Blog
When it comes to energy, there is good news on the horizon for Ohio. With improvements to the process of extracting oil and natural gas, Ohio has an opportunity to become a major player in the domestic energy game. That means more jobs for Ohioans and more domestic energy for all Americans, both significant positives. New employment would come from the industry itself, as well as in the industries providing the materials, supplies and services needed to meet the demands of expanding development. The Ohio steel industry and energy sector in particular would benefit greatly.
When it comes to energy, there is good news on the horizon for Ohio. With improvements to the process of extracting oil and natural gas, Ohio has an opportunity to become a major player in the domestic energy game.
An increase in shale development and natural gas production would, of course, come on top of our already massive supply of coal – which can now be burned more cleanly and efficiently than at any time in history. Several companies are looking at areas in northeast Ohio to tap into the Marcellus Shale formation, one of the largest natural gas reserves in the world.
That means more jobs for Ohioans and more domestic energy for all Americans, both significant positives. New employment would come from the industry itself, as well as in the industries providing the materials, supplies and services needed to meet the demands of expanding development. The Ohio steel industry and energy sector in particular would benefit greatly.
With shale development, Ohio can tackle two significant problems: high unemployment and lagging domestic energy production. The abundant, clean-burning fuel must play a key role in the “all-of-the-above” energy strategy I have advocated for since being elected. The new, less invasive techniques used to extract natural gas mean we have the ability access it without causing significant harm to our environment – something we can all agree we must avoid.
Unfortunately, the Environmental Protection Agency is working every day to put the brakes on our ability to access and use Ohio’s vast energy resources. One example of their anti-energy agenda is the proposed mercury rule. Independent groups estimate the new rule, will cost between $70-200 billion dollars annually. Those costs will result in higher energy prices for consumers and businesses, and less energy produced.
The current administration has more than 3,100 new regulations in the works, with almost 170 of them expected to have a $100 million or greater negative impact on the economy. Over 45,000 pages of new regulations were added to the books last year. Far too many of those were aimed at the energy sector.
That being said, it is important for me to make sure the public has as much information as possible about how energy production in Ohio will affect them. That is why I will be hosting an energy forum and community discussion at Walsh University on the evening of May 23. It will bring together a diverse group of experts to speak with the community about what is occurring now and what will happen in the future in northeast Ohio on the energy front.
The forum will focus on key aspects of energy development, such as the economic impact and job creation, environmental issues, leasing and landowner issues, and the geology and development of the Utica Shale formation. Attendees will also have an opportunity to voice their opinions and ask the panel specific questions.
We can develop our bountiful natural resources in Ohio. And thanks to technological advancements we can do it in a way that protects our environment. I have always believed Ohio and America’s best days are ahead of us. Thanks to cheap, reliable domestic energy tomorrow will be that much brighter.
Rep. Renacci is serving his first term in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he is a member of the Financial Services Committee. Prior to his election he worked as a Certified Public Accountant in the health care industry, and owned and operated over 60 other businesses in the automotive and sports management fields.
As one of the world’s largest providers of products and services to the energy industry, Halliburton plans to bring about 300 jobs to our area over the next three years. While that provides an incredible and positive impact for our community, it goes beyond just jobs. Governor Kasich was correct in making this distinction at the groundbreaking ceremony– it’s not 300 jobs, it’s 300 families. This is 300 more families with a promising future in Southeastern Ohio. This is the effect of what the Utica Shale has begun to offer.
Halliburton’s recent groundbreaking in Zanesville marks the third Fortune 500 company to locate in the EastPointe Business Park. In fact, since the start of April, over 100 Ohioans have been hired for good, well-paying jobs ranging from engineers to mechanics to administrators.
