Stream themes: Shell ethane cracker, biosecurity and more October news highlights

Joe Massaro

The Stream Themes: Natural gas updates for October.

Dennis Yablonsky was on hand when the mid-Atlantic natural gas phenomenon began. Now, he ends his career with the Marcellus Shale’s biggest acquisition yet: the Shell Chemicals ethane cracker plant in Beaver County.

The $6 billion infusion into the western Pennsylvania economy — a harbinger of a manufacturing resurgence — was one of several topics Yablonsky, former CEO of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, discussed with The Stream in October.

“The more we use our natural gas in the region, the more of the economic value we gain from it versus shipping it all out of here,” Yablonsky said.

Now streaming: October energy updates from The Stream Team

Here are three more of our top stories from October:

New study explores how to maximize Pennsylvania’s energy economy

Pennsylvania’s future is natural gas, according to PA Forge the Future, an initiative and study by Peoples Natural Gas and Chevron Appalachia. The detailed study lays out a “road map of the region’s economic growth,” said Stacey Olson, Chevron Appalachia president.

The study found that Pennsylvania’s GDP could increase to $780 billion within a decade if the state worked on developmental strategies and overcame deep-rooted challenges.

Natural gas, agribusiness join forces for biosecurity

Biosecurity has become a paramount concern for the natural gas and agricultural industries, thanks in no small part to the pipeline boom. Improving biosecurity methods is dependent on the two industries collaborating. Sunoco Pipeline and PennAg Industries Association did just that when they teamed to develop a biosecurity and training module.

Celebrating the future of manufacturing in Pennsylvania and the U.S.

The Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development once reported that the manufacturing industry “is the foundation of Pennsylvania’s economy.” The commonwealth’s manufacturing industry is the eighth largest in the nation with an economic impact of $84 billion. The manufacturing resurgence was lauded by officials recognizing the Shell Chemicals cracker plant as playing a huge part in future developments.

Shale spotlight: Natural gas in the news

Here’s a look at key energy industry headlines from October.

The Stream: What’s in the pipeline

In the coming weeks, check back at The Stream for a story on how dogs are helping detect pipeline leaks, as well as an interview with Team Pennsylvania President and CEO Ryan Unger.

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Joe Massaro

Joe Massaro is based in Bravo Group's Pittsburgh office and has deep energy industry expertise. He previously served as the field director for a Pennsylvania-based oil and gas industry grassroots PR firm.

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