There were a lot of numbers in the article “Report: Pennsylvania had record year for natural gas production” (July 10, TribLIVE). They all were pretty good, including the fact that the state conducted 36,873 compliance inspections last year. Oversight already is substantial. Regulators are doing their job to keep us safe.
Omitted from the article, however, was any context about what this means for consumers, for the state economy or for the country. So here is my attempt to provide that information.
Record production means consumers are saving more money. Already, in the decade between 2006 and 2016, state consumers saved $30.5 billion by switching to natural gas. With more production, electricity prices will stay low.
Record production also means more well-paying union jobs. Energy production in the commonwealth provides 322,600 jobs and $23 billion in wages. More moms and dads are able to send their children to college because they are earning good wages working in the natural gas sector.
Natural gas has strengthened our economy and our position in the world. Let’s hope we have another record year this year.
Leslie Osche
Butler
The writer is chairman of the Butler County Board of Commissioners.