As one of the world’s largest providers of products and services to the energy industry, Halliburton plans to bring about 300 jobs to our area over the next three years. While that provides an incredible and positive impact for our community, it goes beyond just jobs. Governor Kasich was correct in making this distinction at the groundbreaking ceremony– it’s not 300 jobs, it’s 300 families. This is 300 more families with a promising future insoutheastern Ohio. This is the effect of what the Utica Shale has begun to offer.
To fully understand the economic potential of shale development in Ohio, we only need to turn to a series of recent reports illustrating the economic impact of shale development in Pennsylvania. Reports from our neighboring state found that in 2010 alone, natural gas development generated $11.2 billion in economic development benefits, contributed $1.1 billion in state and local tax revenues and supported nearly 140,000 jobs.
As the development of our state’s shale reserves expands, our region is active in taking full advantage of our own natural resources. We’re seeing companies come in with significant investments to our infrastructure and expanding employment opportunities for our young people. The Columbus Dispatch recently estimated that 65,000 jobs will be added tosoutheastern Ohio by 2014. This is very exciting news for our region.
I’m proud to see that this investment is not just being overseen by companies relocating to our region. Zanesville’s own Producer Services Corporation is also expanding their company by adding equipment, crew and even space for a new fabrication shop to take full advantage of the increased development.
In addition to the obvious economic growth that energy exploration will bring, the secondary benefits are indisputable as well. From our trucking industry and construction companies to our restaurants, hotels and other small business, the demand for local goods and services will certainly expand greatly.
Recognizing the opportunity that shale brings, we can also see the rising potential for education in our area. Our local educators are leading the charge in workforce development. Zane State College recently celebrated the first graduating class from their new Oil and Gas Program. Places like Zane State, Marietta College, and Ohio University have all made concerted efforts to provide research and worker training that will help the industry flourish in Ohio.
Halliburton’s groundbreaking is the first of many announcements that will bring new hope for the economic development of Southeastern Ohio. As your State Senator, I will continue to work with this industry and our local officials to ensure that our friends and neighbors see the full benefits of the great potential beneath their feet.
State Senator Troy Balderson represents the 20th Senate District of Ohio, which is made up of Athens, Coshocton, Guernsey, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Muskingum, Noble, and Washington Counties
The Ohio Chamber of Commerce held their Annual Chamber Day in Columbus this week bringing together members and supporters of the Chamber at the Southern Theater. The attendees got a closer look at what natural gas development means to one of the largest leaseholders in the Utica Shale.
John Walker, President and CEO of EnerVest was the Keynote Speaker for the event and offered some insight on Utica Shale development.EnerVest began operations in 1992 in Houston Texas. Since then the company has continued to grow and produce oil and natural gas through out the country. EnerVest operates over 20,000 wells in 12 states with reserves of over 4 trillion cubic feet. Now EnerVest has set its sights on Ohio and the development of the Utica Shale.
While some companies have recently entered Ohio, EnerVest is currently the largest producer of oil and natural gas in the Buckeye State. In fact, the company accounts for nearly 25% of Ohio’s oil and natural gas production. Of course Enervest also has its eyes on the future. That is what led them into a joint venture with Chesapeake Energy which developed the single largest producing well in Ohio, the Buell Well. This development will continue and EnerVest’s presence, and importance, in Ohio will continue to grow.
In his remarks, Mr. Walker covered a wide variety of subjects from manufacturing to job creation. In regards to manufacturing, Mr. Walker sees Utica Shale development as a catalyst in bringing companies back to Ohio. He noted that Ohio, and the United States, had seen a continuing decline of natural gas since the 1970’s, a critical component of manufacturing. With new shale development occurring across the United States, and the cost advantages and abundant feed stocks it brings, manufacturers are returning to Ohio and are bringing plenty of jobs and opportunities with them.
