The statewide benefits of Marcellus Shale development and the unprecedented economic ripple effect in terms of downstream job creation were the focus of a House Republican Policy Committee hearing Wednesday co-chaired by Rep. Mark Mustio (R-Allegheny) held inside Nova Chemicals Corporation's first-floor auditorium in Pittsburgh.

"The expert testimony presented today proves once again that the economic benefits of Marcellus Shale production are far-reaching and not confined to any one specific region of the Commonwealth," said Rep. Mustio. "Just some of what we're talking about here is an ongoing annual statewide revenue stream in excess of $162.5 million, including $35 million to counties where Marcellus Shale development is already under way. This funding will go a long way toward restoring roads and preserving our natural resources—all of which has resulted in the creation of more than 238,000 family-sustaining jobs across the Commonwealth, or almost 2 percent of our state's population, since 2006."

This hearing is one of several the committee is holding statewide to look for additional ways the Commonwealth can attract and retain jobs to help strengthen both regional and state economies.

Among those offering testimony included: John Lucey, Heckman Water Resources; Chris Petrone, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 66; Jim Protin, Chester Engineers; and Joy Ruff, Marcellus Shale Coalition.

A recent report from the Susquehanna Valley Center for Public Policy revealed that Southwestern Pennsylvania was home to two of the top 10 counties experiencing Marcellus-related job growth in the nation during 2011—with employment increasing in Washington County and Butler County by 4.3 percent and 4.2 percent respectively.

This report also concluded that Marcellus Shale development in Pennsylvania has saved consumers millions in utility costs and provided more than $1.1 billion in tax revenues since 2006.

"The testimony provided during today's hearing confirms several economic principles," said Rep. Mustio. "Government's role in job creation is to establish an environment that attracts business. Perhaps, just as important, whether its Marcellus Shale or any other commodity that is in high demand, when government taxes one industry more than another you get less in terms of actual jobs created and ultimately, far less tax revenue to fund programs that benefit all Pennsylvanians."

The hearing can be viewed in its entirety on the House Republican Policy Committee website in the near future.

8/20/2012