PITTSBURGH, PA – Thanks to increased production and new technologies, which have decreased the price of natural gas, consumers from Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia saved more than $75 billion between 2006 and 2016, according to a combined multi-state report released today by Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), with calculations developed by Orion Strategies.
Households saved nearly $29.8 billion and commercial and industrial users saved more than $45.2 billion, according to the report titled, “Oil and Natural Gas a Boon to the Tri-State Region.” The analysis examines how the shale revolution in the Marcellus and Utica regions have helped energy consumers in the Tri-State Region increase disposable income, job growth, and economic investment, as well as revitalize communities.
CEA’s analysis also found that in 2015 the oil and gas industry’s total economic value – including employee compensation, proprietors’ income, income to capital owners from property and indirect business taxes across the Tri-State Region – totaled $90.3 billion while employing over 656,000 workers. Benefits across the Tri-State region included:
Ohio
- $37.9 billion value added
- 262,800 workers
Pennsylvania
- $44.4 billion value added
- 322,600 workers
West Virginia
- $8 billion value added
- 70,900 workers
“These energy savings have a very real impact on the business community,” explained Chris Heck, President, and CEO of the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce. “Our membership is made up of hundreds of businesses, associations, manufacturers, and nonprofit groups who are able to put those savings back into their organization, further fueling our local economy here in southwestern Pennsylvania and beyond.”
“Appalachian families and small businesses benefit from natural resources and the ability to transport that energy through pipeline infrastructure, all of which provides millions of dollars annually to fund the region’s schools, hospitals, roads, and communities,” said Mike Butler, CEA Mid-Atlantic’s Executive Director. “With the Tri-State region’s production levels catching up to Texas, it’s no wonder we are seeing how lower fuel prices have helped Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia consumers save more than $75 billion in the past decade.”
“Despite the tremendous benefits and critical importance of energy production to the Appalachian region, future progress is threatened by out-of-state activists – some funded by foreign governments – who continue to work to eliminate the production and transportation of safe, affordable sources of energy without offering any solutions to helping meet consumer demand while supporting our environmental goals. CEA strongly encourages elected leaders across Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia to continue their support of energy solutions that allow for the responsible development of American energy resources which help keep energy affordable for everyone.”
To view the report, click here.
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About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) brings together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers and manufacturers to support America’s energy future. With more than 500,000 members nationwide, our mission is to help ensure stable prices and energy security for households across the country. We believe energy development is something that touches everyone in our nation, and thus it is necessary for all of us to actively engage in the conversation about how we develop our diverse energy resources and energy’s importance to the economy. Learn more at ConsumerEnergyAlliance.org.
Contact:
Emily Haggstrom
P: 720-582-0242
ehaggstrom@consumerenergyalliance.org
About Orion Strategies
Orion Strategies is a strategic communications and public relations firm with a staff of experienced professionals in public relations, government affairs, grassroots advocacy, polling, research, and creative services.
Contact:
Brittany Ramos
P: 412-965-5379
bramos@orion-strategies.com