If we look at the 1970’s it is when oil came into peak production and gas came into peak production. For the next 30 years oil and gas production declined and we imported much more expensive fuels in this country. And I think that reason is why we lost our manufacturing base is that we went from being a low cost producer of fuels to having very high cost energy. And I don’t think there is a state that its any more important to than Ohio, for not only has America lost its manufacturing base but Ohio has lost a lot of its manufacturing base. And I do think that we are probably in what I would term the new industrial revolution with now having the lowest cost natural gas and the lowest cost natural gas liquids in every place in the world minus the Middle East. -John Walker
Although we are in the beginning of what Mr. Walker describes as a new industrial revolution, we have already seen investment and job creation that Ohio has not seen in years. Mr. Walker touched on those investments that helped the crowd understand the gravity of this upcoming development.
During a recent drive near Canton, where EnerVest is headquartered, Mr. Walker remembered all of the tire plants that used to be in the area. Unfortunately, they are now all dormant. His hopes are Utica Shale development can help fill that void that has plagued Stark County and many other areas in Eastern Ohio.
Seeing those former tire factories with no smoke coming out of them is a real tragedy. But the thought is that we can put a lot of those workers back to work. -John Walker
Mr. Walker ran through a few of the significant announcements that have been made in Ohio over the past year. 350 jobs at Halliburton, 300 jobs at Ariel Corporation, 350 jobs at V&M Star, 160 jobs at US Steel, 120 jobs at TMK IPSCO, 145 jobs at Tremcar, 250 at jobs Schlumberger, 200 jobs at MAC LTT and 700 with Baker Hughes. The list goes on of course.
With thousands of jobs already created those in attendance could easily recognize the benefit Utica Shale development is bringing to Ohio. Whether is is lower energy costs, increased sales from a better economy or possibly lower feedstock to manufacture their products, Utica Shale has a lot to offer Ohio businesses and its residents.
With new oil and gas related programs opening across the state, there is no doubt that schools across Ohio have taken notice of the incredible potential of Ohio’s Utica Shale development, and The Ohio State University is no exception.
With new oil and gas related programs opening across the state, there is no doubt that schools across Ohio have taken notice of the incredible potential of Ohio’s Utica Shale development, and The Ohio State University is no exception.
Energy in Depth – Ohio recently visited OSU to attend a meeting of the Buckeye Shale Energy Organization (BSEO). Comprised of students in engineering and geology, the group is led by Dr. Jeff Daniels of OSU’s School of Earth Sciences. The group aims to educate interested students on the vast opportunities shale development offers and to connect dedicated students with interested employers. At the meeting, Professor Daniels explained that the group also promotes the incredible potential that lies in the Utica’s resources, as well as the safe practices used by oil and gas developers to extract those resources.
EID-Ohio had a chance to talk to the BSEO’s President, Vince Melillo. The fourth-year engineering student and Youngstown native spoke on the goals and objectives for the organization. He stated the group planned to learn about events surrounding the industry, become immersed in the energy companies involved in the Utica, and build a stronger and larger group to gain recognition in their efforts. By getting their group noticed, they hope to draw recruiting companies to OSU and get a shot at the jobs that are revitalizing Ohio. He said they are planning a networking event in the fall and beginning to compile a list of companies they would like to get in contact with (stay tuned!).
The group recognizes the opportunities the expanding development of our energy resources has for growing our workforce and providing Ohioans the opportunity to gain good work in Ohio. This has not been the case for awhile, particularly for our young workforce. The option to stay in state, gainfully employed, is something very attractive to these students.
Coming from the Youngstown, Ohio, kind of ‘Rust Belt’ area … I always felt growing up that you had to make a decision between whether you wanted to stay with your friends and family, kind of around home, or if you wanted to be successful, you would have to go out and leave and go somewhere else … I saw a great opportunity right away that I could actually be a part of something near my hometown that I could have some pride in—Vince Melillo
Another student hoping to reap the benefits of this growing industry is Mike Murphy, a geology graduate student and president of the student chapter of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. He believes his prospects look very good because of shale development, and as he shares below, he is already seeing employment opportunities here at home.
