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.

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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

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.

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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.

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