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Posts tagged "Ohio Governor John Kasich"

Natural Gas Vehicle Summit Helps Businesses, Municipalities Consider Transition to CNG

Thursday, October 11th, 2012 | 2 Comments

This week, Energy in Depth – Ohio visited Ohio State University for the Ohio Natural Gas Vehicle Summit. The event was put on by America’s Natural Gas Alliance (ANGA) in coordination with Governor John Kasich’s office and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.  The purpose of the summit was to bring together experts on energy and transportation to discuss strategies for increased use and manufacturing of natural gas vehicles.  At Governor Kasich’s energy summit last year, he explained the goal of expanding the use of NGVs because of their low emissions and lower cost of operating.  Yesterday’s summit aimed to aid in that goal.

A common theme among the event’s speakers was the timing of widespread transition to natural gas vehicles.  Many expressed that there have been several attempts over the past couple decades, but because of low natural gas prices due to shale development, now is the time. ANGA provided some statistics to the event’s guests that show the incredible benefits of natural gas.  According to a 2012 analysis by IHS Global Insight, the unconventional gas in Ohio is responsible for 31,462 total jobs in 2010 and that number is projected to increase to 81,349 by 2035.  It’s also responsible for $2.03 billion in total labor income in 2010 and projected to increase to $5.2 billion for Ohio workers by 2035.  The analysis also showed that between 2010 and 2015, the top 10 states producing unconventional natural gas, which includes Ohio, will experience a compound annual job growth of nearly 8%, while total U.S. employment is expected to grow at a significantly lower rate of 1.6% during the same period.

Jimmy Stewart, President of the Ohio Gas Association took a few minutes to chat with us about the state of natural gas prices and the benefits and obstacles of transitioning to compressed natural gas:

Well I actually have been driving a natural gas vehicle since February. There are a lot of benefits to it.  Obviously the fuel is much cheaper and in the handful of stations here in central Ohio, prices tend to range anywhere from about $1.80 a gallon equivalent to about $2.00 a gallon equivalent. The fuel burns a lot cleaner and the fuel is all from North America, almost exclusively from the United States, so there’s something to be said for that as well—Jimmy Stewart, President Ohio Gas Association (:21)

The day included numerous panels from the “Heavy and Light Duty Panel” and the “Vehicle Technology Panel” to the “CNG Fueling Infrastructure and Regulation Panel” and the “State Policy Takeaway Panel”.  Between panel discussions, the Keynote address was given by Todd Snitchler, Chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. In his speech, Snitchler said PUCO has pushed for increased use of NGVs through several avenues.  He said they’ve reached out to states to see what they’ve put in place and if they’ve used incentives and are reaching out to dealers of both heavy and light duty NGVs. Snitchler says municipalities and companies are ideal to make a switch to natural gas because they operate in fleets and use central fueling locations.  He also expressed the importance of making sure fueling stations are equally distributed around Ohio to encourage transitions.  Snitchler stepped out of the summit to chat with Energy in Depth:

This summit today is kind of the outcome of a lot of what we’ve learned in an effort to try to make sure that the industry partners who are already working in this space can further develop that relationship and also offer education about how we can get from here to where there is a greater adoption of natural gas vehicles going forward—Todd Snitchler, PUCO Chairman (:38)

Guests of the summit were also treated to an address by a surprise special guest: Ohio Governor John Kasich.  He encouraged business to consider making the switch to NGVs and said the state will help when they can.  Columbus Business First captured some of his remarks:

“The state can do what we can to jump-start this with vehicles in our fleets, but it’s going to be the business leaders. (They) have to show this is something they care about.—“Kasich: Businesses should embrace natural gas vehicles” (10/9/12)

Energy in Depth was able to catch some of Governor Kasich’s speech on video:

Frankly, we want laws in Ohio to be our greatest advocates, because they want their sons and daughters to have jobs. This whole industry is about jobs—Governor John Kasich (7:06)

