HARRISBURG — Republican Party of Pennsylvania Chairman Rob Gleason issued the following statement supporting the report released by Governor Corbett’s Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission:
“After more than three years of Democrat inaction, Governor Corbett and Lieutenant Governor Cawley have been proactive in their discussion of the issues surrounding Marcellus Shale natural gas. After over 20 public meetings, 60 expert presentations, 100 public presentations and numerous on-site visits to existing wells, the Commission created a comprehensive report that modernizes drilling policy, includes stronger regulations for drilling, tougher penalties for violators and a roadmap to utilize the power of the industry to enhance Pennsylvania’s energy independence and create jobs,” Chairman Gleason said.
“What’s most important is that from day one, meetings of the Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission have been open to the public, as Governor Corbett and Lieutenant Governor Cawley invited all Pennsylvanians to join the discussion on how best to develop one of the most important natural resources in our Commonwealth. Instead of shutting the industry behind closed doors, catering to the special interests and lawmakers who just want to get their hands on more money to spend, Governor Corbett and Lieutenant Governor Cawley have delivered on their promise to introduce transparency and accountability in government.
“As natural gas drilling continues to develop in the Commonwealth, I applaud Governor Corbett and Lieutenant Governor Cawley for their continued willingness to work with the Marcellus Shale industry to create jobs and enhance Pennsylvania’s energy independence.”
Read the Governor’s Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission full report here.
Marcellus Shale drilling creates 48,000, 71% of those hired were Pennsylvania residents.
Nearly 48,000 people have been hired in the last year by industries related to drilling in the Marcellus Shale, and 71 percent of those people were Pennsylvania residents. Nine thousand of them were hired in the first three months of 2011.
The average salary was higher than the statewide average.
And the rate of hiring is accelerating.
(Dilliand, Donald. “Marcellus Shale drilling creates 48,000 jobs, report says.” The Patriot News. Sunday, May 29, 2011.)
Marcellus Shale by the numbers:
- 9,000 New Marcellus Hires in first quarter of 2011 alone
- 94% Increase in Marcellus Employment
- $69,995 Average Marcellus Wages, which is more than $24,500 greater than the statewide average
- 48,000 New Marcellus Hires New Marcellus Hires (2009 Q4 to 2011 Q1)
- Northern Tier saw an increase of 1,109 employees from 2008 Q1 to 2010 Q3, for an increase of nearly 1300%.
- The Central Workforce Investment Area (WIA) was second in terms of employment growth by volume and percentage, increasing employment by more than 660%.
(Department of Labor and Industry, “Marcellus Shale Fast Facts.” July 9, 2011.)
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