Thursday the Keystone Energy Forum, in partnership with PennAg Industries Association & the Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania held its second “Agricultural Forum” focusing on natural gas development and its interaction with Pennsylvania's agricultural community.

The forum allowed numerous agricultural groups and natural gas industry leaders to engage in discussions that will help both industries better coexist.

“Pennsylvania is well positioned to lead the nation’s energy revolution, which is creating thousands of jobs and lessening our dependence on foreign energy.  Gov. Corbett is committed to making sure the development of our natural resources is done safely and responsibly. Working with the agriculture community, we were able to come together today to further the discussion on responsible natural gas development, listen to the issues affecting the agriculture community, and help chart a path forward," said Patrick Henderson, Energy Executive, Office of Gov. Corbett.

The Keystone Energy Agriculture Forum took place in Harrisburg in conjunction with the 2013 Pennsylvania Farm Show. The forum included two panel discussions focusing on natural gas development on and near agricultural lands and a review of mid-stream (pipeline) operations across Pennsylvania.

"MarkWest Energy Partners was proud to be a partner in the Keystone Energy Forum collaboration between the agriculture community and energy industry. With our background as a leading midstream company in the Appalachian region, MarkWest is well situated to bring a  better understanding of how the energy industry transports natural gas from point A to point B. Today's forum provided a good opportunity to discuss issues of importance to the agriculture community as we strive to work together," said David Callahan, Vice President of Government Affairs, MarkWest Energy Partners.  

Thursday's program is part of an ongoing series of forums hosted by the Keystone Energy Forum in concert with coalition groups from across Pennsylvania. In 2011 and 2012, the Keystone Energy Forum hosted educational forums on Housing, Outdoor Life , Economic Development and Pennsylvania's Energy Portfolio.

"PennAg Industries Association continues to look forward to working with the Keystone Energy Forum and the natural gas industry. This cooperation, as seen at today's forum, allows for a better understanding of both the energy and agriculture community as they grow, change and work together in the coming years," said Chris Herr, Executive Vice President of PennAg Industries Association.

The Keystone Energy Forum is focused on educating the public on energy production in Pennsylvania. It serves as a resource for making local opinions count. The forum will be available to Pennsylvanians as a venue to help create balanced energy policies.

Visit the Keystone Energy Forum website to participate in the forum and for facts on the Marcellus and Utica Shale, hydraulic fracturing and other Pennsylvania and national energy issues.

1/14/2013