Near the end of the day, the crowd perked up for the “Success Story Panel Discussion” featuring five groups that made a successful switch to CNG vehicles, plan to switch, or benefitted from those switching.  Chuck Diehl of Smith Dairy moderated the panel and explained how the company decided to transition some of its vehicles and open a fueling station to the public in Orrville.  First, they looked at it from an environmental standpoint. The leadership at Smith Dairy knew natural gas emissions were significantly lower than those from diesel.  Second, their economic findings encouraged them.  Third, they liked the idea of increased involvement with the community.  By opening a public fueling station, they were a positive presence in the area for something other than their excellent dairy products.  Another success story came from Kirt Conrad of the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority.  Not only did they convert their fleet to CNG, but they also had one of the first public fueling stations in Ohio.  The other success stories came from the Central Ohio Transit Authority, whom plans to have 30 CNG buses running in May 2013; the City of Hamilton, whom partnered with Clean Fuels Ohio to convert 4 city vehicles to CNG and open a station in 2013; and Ariel Corp whom is providing compressors to those making the transition, making the company the world’s largest manufacturer of compressors utilized by the energy industry.

The NGV Summit made it clear that Ohio is making strides in the use of natural gas vehicles.  Shale development has created steady, low natural gas prices, encouraging businesses, municipalities, public transits, and individuals to choose a vehicle that runs on cheaper and more environmentally friendly fuel.  I will be exciting to watch development over the coming years as Ohio takes the lead in this growing industry.

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Welcome to the Energy in Depth – Ohio Jobs Portal

Monday, August 6th, 2012 | 1 Comment

Today, Energy in Depth – Ohio is proud to announce the launch of Ohio’s first energy  jobs portal.

As many Ohioans continue to look for work during a challenging economy, this portal is Ohio’s energy-only jobs site focusing on opportunities supported by the Utica Shale. It is designed as a one-stop resource to help Ohioans and rewarding work in Ohio’s oil and natural gas industry. This site looks to take advantage of the great opportunities our geological gift affords by connecting job seekers with energy companies and vendors in the Ohio-Utica Shale supply chain. Rhonda Reda, Executive Director, of the Ohio Oil and Gas Energy Education Program, had the following to say about the jobs portal:

According to the Ohio Oil and Gas Energy Education Program, Ohio’s oil and gas industry – through the development of the Utica Shale – will create and support over 204,000 jobs through 2015. With this incredible potential, it is imperative now,  more than ever, that Ohioans need know that great careers exist right here in the Buckeye State. Energy In Depth Ohio is committed to ensuring Ohioans know about, and have access to, these great opportunities.

Shale development energy has the potential to create thousands of jobs for Ohioans. To capitalize on that opportunity we must ensure that our businesses have the tools to succeed and our citizens are prepared for the jobs they create. Ohio Shale Coalition salutes Energy in Depth Ohio for creating a comprehensive center on its website for Ohioan’s seeking employment opportunities related to shale developement energy. – It is another example of how Ohio is doing it right! – Linda Woggon, Ohio Chamber of Commerce and the Ohio Shale Coalition.

Stable jobs, good pay and an opportunity for career advancement are all possible. Job-seekers need only to start their job search at Energy in Depth:

ENTER SITE:  http://www.EIDOhio.org/Jobsite

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#ShaleBenefits: Jefferson County Gains 11 New Companies Thanks To Utica Shale

Monday, July 16th, 2012 | 2 Comments

Just last fall, ABC News featured the city of  Steubenville in a story about the emerging shale development, and how it is revitalizing Jefferson County’s ailing economy.  The positive impacts the county is experiencing is not unlike what’s happening across the country and (today) across the state here in Ohio thanks to the development of the country’s vast shale resources.

When the ABC story was released, the Utica Shale was just beginning to take off in Ohio.  At the time, not a single well had  been developed in the region, and we were only beginning to recognize the economic benefits and job creation we would experience as the calendar turned over a new year.