Thursday’s meeting also brought in Pete MacKenzie, a geologist serving as the Vice President of Operations at the Ohio Oil & Gas Association. In providing guidance and aim to the students looking to gain knowledge of the industry, MacKenzie outlined the history and prospects of shale development. His presentation was encouraging to the students as it showed the excellent employment outlook coming to Eastern Ohio – thanks to development of the Utica Shale.
They’re exploring the opportunities of the shale in Ohio. From their perspective, for getting jobs—Pete MacKenzie
Students regularly hear how difficult it will be to obtain employment after graduation, but the long term potential of Ohio’s Utica Shale development has put the students in BSEO at ease. They have established a group that will help them take part in the exciting revitalization of Ohio, and find opportunities in the state they call home.
As the company has rapidly expanded operations here in the heartland, so too have they expanded job opportunities for Ohioans across the state. Working with local universities, the group has sought out and employed local prospects from Northeast Ohio to grow their business. If there is one thing Ohio has no shortage of, it’s hard working folks looking for greater opportunity, and they are finding that at Purple Land Management.
In the heart of Ohio’s Utica Shale lays Canton— a city dubbed “The Utica Capital” by Mayor William Healy. The Mayor has done everything he can to promote the City of Canton and encourage the energy industry to make his city their home.
Back in April, the city hosted the Oil & Gas Business Development Seminar, designed to educate the local business community about oil and natural gas development. At the event, Mayor Healy emphasized that Canton is ready to embrace the industry – and the city has certainly followed suit. Companies like Timken and Chesapeake Energy have accepted the invitation and are providing a pivotal role in the city’s economic revival. Recently, the Timken Company broke ground on their $225 million dollar expansion at the Faircrest steel mill right down the road in Perry Township.
Recently, EID-Ohio met with another newcomer to Canton, Purple Land Management. PLM is a lease acquisition, project management and title firm. Founded by Jesse Hejny and Bryan Cortney in Fort Worth, Texas, the young company took notice of the incredible potential of Ohio’s energy resources and headed north to open their new regional headquarters in Canton.
As the company has rapidly expanded operations here in the heartland, they have helped expand job opportunities for Ohioans across the state. Working with local universities, the group has sought out and employed local prospects from northeast Ohio to grow their business. If there is one thing Ohio has no shortage of, it’s hard working folks looking for greater opportunity, and they are finding that at Purple Land Management.
Energy in Depth – Ohio sat down with President and Co-Founder Jesse Henjy and some of the company’s local staff. Lucky for us, they were happy to share their experiences of newfound opportunities discovered at Purple Land Management and brought about by the increasing development of Ohio’s Utica Shale.
Nathan McIntyre, originally from New Philadelphia, has “been around here [his] entire life”. He specializes in computer and GIS based mapping, which he says didn’t provide many opportunities in Ohio…until now. He explains that the growing energy industry has transformed the area and provided many new opportunities, not only for him, but the region as a whole.
With your big employers like Timken and now Chesapeake moving in, I mean, it’s an entirely different world—Nathan McIntyre.
Another New Philadelphia native, Ashley Castille discussed how Canton has now become a hub or center of development thanks to the Utica Shale.
I know that in terms of local economy, a lot of local businesses have been impacted positively—Ashley Castille
Troy Tice, a Salem native and Bowling Green State University graduate, shares how he believes he has been able to connect with the community by working for an industry that can help so many.
I know a lot of the people where I work, and I feel like I’m actually helping my friends and family—Troy Tice
With the community and it’s workforce getting a first hand look at the positive impact of shale development, it seems it will only be a matter of time until more companies look to make Canton their home, and join in the effort to put Ohioans back to work.
Last night in Zanesville,the United Way of Muskingum, Perry and Morgan Counties sponsored an open forum to discuss the ongoing development of the Utica Shale here in Ohio. Joining Energy in Depth-Ohio for the panel were State Senator Troy Balderson (R-20) and Zanesville – Muskingum County Port Authority Executive Director Mike Jacoby.
