream in February, look for more original perspectives from the natural gas industry.

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Agriculture is an essential part of Pennsylvania’s economy. The scenic farms that pepper the state’s landscape form a $185 billion industry. Thanks to Pennsylvania’s shale boom, energy has also grown into a vital part of our economy. So it’s fitting that the natural gas industry is celebrating the agriculture during the Pennsylvania Farm Show through Jan. 13.

In a February 2017 op-ed for the Lebanon Daily News, Dave Williams of Pennsylvania Farm Country Radio called the shale revolution a “huge boost for Pennsylvania agriculture.” He noted how the abundance of natural gas has led to decreases in the prices of diesel fuel and fertilizer, while royalty payments from natural gas operators have kept many small farms operational.

Williams’ points illustrate how imperative the partnership between the energy and agricultural sectors is for Pennsylvania’s economy. Natural gas and agribusiness are two of the state’s key industries, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Energy and agriculture together generate billions of dollars and employ hundreds of thousands, ensuring state and local economies remain strong.

The Farm Show is another example of how agriculture and natural gas can come together. In October at the Midstream PA 2017 conference, representatives of Sunoco Pipeline and PennAg Industries Association discussed how they partnered to develop and launch a biosecurity training module that raises awareness of basic farm safety and etiquette for all sectors, including energy. PennAg Executive Vice President Christian Herr commended Sunoco Pipeline for taking a leadership position on the issue.

This wasn’t the first time that agriculture and energy have partnered. The natural gas industry recognizes how vital Pennsylvania’s farms are. The state’s farmers appreciate the benefits the natural gas industry provides, including low-cost energy and royalty payments. 

And it’s not just economic benefits that make this partnership work. The natural gas sector has given generously to the agricultural community, as Marcellus Shale Coalition (MSC) Community Outreach Manager Eric Cowden noted in a PennLive op-ed last year.

The MSC supports the Farm Show Scholarship Foundation, which helps develop the next generation of Pennsylvania’s agricultural industry. MSC member companies also purchase livestock at the 4-H and Future Farmers of America Junior Livestock Sale, with proceeds paid to the youth responsible for raising the purchased animals.

In these divisive times, the natural gas and agricultural sectors are providing a fine example of how working together can benefit all Pennsylvanians.

When winter comes, many of us don’t give a second thought to the comfort of having a warm home. For others, home heating can be a struggle. Just one hardship — a job loss, car repair or illness — can lead to a “heat or eat” crisis. Susquehanna County Interfaith executive director Cindy Beeman has heard these kinds of stories from many residents in her community facing the dilemma of being without heat.

Thousands of county residents turn to Interfaith for a variety of services and programs. For example, the program distributed more than $23,420 last year, according to the organization’s 2016-17 annual report, to help more than 93 households pay for emergency home heating assistance when government-funded assistance wasn’t enough.

Interfaith fills a critical role in this small community, and it’s not an easy job. Its small thrift store is the only place where many Susquehanna County residents purchase clothes, home goods and other items. Funds generated by the thrift store help to cover overhead costs for the nonprofit organization, while most of the programs and services are supported thanks to generous community and corporate partners, including several energy companies in northeast PA.

In this rural, idyllic corner of Pennsylvania, the programs and services offered by Interfaith are essential. The average median income for Susquehanna County is $26,551, according to the most recent census statistics. The county has a near 13-percent poverty rate. Interfaith is often a last resort for those who may not qualify or be fully served by government programs such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

Energy companies have supported Interfaith with more than just its fuel service program. DTE Energy and XNG have  provided donations and filled backpacks for the organization’s Back-to-School Shoe program. It provides in-need students with a new pair of shoes and a backpack filled with school supplies.

Williams donates to the back-to-school program, and has supported the organization through its annual employee day of caring. Southwestern Energy has given donations and support, including helping the organization deliver Christmas presents to Susquehanna County seniors. Bags of Christmas gifts donated by Cabot Oil & Gas employees fill a storeroom, waiting to be delivered to families this holiday season.