Fast forward to today.  Jefferson County has seen the Governor’s State of the State address with a focus on shale, a visit from Senator Sherrod Brown on Utica Shale jobs and a program at Eastern Gateway Community College helping local residents to get jobs in the oil and gas field.

This is great news for a county in Eastern Ohio.  And at this early stage, an as-good-if-not-better story is the amount of investment coming into the county since the beginning of 2012.  Over 11 companies associated with shale development have now made Jefferson County their home including a major shale developer.  These 11 companies are providing or are projected to provide over 500 jobs in the county.  With the 5th highest unemployment rate in the state, these are much needed investments.

The Hess Corporation has now made Jefferson County its home, investing more than $1 million into its new offices, located on the west end of Steubenville.  They are looking to employ more than 25 people at their regional office.  Hess has a considerable stake in the Utica play focusing their development in Belmont, Jefferson and Harrison counties.

Express Energy Services, a well service company, has opened shop in Toronto which is in northern Jefferson County. The company is looking to have 100 employees by the end of the year. They are also planning to construct a new regional operating center in the county within two years.

Another major employer who moved into the county is Heavy Duty Industrial Services.  They are now located in Wintersville and have already provided more than 70 jobs. The company expects to have 100 employees by the end of 2012.

Jefferson County Industrial Park has also welcomed three new companies.  Riley Petroleum, Premiere Pump and North American Industrial Services Group have all made the move to the Industrial park providing services from fuel supply to oilfield services creating over 150 new jobs at the park.

Even though Utica Shale exploration is in its infant stages, it has already proven to be a significant job creator in eastern Ohio.  With unemployment rates dropping in the Mahoning Valley and Carroll County, the benefits of shale development simply can’t be denied.

We are seeing the beginning of a renaissance for our area of the state.  Utica Shale production is estimated to bring over 204,000 jobs across the state over the next 5 years.  Jefferson County is just one county already seeing these benefits.  As development continues to grow, Jefferson County will continue to see more investment and jobs created as well as the rest of eastern Ohio.

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Gov. Kasich and Others Dig Into Natural Gas In Youngstown

Monday, June 4th, 2012 | 0 Comments

Recently, Energy in Depth – Ohio attended the Youngstown – Warren Regional Chamber of Commerce  “Ohio Shale Development Economic Impact and Opportunities” forum.

Aside from an attendance of over 200 people, what made this event so successful was the fact that all of the key stakeholders, regardless of political party, came together to discuss natural gas development and the incredible potential it has for our state. Joining Governor Kasich were Rick Simmers, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Chief of the Division of Oil and Gas Resources, David Mustine with JobsOhio and Director of the Department of Natural Resources Jim  Zehringer, State Senator Capri Cafaro and State Representative Tom Letson.

The importance of Ohio’s success in developing our vast natural resources dominated the agenda, a purpose emphasized by State Representative Sean O’Brien:

Today we are having our forum on Utica Shale, this event is designed to bring government leaders, business leaders, elected officials all together to get us all on the same page to try and make the best out of the shale play that we have in the district, I think it is very important that we do it right because we are not going to get a second chance to do this. – State Representative Sean O’Brien

There were several panels that focused on the key topics of surrounding Utica Shale development. This first panel consisted of representatives from three companies developing the Utica in eastern Ohio – Chesapeake, Anadarko and BP. This objective of this engaging panel discussion was to share with the audience the status of development from each of the companies, and what they are doing to safely move forward the development of Ohio’s plentiful natural resources.

Ensuring Ohio’s continued success in this development – and the economic revitalization it brings – requires and “all-hands-on-deck” approach. That notion, of course, is what brought everyone, together in Youngstown.