This week in Zanesville,the United Way of Muskingum, Perry and Morgan Counties sponsored an open forum to discuss the ongoing development of the Utica Shale here in Ohio. Energy in Depth-Ohio took part in a panel discussion for this event alongside State Senator Troy Balderson (R-20) and Zanesville – Muskingum County Port Authority Executive Director Mike Jacoby. The overwhelming number of citizens in attendance, 57 out of 63, supported natural gas development.
Ohioans, no matter what their zip code is, are seeking education about energy and natural resources development and as they learn more support for natural gas development is growing.
This is an Ohio issue for all Ohioans and it seems as though most Buckeye State residents are lining up to support this transformational opportunity underneath our feet. We are embracing sustainability by producing energy here in Ohio.
After the event, Energy in Depth – Ohio sat down with the event organizer and the other two panelist to talk about the event and the issues that were raised.
Ms. Amy Davis, Community Impact Coordinator, United Way of Muskingum, Perry and Morgan Counties
We know there is a lot of misinformation out there so we wanted to provide the facts. – Amy Davis
Mr. Mike Jacoby, Executive Director, Zanesville-Muskingum County Port Authority:
These companies are really bringing a sense of optimism to our committee. – Mike Jacoby
State Senator Troy Balderson
It was an honor for me to be here tonight and I consider it a very successful evening. – Sen. Troy Balderson
It was a very successful evening, and Energy in Depth – Ohio looks forward to continuing the ongoing conversation on Ohio’s natural resources with the fine folks of Muskingum County.
Over 500 attended Congressman Johnson’s job fair Monday, some leaving with jobs and others receiving a prime opportunity to put their best foot forward (along with their resumes) in front of prospective employers. Thankfully, Utica Shale development has helped drive the need for new employment, directly or indirectly, for the job seekers in the area.
Yesterday, Congressman Bill Johnson hosted the 2012 Eastern Ohio Job Fair at the East Liverpool Motor Lodge. The event attracted over 70 vendors with just over 500 participants hoping to take advantage of the employment opportunities these companies offered. Among those present were local staples ranging from Avon to Walmart, but those companies tied to the development of the Utica Shale held the strongest presence. Companies like Chesapeake Energy, MarkWest and V&M Star all had booths talking with interested candidates about employment opportunities.
But as we have seen, shale development trickles down to benefit many other groups and businesses. Manufacturers and Unions both had booths looking to hire new candidates. The Operating Engineers Local 18 as well as the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 396 were looking to recruit new trainees to help them with the increase in business. BuTech Bliss and the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition were actively looking for qualified workers to help them handle the increased workload shale development has offered them.
These companies and unions are looking to help fill some of the estimated 204,520 jobs that will be created from shale development by 2015. Luckily, Congressman Johnson saw this development as a chance for his constituents to benefit. Although eastern Ohio has a long history of high unemployment, we have in the Utica the true potential to become an importer of opportunity rather than an exporter of jobs.
MarkWest Energy Partners was looking to fill positions for their recently announced Ohio operations. The company is in the process of building gathering lines in Guernsey, Belmont and Harrison counties. In addition to gathering lines, they are constructing processing plants in both Noble and Harrison Counties that will employ hundreds of Ohio workers.
Anne Wheeler, Human Resources Manager with MarkWest, was on hand to encourage folks to apply for positions at www.MarkWest.com/Careers.
We are here in Ohio today at the job fair today looking for people to be able to talk with them about positions we are going to have coming open at our newly announce Cadiz Ohio office. It’s a little bit south of here. Harrison County has been very welcoming. We are very excited to be building our plant in the Cadiz area. – Anna Wheeler
Many of Ohio’s businesses are beginning to recognize the importance of Utica Shale development as well. In the Mahoning Valley, manufacturing had always played a huge role in offering good-paying jobs to their employees. With steel seeing resurgence, many manufacturers are supplying these large facilities with the equipment and parts needed to run their mills.
