Nearly 250 national leaders in energy, business, academia and government gathered in Southpointe, Washington County Thursday for the fifth annual Penn State Natural Gas Utilization Conference.

This one-of-a-kind, two-day summit on natural gas use is being presented by America’s Natural Gas Alliance, Penn State Extension, Penn State Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research, and Ben Franklin Shale Gas Innovation & Commercialization Center.

“America’s natural gas supply offers countless economic opportunities for the country, especially in the mid-Atlantic and northeast,” explains ANGA Regional Director Paul Hartman. “However, we need the energy infrastructure in place to take full advantage of low, local natural gas prices.”

Hartman continues, “Despite its proximity to Appalachian shale gas, a recent study concluded that New England’s natural gas and electricity prices are among the highest in the U.S. In fact, failing to expand the region’s infrastructure will cost the region $5.4 billion in higher energy costs. Focusing on regions – such as New England -- and local industries where abundant natural gas supplies can meet growing demand is what makes this annual conference so important.”

The Natural Gas Utilization Conference is addressing a wide range of natural gas topics. Experts will discuss the economic and environmental benefits of natural gas use, as well as opportunities to deliver natural gas to more communities — both domestically and abroad.

Dominating this year’s discussion are issues affecting the transportation of natural gas and the impact infrastructure development is having on expanded natural gas use.

Attendees heard overviews of existing and proposed pipeline projects, natural gas export analyses, updates on policies surrounding the role of natural gas in power generation and natural gas adoption trends.

“Recent exchanges with Argentina, Canada and Europe have given me a clear view of the huge amount of attention the world is paying to the Marcellus, Utica, Devonian and other northeast shale formations,” says Tom Murphy, director of MCOR. “We’re pleased to have a large, diverse audience at this conference to build new relationships and foster new ideas on how tomorrow’s economy can be fueled in part by Appalachian and American natural gas.”

“America has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to become the world’s strongest economy, thanks to robust shale reserves,” adds Bill Hall, director of SGICC. “New pipelines can be built safely, and if we do so in timely fashion, countless industries, government facilities, schools and nonprofits will benefit from low cost natural gas. Gas will fuel their energy needs and ease the burden on their operating costs.”

For more information, visit the 2015 Penn State Natural Gas Utilization website.

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11/2/2015