This spirit was highlighted by Governor Kasich, who provided a great example of state and local officials working together with the industry to create agreements designed to mitigate local concerns and ensure the continued growth and prosperity oil and natural gas development is bringing to our state:

When you get all hacked off about something, before you go crazy, call us and lets see if we can help you work out some of the issues your going have, because it is inevitable your going to have them, like these road use agreements. – Ohio Governor John R. Kasich

Here, Governor Kasich is referring to Road Usage Maintenance Agreements, or RUMA’s.  They serve as a prime example of working together to further growth.  The accord is designed to allow local governments to ensure protection of their roads as companies move in to develop and extract resources. Working hand-in-hand with natural gas companies in their areas, the agreement allows local governments to set stipulations, and a framework to ensure that any needed repairs and maintenance are conducted on local roadways exposed to traffic associated with shale development.  In fact, natural gas companies even bond the roadways, making sure enough capital is available for these repairs, before activities even begin.

While those in attendance focused on the task at hand – the continuation of safe and responsible energy development and ensuring the optimal economic benefits it will bring – there were a few folks who had a different agenda.  Six folks from Frack Free Mahoning County (well, first there were 8, but two got arrested) held a protest outside the conference along the road leading to the event.

Energy in Depth wanted to see what all the fuss was about, and stopped to chat with activist Ms. Susie Beirsdorfer:

So we are calling for public meetings with mixed panels so that we can get a more informed view and make our own choices. – Ms. Susie Beirsdorfer

Now, as an active member and spokeswoman of Frack Free Mahoning, Ms.Beirsdorfer has had plenty of opportunities to attend the numerous open, public and diverse forums in the region.  EID-Ohio has attended several of them, most recently with Mr. Shaner of the Ohio Environmental Council in Cleveland at the Cleveland City Club.

An imported protestor,  Steve Beck of Pennsylvania, also shared his thoughts with us:

The general public has a kind of sense of security because they are reassured that there is no problem . – Steve Beck

Mr. Beck shares his questions and concerns with Energy in Depth. He is correct when he says that the general public has a sense of security. This sense of security comes from an understanding of the facts of the process, confirmed recently (and repeatedly) by no less an authority than EPA administrator Lisa Jackson – there has never been a confirmed case of water contamination from hydraulic fracturing.

Add those comments to the recently released report from the University of Texas that concluded “there is no evidence of groundwater contamination from hydraulic fracturing”. There is a reason for this strong sense of security.

This is a time-tested process that has proven both safe and effective by decades of experience, multiple government reviews and countless independent academic studies.

However, we are under no illusion that our new out of state friends, who often appear in Ohio to protest shale development, will accept any of these facts.  These folks tend only to listen to thoughts, ideas and musings that support their own internally derived opinions on energy development.  Don’t take my word for it, ask the Wizard or his very upset lady friend (1:09) who could use a calming spell.

Regardless, it’s encouraging to see our state government and the industry working together to put Ohio in the best position to safely develop our resources while remaining good stewards of the environment and our economy.  However, it’s clear we still have a long way to go in educating the public on the facts surrounding shale development.

We, of course, look forward to continuing these discussions with Ohioans across the state. It is, after all, why we are here.

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Ohio Energy Future Defined by Opportunity, Not Politics

Friday, February 24th, 2012 | 0 Comments

Earlier this month, Ohio Governor John Kasich spoke on the need to work together, Republicans and Democrats alike, to ensure the success of Ohio’s shale development and the return to economic prosperity it will provide.

On the energy piece of this, we’re going to have to work together collaboratively, and we have been. Democrats and Republicans understand the big picture here… – Governor John Kasich, State of the State address, 2/7/12

Ditto President Obama. Last month, during the State of the Union address, the president emphasized the incredible potential shale plays all across the country have in the abundant supply of energy and the enormous positive impact it will have in creating new jobs and rejuvenating the economy.

We have a supply of natural gas that can last America nearly 100 years…and my administration will take every possible action to safely develop this energy. – President Barack Obama, State of the Union Address, 1/25/12

This is an opportunity we all share in. A rising tide lifts all ships, right?

But as you may have noticed, it’s an election year. And in good ol’ American tradition, politics is now being injected into every issue and every public conversation out there. Energy development, it seems, and the economic revitalization it is providing, is not immune to this. We can see it nationally, and we can see it at home here in Ohio.