Jessica Borza, Executive Director of the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition, sees Utica development as a great opportunity for the 30 companies they represent in the Mahoning, Columbiana and Trumbull Counties.
Some of our manufacturers have already benefited from business in the oil and gas industry and others are becoming positioned to do business with the oil and gas industry. – Jessica Borza
One of the coalition’s members, BuTech Bliss, also had a booth at the event. Chuck Jackson, vice president of operations, sees not only the uptick in shale development bringing a need to add new employees, but also the impact of retiring baby boomers on the current workforce. The company, based in Lisbon, manufactures many of the rollers needed in steel production. But Butech Bliss doesn’t just want to supply heavy equipment and rollers to steel mills; they are looking to see how their business can work directly with shale developers and producers.
We’re a builder of heavy equipment for the metals industry. We make all types of machinery. We build extrusion presses, rolling mill equipment and coil processing equipment. We also do job shop work. We are very busy. We do a lot of foreign work as well as domestic and we are currently hiring. We are looking for welders and machinists. -Chuck Jackson
Trade unions had a strong presence at the event, and were looking to recruit qualified workers to fill some of their open jobs thanks to the expanding development of the Utica Shale. Operating Engineers Local 18 and the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 396 are but two of these groups directly benefiting from employment opportunities directly linked to this development.
Local 396 has been quite busy of late, working with Ohio’s steel mills to provide the necessary pipes and fittings for oil and gas production. And the opportunities for employment don’t end at the steel mills – the group is also looking at the upcoming processing plants and pipeline construction operations to keep them busy in the years to come.
This has been a big shot in the arm with the amount of work that already started just with the need of the industry in our valley. We’re doing a big project in the Mahoning County now that has roughly 300 plumber pipefitters on it and we’re looking to continue our work efforts with some of the process work that is going to be developing in the oil and gas exploration field. -Tim Callion
Over 500 attended Congressman Johnson’s job fair Monday, some leaving with jobs and others receiving a prime opportunity to put their best foot forward (along with their resumes) in front of prospective employers. Thankfully, Utica Shale development has helped drive the need for new employment, directly or indirectly, for the job seekers in the area.
Too often these days, it seems those with the least education are doing the most educating. This is a dynamic we are fighting to change.
Ohio’s oil and gas industry is experiencing significant growth. With increased activity, and increased attention on the development of the Utica Shale, more and more people are showing interest in what is rapidly becoming one of our state’s premiere industries. As the excitement continues to build around the incredible potential our shale deposits bring, so too does the curiosity towards the various aspects of oil and gas production and development.
Many Ohioans aren’t familiar with the state’s long tradition of oil and gas development. In fact, most Ohioans aren’t aware that we’ve been one of the nation’s leaders in energy development far longer than Texas or Oklahoma. Ohio has a rich history in producing oil and gas, and it’s becoming more and more evident we have a bright future as well, thanks to development of the Utica Shale.
With the steady increase in attention towards Ohio’s Utica Shale and it’s great potential for our state, there is a coinciding increase in the volume of the conversations taking place across the state regarding this homegrown energy source. Unfortunately, some of the “loudest” conversations are those wrought with misinformation and factually inaccurate statements.
This is a complicated, technical industry, with complicated, technical processes utilized to extract our natural resources.
Many of those who stand in opposition to the safe, responsible extraction of oil and natural gas have done themselves and their neighbors a disservice in vain attempts to over-simplify the process, instead deciding to lump any and everything oil and gas related under one umbrella term. Confusion of facts and a lack of understanding has generated more confusion, unwarranted concerns and polluted the public conversation on oil and natural gas development, and the great, positive impact it is having on our state.
