U.S. chamber touts benefits of Pa. gas drilling

Pennsylvania business and government leaders are teaming up to promote the economic benefits of natural-gas drilling in the state.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for 21st Century Energy launched the campaign at the Capitol on Thursday.
Karen Harbert, head of the institute, says Pennsylvania’s program is part of a national effort to build support for the economic and energy benefits of natural gas that’s being extracted from shale formations. Similar efforts are under way in Ohio and West Virginia.

Gene Barr, president of the Pennsylvania chamber, says gas produced in Pennsylvania from the Marcellus Shale formation is already benefiting residents across the state.

He says support for the industry’s continued development is critical because it provides good jobs, attracts manufacturing and provides tax revenue to pay for public programs.