Recently, there has been great effort by activist groups (and, in some cases the media) who would like to characterize or create such a simplistic divide as ‘Right vs Left’ or ‘Republican vs Democrat’ in the greater conversation of energy development; Gasland’s Josh Fox has attempted to lay the blame of his recent arrest at the feet of house Republicans, in spite of the fact that it was a direct result of his failure to follow proper house protocol. Ohio Representative Bob Hagan has tried to tie recent seismic events in Youngstown to the current Republican administration. He even bussed in protestors to the recent State of the State speech to disrupt the annual address. CBS and local anti-energy activist groups have made an attempt, successful in some instances in Ohio, to co-opt the ‘Occupy Wall Street’ movement into the opposition to oil and gas development.

But it’s not that simple.

I’ve recently spoken with both the Mansfield Tea Party and the Occupy Mansfield groups, and can tell you while there may be deep ideological differences between the two, many of the sentiments on Ohio energy development remain the same. The Occupy group did not inherently oppose energy exploration, nor did the Tea Party group blindly support it. I was invited to speak on the facts by the leadership of both organizations. And I heard the same questions at both events. Surely, there were some folks who had already come with predisposed opinions, but those were not the same ones I came to address. More importantly, they weren’t the ones who came to listen.

Having been to “both sides” of the “aisle” I can tell you – this is not how the opportunity the development of our homegrown resources is defined.

We have a chance to return our state to days of prosperity we have not seen in generations. Shale development has saved Ohio consumers billions on energy costs, brought manufacturing back to places where it has been long dormant for decades, dropped unemployment rates in long depressed regions, and lifted communities that have endured great hardship.

And we are just beginning this journey.

No, this conversation is defined in opportunity; it is an opportunity for our labor force, our unemployed, our college graduates to find work here at home. It’s an opportunity to provide our returning veterans with one of the greatest thanks we can give – an ability to provide for themselves and their families with a good paying job. The conversation we are having here in Ohio is of too great importance to simplify with one word or to characterize as one side vs. the other.

While we are inundated with political and divisive rhetoric from now till next November, let’s leave it at the door when it comes to Ohio’s energy and economic future.

All that is valuable in human society depends upon the opportunity for development accorded the individual. - Albert Einstein

 

 

 

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*UPDATE II* Going Off The Rails On A Hagan Train

Tuesday, February 21st, 2012 | 1 Comment

UPDATE II (2/21/12, 8:00 A.M.):

We know a group of protestors disrupted the Governor’s State of the State address last week, but we didn’t know much about those protestors until today. Via The Dispatch, below is footage of one of the protestors who was removed for disrupting the address. This activist went to great lengths -and great volume – to disrupt the Governor’s speech, and provided an interesting perspective on natural resources recovery in Ohio.  It’s unclear if this protestor was one of the attendees bussed to the event by State Representative Hagan, for his sake we hope there is no connection.


UPDATE (2/14/12, 4:00 p.m.) He’s back.

The Columbus Dispatch broke a story this week that Rep.  Hagan actively sought to disrupt Governor Kasich’s State of the State Address.  According to the Dispatch, Hagan provided transportation to 35 protestors to help them disrupt the Governor’s remarks.  The Representative was also reportedly seen handing out tickets to local Occupy protestors so they could disrupt the event as well.  All of this occurring as the Governor was highlighting the need for public officials to work together to ensure Ohio remains on an upward track in tackling the challenges that face residents throughout the Buckeye State.

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As most know by now, on New Year’s Eve a 4.0 earthquake struck near Youngstown prompting Governor Kasich and ODNR to halt injections at Youngstown area UIC wells until more facts come to light. While investigations continue, the decision by Governor Kasich and ODNR was the right course of action and was fully supported by all stakeholders, including the Ohio Oil and Gas Association. However,  Rep. Bob Hagan  has used this unique event, to incorrectly disparage an industry that is already reviving Ohio’s Steel Industry and is providing thousands of good paying-jobs for Ohioans with up to 200,000 more expected over the next few years.  After hearing the Representative say some statements out of touch with the facts on the ground in Ohio we wanted to take a minute to correct the record and help provide some understanding to the situation at hand.