People all across Ohio have questions and concerns, and are entitled to the facts when it comes to the natural gas industry and it’s practices. Education is the key to our success in our efforts to move Ohio forward together as a leader in energy production and economic growth.
It’s incumbent upon those of us working in the industry to share the history, inform others of the robust regulatory framework in Ohio, and provide factual information on the best practices used in oil and gas development. We are obligated to share this with our friends, neighbors and citizens of the state. We must discuss frankly the “hot” topics such as hydraulic fracturing, injection wells and wastewater disposal, and provide our experience, facts and expertise in these subjects.
Many individuals who work in the industry, just like many other small business owners across the state, are working hard to run their businesses. At the same time, oil and gas producers are in a public perception battle across the United States. For too long, we have allowed people, many from far outside the Ohio border, to tell our story for us even it if may be filled with misinformation.
Too often these days, it seems those with the least education are doing the most educating. This is a dynamic we are fighting to change.
The Ohio Oil and Gas Association (OOGA), the Ohio Oil and Gas Energy Education Program (OOGEEP), the American Petroleum Institute (API), the Ohio Petroleum Council (OPC), the Buckeye Energy Forum and Energy In Depth Ohio (EID-Ohio) comprise the Ohio Energy Resource Alliance (OERA), a working body designed to provide the citizens of Ohio with information about the oil and natural gas industry using science and facts.
Over the coming weeks and months (as long as it takes) OOGA and other members of OERA, including EID Ohio, will be working to share with the public – through town hall meetings, educational forums and any number of other events – the facts on Ohio’s oil and gas industry. We look to discuss our state’s energy producers and players, and the environmental protections and great measures put in place to ensure we are responsible stewards of our natural resources.
Ohio is at a precipice, we can allow further development of an industry that has been safely operating in Ohio for over 150 years, or we can allow fear mongering to overrun what science and fact tells us are safe industry practices.
Our purpose is not to extol blind faith, but provide hard facts. We don’t expect citizens to just believe us; we also give them resources by which to find information to further educate themselves. Again, education is the key, and we must all do our part to both educate, and be educated.
Hi, I'm Anne Carto and I am the newest member of the EID-Ohio team. Needless to say I am very excited to be joining the team and all the good work they are doing discussing ongoing oil and gas development in the Buckeye State!
Hi, I’m Anne Carto and I am the newest member of the EID-Ohio team. Needless to say I am very excited to be joining the team and all the good work they are doing discussing ongoing oil and gas development in the Buckeye State!
A little about me. I am a recent graduate of Ohio University, where I earned a degree in political science. Since then, I have had the opportunity to participate in government of all levels which allowed me to build relationships, in both the public and private sectors, which I hope will prove helpful in getting the facts out on what responsible resource development can do in and for Ohio.
I grew up in Mansfield, and with EID, that’s where I’ll be based once again. As a lifelong resident of “small town” Ohio, I beneift from a ground-level view of the challenges that communities like mine face on a daily basis. Indeed, for far too long, our communities — the backbone of our state – have struggled. But this is now changing thanks to the safe, and proven, development of our homegrown energy resources from the Utica — as well as other formations that we’ve been producing from for years. Thanks to these opportunities, our state’s communities have the ability to change their economic fortunes which is already helping to improve our quality of life.
These opportunities could not come at a better time, as many of our communities are in dire need of revitalization.
In the ongoing conversation of domestic and homegrown energy production, it is important the public learns the history and the facts of Ohio’s time-tested and proven energy production methods.
The facts are on our side. I am excited to make sure Ohio’s residents understand the direct and positive impact this development can have – and is having – in bringing jobs to a state once plagued with stagnant unemployment.
That’s what attracted me to EID: The incredible opportunity to engage with Ohio’s citizens about the real positive impacts of continued energy development here close to home and how it can improve our communities and our future. I look forward to working with many new people in the months to come, and share in the numerous success stories happening around our great state.
With all this in mind, I’m excited and ready to help lead the conversation on the positive opportunities shale development provides Ohio’s workforce, communities and families.