Providing access to affordable natural gas is important. But being a good community partner is an even greater responsibility for the energy industry. It might be difficult during a busy time of year to slow down and see how the natural gas industry impacts our lives, but we can be thankful for all that we have, and grateful to the community leaders, who find ways to help those in need.

If 2018 is anything like 2017 was, the natural gas industry should buckle up for another exciting ride. The past year has been centered around optimism — and there are plenty of reasons for that:

• Construction is underway for Shell Chemicals’ ethane cracker plant. The project will inject $6 billion into the western Pennsylvania economy and create thousands of jobs.
• In October, AC&S President and CEO Dean Cordle said the shale gas revolution has created hundreds of thousands of new jobs, with more on the way.
• Peoples Natural Gas President and CEO Morgan O’Brien put it much more simply: Pennsylvania’s economic future lies in natural gas.

And the optimism perseveres. As we look forward to 2018, here are five trends The Stream team will be tracking:

Increased natural gas production from the Appalachian basin

After a downturn in production over the past few years, the natural gas industry is now producing more than ever before. Marcellus Shale production set a record in August, churning out 19.8 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) in August, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Additionally, more drilled wells were completed in the Marcellus and Utica plays.

The EIA also expects production to continue increasing through 2018. The agency estimates U.S. dry natural gas production to average 73.4 Bcf/d, which is 5.5 Bcf/d higher than in 2017. Much of that will likely come from the Appalachian basin, which has produced more natural gas than any Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries country, as reported by Forbes. Moving more supply to domestic and international markets will be the key to unlocking new growth in 2018.

More natural gas takeaway capacity

For the past few years, the Marcellus and Utica shale supply was greater than the takeaway capacity could handle. This led to a downturn in production and lower prices.

But the industry’s fortunes turned around in 2017, when several new pipelines were approved or started construction. Among those is Energy Transfer Partners’ 713-mile Rover Pipeline, running from Canada through Michigan and northern Ohio, to wellsites in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. The pipeline began construction this year, and it should be in service by late winter or early spring 2018.

Another pipeline that will help increase takeaway capacity is Williams’ Transco Atlantic Sunrise expansion. The 183-mile expansion from northern to southern Pennsylvania will add 1.7 Bcf/d to the Transco pipeline. Atlantic Sunrise received approval and began construction this year. It’s scheduled to be operational by mid-2018.

Additionally, several more pipelines are still awaiting Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approval, including Columbia Gas Transmission’s 170-mile Mountaineer XPress in West Virginia.

Expanded natural gas workforce development

The increased activity in the upstream and midstream sectors will lead to more jobs, especially in the downstream. There is no better example of this than Shell Chemicals’ ethane cracker plant. The western Pennsylvania facility will create 6,000 construction jobs and 600 permanent jobs.

Pennsylvania is already actively developing the workforce for these new positions. Pennsylvania College of Technology and Penn State Erie’s Behrend College offers plastics-specific programs in anticipation of more downstream opportunities. PCT and Westmoreland Community College are part of ShaleNET, a program designed to respond quickly to natural gas needs with entry-level training programs.

Expect to see more workforce development initiatives to train the skilled workers needed for these and other positions.

Nuclear, coal subsidies impacting natural gas end use

The natural gas industry could feel the ripple effects of some national energy policy decisions coming in early 2018. Energy Secretary Rick Perry’s plan for nuclear and coal subsidies could cost up to $10.6 billion annually, according to research from Energy Innovation and the Climate Policy Initiative, which would be paid for by businesses and residents. Research found that subsidies would flow to approximately 10 companies and 90 power plants, and would turn competitive energy markets upside down in deregulated states, such as Pennsylvania.

FERC originally was to act on the the DOE proposal on Dec. 11. However, new FERC Chairman Kevin McIntyre was granted a 30-day extension. Now, the date to watch is Jan. 10.

Regardless of any FERC action, the nuclear industry continues to push for subsidies at the state level in New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Developing markets for natural gas, NGLs within the Appalachian basin

The Appalachian basin might just be the Silicon Valley of U.S. infrastructure, according to an Energy in Depth report on the region’s ability to support underground storage of natural gas liquids (NGLs).