Rep. Hagan: “56% of the chemicals,the toxic chemicals that are being shipped from out of state are being shipped into our state. Why? That question has to be answered.”  (Rep. Bob Hagan, January 11th, Covelli Centre, Youngstown)

Rep. Hagan: “The New York Times did a study here and that they found out, its not even being asked in Ohio, that there is radiation poisoning in these wells.” (Rep. Bob Hagan, January 11th, Covelli Centre, Youngstown, 0.18)

 ODNR Division of Oil and Gas Chief Rick Simmers explains there are no health implications from disposing of fluid or cuttings from exploration in Ohio:

radioactive materials that can be associated with oil and gas or injection operations are sometimes referred to as NORM or Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material or TENORM Technically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material.  These type of radioactive isotopes are literally in everything, including us.

The Ohio Department of Health is the agency that regulates NORM, TENORM and radioactive issues as a whole.  The Ohio Department of Health has tested locations throughout the Utica Shale.  They have looked at drill cuttings.  They have looked at fluids and have found there are very low levels of NORM well within the established limits by the federal government and reflected in state law. Rick Simmers (January 11th, Covelli Centre, Youngstown)

Rep. Hagan:  ”I want to know why it’s such a big secret that we can’t get information from the Governor. We can’t get information from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.  We can’t get information from the Ohio EPA, the US EPA and the Ohio Geological Society.  All of them are hiding.  And why are they hiding. Because money is making them hide.”  (Rally at the Ohio Statehouse January 10th, Columbus, 1:01 )

Rep Hagan: “Under the Clean Water Act introduced and passed under the Bush Administration in 2005, it precluded any of the gas and oil industry people from being charged from being charged they pollute water or water table itself.  So the Clean Water Act certainly was supposed to be something that protected all of our aquifers and our clean water for the protection of the people and our drinking water as well Mike.  Second part is the mystery of what chemical they are mixing.  97-98% is water,1-2% is sand and the mystery of what those other chemicals are… “(Rep. Bob Hagan on Sound of Ideas, 3:17 of this link)

“That is the answer we don’t even know what those chemicals are.  We have no idea.” (Rep. Bob Hagan, January 11th, Covelli Centre, Youngstown, 0.11)

Rep Hagan: “Remember this, remember it loud and clear: We never had an earthquake until John Kasich was elected governor.” (0:01)

Given the importance of what is at stake it is critical that we have a discussion based on fact and science. This week, the residents of Youngstown will have another opportunity to hear about shale development and have their concerns addressed by experts studying the issue (be sure to follow Energy in Depth – Ohio for more coverage on Tuesday’s event). We hope concerned citizens will attend to hear these experts and will hopefully gain some perspective on the issue.

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Governor Kasich Highlights Shale Impact on Jobs, Manufacturing Industry

Friday, February 10th, 2012 | 1 Comment

When I came to Ohio State in 1970, we were the promised land and somehow we drifted. We lost 600,000 in the last 10 years, 600,000 jobs gone, 400,000 jobs gone in the last four years, 400,000 families. One third of our college students were leaving the state within three years of graduation. They’re finding their destiny somewhere else. Who can blame them? If there is nothing happening here, they’re going – and I don’t blame them. – Governor John Kasich, State of the State address, 2/7/12

There’s something happening here.

Back in October, ABC News stopped by Steubenville, Ohio to gain a little insight on the positive impacts Utica Shale development is having in the region.  They found a city, and state, on the verge of renaissance.  This was not lost on Ohio Governor John Kasich during his State of the State Address.  For the first time in Ohio’s history, the Governor held the address outside of the capital city of Columbus, this time heading to Steubenville to provide these remarks.