This is an exciting time in Ohio’s history, one that will see our state emerge as a leader in energy production and job creation. I couldn’t be happier to be a part of this, and in turn am eager to do my part to ensure Ohio’s and climb back to prosperity.
This week The Hill sponsored the Ohio Energy Jobs Summit, highlighting the positive impact shale development is having on Ohio's economy. Governor John Kasich joined leaders in the state legislature as well as those in industries benefitting from expanded development of the Utica Shale.
On Wednesday, The Hill hosted the Ohio Energy Jobs Summit at the Sheraton in downtown Columbus, Ohio. Attendees were provided perspective on the incredible potential Utica Shale development is bringing to Ohio.
In his speech, Jack Gerard, American Petroleum Institute President and CEO, epitomized the sentiment of Ohio’s business and industry leaders:
We are at the forefront of an American revolution that has not been seen since the tech boom in the 1990’s.
This sentiment is not lost on the many sectors in Ohio’s economy already taking part in this economic “revolution”. With the resurgence of steel, manufacturing, and downstream jobs needed to develop these important resources. In fact, this development is beginning to help Ohio communities see the light at the end of the tunnel from a recession that has plagued the state for nearly a decade.
Representing the Steel industry at the event were Doug Matthews, vice president of U.S. Steel‘s Tubular Operations, and Tim Timken, CEO of Timken Co. Both had very insightful and positive comments on what shale development has meant to their companies. The Timken Co., an Ohio based company in Stark County, has seen incredible expansion from oil and natural gas development, just breaking ground on a new $225 Million expansion of their Fairview plant.
Mr. Mathews has noticed the benefits in not only increase in demand for the production of tubular steel, but the positive impacts of low natural gas prices brought forth by shale production as well. Like many industries, US Steel was in a difficult financial position as recently as 2008. But in late 2009-2010 increased shale development began to help get the company back on track. Now they are expanding and taking full advantage of the opportunities shale development has offered:
Really what’s happened over the past 6-7 years as the shales have developed, we had a pretty good economy for a period in 2008. There was a pretty robust rig count that was occurring out there and then we had the economic crisis of late 2008-2009 so a pretty substantial impact on manufacturing and the whole economy in general. And then we started to see the rig count improve over time. And really what was emerging and really transforming at that time was really a complete change in the types of drilling that was occurring. It was the emergence of shale. -Doug Matthews
The manufacturing sector is realizing the potential, so are the members of Ohio’s legislature. During a panel discussion featuring Senate President Tom Niehaus, Speaker of the House Bill Batchelder, Chairman of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee Dave Hall, and Senator Lou Gentile, there was not a single panelist who did not acknowledge the incredible opportunities, including expansive job creation, the state stands to gain from the development of our homegrown energy resources.
Senate President Tom Niehaus’s, who has been working on oil and gas issues for his 12 years in the legislature, said his greatest disappointment is that his house is not above Ohio’s Utica Shale play, that being said he understands this development will produce jobs, jobs that will last generations:
The exciting potential that exists for the industries that need this energy resource, whether its chemicals or manufacturing and the potential that exists for the renaissance for manufacturing, but not just in Eastern Ohio in Lou’s area but through out Ohio. When you look at the ripple effect and all of the companies that are benefiting, whether it’s the production of pipe or pumps, equipment that is just through out the state of Ohio so while the focus is on Eastern Ohio, some of the most dramatic changes are occurring in Eastern Ohio, all of us in Ohio will benefit. – Sen. Tom Niehaus
It was a great day of panel discussions talking about the most important topic in Ohio; Jobs. The development of the Utica Shale is proving to be the catalyst in rebuilding Ohio’s job market. Whether it is the chemical industry, manufacturing industry, equipment sales or hospitality, the expanding development of our natural resources in the Utica Shale is helping all industries in Ohio thrive.