“Today, the U.S. has more underground gas storage projects than any other country,” the report states.

Building more underground NGL storage facilities would lead to more economic opportunities in the region. A report by the American Chemistry Council says adding storage hubs could help the Appalachian basin become a second center of U.S. petrochemical and plastic resin manufacturing, similar to the Gulf Coast.

Whatever happens in the natural gas industry in 2018, The Stream will be there every step of the way. Keep checking back for all the latest news and perspectives in natural gas.

Sign up for The Stream’s daily email newsletter for natural gas delivered to your inbox. 

Upstream and midstream developments have boosted Pennsylvania’s national energy standing. Now, the time has come for the state to conquer the downstream sector. The Shell Chemicals ethane cracker plant helps accomplish that. The plant is a $6 billion investment for the state. But it’s also the beginning of a petrochemical revolution in the commonwealth.

That was the impetus behind a March 2017 study conducted by IHS Markit, a leading market research firm. The study was sponsored by Team Pennsylvania, a nonprofit partnership between the private and public sectors supporting education and economic development.

“One petrochemical facility in the form of Shell is great, but we think there is opportunity for much more here in Pennsylvania,” Team Pennsylvania President and CEO Ryan Unger told The Stream during a wide-ranging interview in November.

Now streaming: Energy updates from The Stream Team

Natural gas pipeline inspection dogs make a ‘ruff’ job easier:  These days, even dogs are finding natural gas-related jobs.

Canine pipeline inspections offer an alternative to traditional inspection methods, Susan Hagberg, president of CDIS K9 Pipeline Leak Inspection in Chicago Ridge, Illinois, told The Stream.

“It’s an environmentally friendly, cost-effective approach,” Hagberg said. “We quickly find the leak and save [the pipeline owner] money, all by using a trained dog.”

Shale spotlight: Natural gas in the news

Here’s a look at key energy headlines from November.

• On the eve of split from Consol, CNX Resources speeding up growth plans. The new gas company is moving up its plans to add a new drilling rig to its operations.
• How shale gas extraction is fueling a manufacturing renaissance. The growth of U.S. shale gas extraction is offering a big boost to the plastics manufacturing sector.
• Pennsylvania gas activity climbs along with Marcellus production. Gas production from the Pennsylvania portions of the Marcellus field reached a record high in October, according to the Energy Information Administration.
• ‘We’re hiring,’ oil and gas companies say. For the first time in four years, the oil and gas industry expects to hire more people than it lays off in 2018, according to a recent study.
• Why Philly oil refiners want to dump ethanol mandates. They’re stepping up a campaign to persuade the federal government to relax ethanol-blending rules for Northeast states.
• China Energy Investment signs MOU for $83.7 billion in W.Va. projects. The world’s largest power company by asset value plans to invest $83.7 billion in shale gas, power and chemical projects in West Virginia.
• U.S. oil and gas ‘resurgence’ expected as global demand grows. Oil will continue growing as a source of energy for over two decades, with the U.S. set to become the undisputed leader in crude and gas production.
• Perry urges collaboration among U.S., Canada and Mexico on energy. Energy Secretary Rick Perry said U.S. officials and their counterparts in Canada and Mexico must collaborate to speed the development of the continent’s vast energy resources and remove regulatory roadblocks to cross-border energy infrastructure projects.
• Northumberland County portion of Atlantic Sunrise pipeline begins. The first work in Northumberland County for the Atlantic Sunrise pipeline project is underway. The 42-inch pipeline will run from Columbia County across approximately 10 miles of Northumberland County south into Schuylkill County.
• Natural gas tax comes up for debate in Pa. House. Legislation to impose a tax on Marcellus Shale natural gas production is getting closer to a vote in Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives, although the long-sought tax faces hurdles in the nation’s No. 2 gas state.

The Stream: What’s in the pipeline

Coming up in December, we’ll explore programs that make it more affordable to heat your home this winter. We’ll also identify some trends to look for in the energy industry as we head into the new year.

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