We applaud the Governor for this choice.  After all, why not Steubenville? This old steel-town has become a visible embodiment of Ohio’s potential revitalization.

It is home to the Wells Academy the top rated elementary school in the state.  Education was one focus of the Governor’s remarks. The other: jobs. More specifically, job creation.

The people in Eastern Ohio, and especially Steubenville, know very well the promise our state’s natural resources can provide, and what the development of our state’s natural gas resources has meant for rebuilding the workforce here.

Just look at the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce website. If you scroll down just a bit, you’ll notice there is an entire section devoted to oil & gas  information and the jobs that come with it.

In his remarks the Governor highlighted that last year Ohio was 48th in the nation for job creation.  This year it ranks 9th.  Just a few breaths away from that comment, the Governor announced that Markwest is locating three facilities on Ohio.  One of them just 20 miles down the road in Harrison County.  These will require 700 construction jobs to complete and will offer many well-paying full-time jobs as well as $500 billion in investment to the region.

The development of shale is having a positive impact in other industries as well, namely in manufacturing.

Moms and dads, stop telling your kids that they shouldn’t try to get a job in manufacturing. Manufacturing is coming back. Encourage your people, your kids. If God made them to make things, let them make things. 

It’s coming back because of our workforce, because of our location, because of our ability to move things. It’s coming back to Ohio.  – Governor John Kasich, State of the State address, 2/7/12

It’s happening all across the Mahoning Valley.  It’s happening in Youngstown, where there the long dormant steel industry is coming back to life thanks to shale. This is a great resurgence  highlighted by Governor Kasich:

V&M Star Steel in Youngstown, advanced manufacturing. What are they doing? It’s energy. Republic Steel is auto and maybe energy. Hey, don’t forget the human investments from United States Steel right up there next to that plant at Republic Steel. They believe in Ohio.

Listen to this, folks, I mean, I just don’t even – I can’t believe it. The unemployment rate in Youngstown has gone from 11.5 to 8.3 percent in the last year. The Mahoning Valley is alive again. And they deserve it.

Indeed they do Governor.

It has been just 5 months since Steubenville was featured on ABC News.  Since then a lot has changed for the better and the future only looks brighter.  I hope ABC makes another stop next October to see how much the area has progressed. In fact, dear reader, I hope you have an opportunity to stop in as well.

 

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Injecting Some Facts, History into the Conversation over Seismicity

Wednesday, January 4th, 2012 | 2 Comments

For nearly 40 years now, the state of Ohio has relied upon federally regulated underground injection wells as a safe and effective means for disposing of wastewater deep underground. Injection wells have been used in the United States since the early 1930s, and around the world dating all the way back to 300 A.D., according to EPA.

But if your only source of information on this issue is what you’ve read in the papers or seen on the news the past couple days, this is probably the first time you’re hearing this. You might even think that hydraulic fracturing is somehow to blame, notwithstanding statement after statement from federal scientists indicating it did not play, and physically could not have played, a role in the low-intensity seismic event that was felt in the Mahoning Valley over the holidays.

The two of us have a combined 65 years’ worth of experience when it comes to the siting, construction, permitting, use and policy implications of underground injection wells. Both of us were around in the ancient days of the 1980s when Ohio was first granted primacy by EPA to administer on its behalf what’s called the Underground Injection Control (UIC) program – a designation that was never given to our neighbors in Pennsylvania.

And we were also around in 1983, when state Rep. Robert E. Hagan of Lake County introduced House Bill 501, which called for a moratorium on all oil and gas activity in Ohio until the Division of Oil and Gas could certify that a sufficient number of underground injection wells existed to handle all produced brine. Thankfully, there were, and the bill was signed into law by Democratic governor Dick Celeste in 1985. Ever since, injection wells have been the law of the land in Ohio – not just a disposal option for producers, but one that is mandated under law.

