Governor Corbett touts Pennsylvania Energy Leadership
State of Energy Forum showcases Pennsylvania’s leadership
in energy production for America
Governor Tom Corbett touts Pennsylvania’s historic role as a leader on energy issues
Bill Stewart | 814.535.2023 | SEN35@aol.com
November 22, 2011
Hershey, PA – Today, government and energy sector leaders came together in Hershey, Pennsylvania to discuss and showcase Pennsylvania’s leadership position in energy production.
"Throughout its proud history, Pennsylvania has been a leader on energy issues," Governor Corbett said. "Each and every piece of our diverse energy portfolio has an important role to play in shaping the future of our nation's energy security, a future in which Pennsylvania will continue to lead."
Moderated by former Pennsylvania Congressman Phil English, the State of Energy Forum was the first of its kind in Pennsylvania to discuss the Commonwealth’s entire energy portfolio.
"This conference highlighted the emerging role that energy production and transmission is playing in Pennsylvania's changing economy, and how the state's reemergence as a key energy center and source of innovation is transforming its economic future and changing the direction of national energy policy,” said Former Congressman Phil English. “The presentations gave local officials, industry leaders, policy makers, and opinion shapers a unique opportunity to get ahead of the trends and focus on the challenges and spectacular opportunities that Pennsylvania is facing as it returns to the forefront of North America's energy renaissance."
Hosted by the Keystone Energy Forum, leaders from the oil and natural gas, wind, coal, solar and nuclear energy sectors showcased their segment of Pennsylvania’s energy portfolio.
“Pennsylvania is undergoing a second energy boom by unleashing the natural gas trapped underneath our feet in the Marcellus Shale formation,” said Jack Gerard, API president and CEO. “We have only just begun to tap into the potential of the responsible development of shale energy and the opportunity has already created enormous economic growth and job creation in Pennsylvania and throughout America.”
“Pennsylvania’s abundant resources have made us one of America’s energy leaders, and wind power is a vital part of that mix,” said David Rosenberg, Gamesa’s Director of Marketing, North America. “With two manufacturing plants and multiple offices in Pennsylvania, including our North American headquarters, Gamesa is spearheading the next generation of clean energy development. We believe wind energy will continue to play a key role in creating stronger, more sustainable economies for both Pennsylvania and the nation.”
“Coal is the major fuel of choice for electricity,” said George Ellis, Pennsylvania Coal Association President. “Almost 45 percent of the United States’ electricity is generated by coal and coal accounted for 48 percent of the total amount of electricity produced in Pennsylvania in 2010. Indeed, Pennsylvania’s reliance on coal-fired electricity has made the Commonwealth the largest net exporter of electricity among the states.”
“Nine out of ten Americans believe that it is important for the United States to develop and use solar energy,” said Katie Bolcar, Director, Solar Alliance-Mid Atlantic Region. “ Solar is a small but fast growing segment of the energy industry in Pennsylvania and has created thousands of well-paying local jobs."
"As Governor Corbett often notes, one of Pennsylvania's strengths is its diverse portfolio of energy resources,” stated Patrick Henderson, Pennsylvania Energy Executive. “Today's forum highlighted how this diversity is working to improve our Commonwealth's economic growth and enhance our quality of life,” concluded Henderson.
The Keystone Energy Forum is an education and outreach program designed to be a fact based informational resource on Marcellus Shale exploration and development in Pennsylvania. The Keystone Energy Forum can be found online at www.keystoneenergyforum.com .
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Tri-County Oil and Gas Expo, May 18th
Join the Keystone Energy Forum at the Tri-County Oil and Gas Expo of Fayette, Greene and Washington Counties on 19th at the Washington County Fairgrounds.