Nearly 30 years removed from the passage of HB 501, Ohio today is home to nearly 180 “Class II” injection wells, which covers all liquid-based wastes associated with oil and natural gas development. Sounds like a lot – until you consider that more than 144,000 Class II wells are currently in operation in America, accepting more than two billion gallons of brine for permanent disposal each day. In 2011, Ohio accepted an estimated 1.03 million gallons a day – or about five-hundredths of one percent of the nation’s total.

Given the current media coverage of the seismic events in Youngstown, an understanding of the history and process of utilizing injection wells as a disposal method is imperative. While no clear linkage has been established connecting these injection wells with the seismic events themselves, it is important to recognize this conversation is limited to a single injection well in the Mahoning Valley, and not the centuries-old method of waste disposal itself – or the hundreds of other wells permitted and in operation all across the state.

Injection of produced fluids deep underground has proven to be safe and highly-effective means of protecting the environment, while generating much-needed revenue for the state of Ohio. Unfortunately, some of the folks speaking with the loudest voices right now in opposition to these wells appear to be among the folks with the least awareness of the decades-long history associated with the UIC program.

Of course, both of us respect the decision by Governor Kasich and ODNR to temporary halt injections at the Youngstown UIC well until more facts come to light. Our industry is committed to ensuring this matter is resolved in the proper manner, with facts – and not hyperbole – informing any decisions that will be made in the future.

What’s unfortunate is that some folks are attempting to use these events as a justification for stopping oil and natural gas development in Ohio – kind of like trying to argue that the auto industry should be shut down just because a scrap tire dump caught fire somewhere. Hopefully, though, the facts will prevail and a reasonable course of action will be pursued. Ohioans deserve nothing less, and we ask for nothing more.

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Rust Belt Revival Under Way in Kent

Tuesday, December 20th, 2011 | 1 Comment

One thing becoming very clear is that the Buckeye State’s economy is slowly being transformed thanks to the development of  the Utica Shale.  It seems that an Ohioan can’t pick up a paper without seeing a report of a business taking root, or expanding, in Ohio thanks to the shale beneath our feet.  In the past few months our state has seen a barrage of nearly thirty articles focusing on jobs resulting from responsible shale development that has only just begun.   One of these good news stories is MAC LTT, a liquid tank trailer manufacturer in Kent, that has created more than 60 jobs, with 200 additional jobs expected next year.

MAC LTT  is the biggest new employer to come to Kent since Land O’Lakes arrived in 1983.

Jim Maiorana, MAC LTT’s president, said the Kent facility is producing trailers that are in high demand for the oil and gas industry in the state.

Ohio Governor John Kasich celebrated the grand opening of MAC LTT in November while on a jobs tour throughout Ohio. In recounting his visit the Governor expressed promise in the facility:

I got a sense that if things go the right way over the course of the next couple of years, with the possible development of Utica Shale and the natural gas that we could capture, we may be building a heck of a lot more trucks than you could even think about, Kasich said. And that’s what we’re hoping for.

Gov. Kasich cuts the ribbon at the MAC LTT grand opening in November. From left are MAC LTT's Terri Maiorana; MAC LTT President Jim Maiorana; Kent Mayor Jerry Fiala; Kasich; MAC Trailer CEO Michael Conny and MAC Trailer's Jennifer Conny.

Kasich is talking, of course, about an impending revolution for Ohio in the form of a new energy supply that is already reviving our manufacturing sector, creating thousands of jobs and helping  reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy.

People thought manufacturing was dead, Kasich said. Well, they’re dead wrong.

MAC LTT employees are seen working on a liquid tank trailer.

The sentiment expressed by Governor Kasich is also shared by a recent study, assisted by the National Association of Manufacturers, which foundthat shale development has the potential to create 1.6 million jobs in the United States through 2035.

As is noticed in Kent and the recent study, shale development is providing real jobs for everyday Americans while leading a revival of industries that once supported our livelihood and communities.  As responsible development continues a rust belt future seems like a thing of the past for communities like Kent, and others, who are experiencing an economic revival thanks to responsible shale development.

 

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