Dozens of energy groups descended on the state Capitol Building on Tuesday, June 25 to showcase the value of oil and gas development and the diversity of products manufactured with these natural resources.
The event took place just days after the state announced that the natural gas impact fee sent more than $179 million to Pennsylvania communities over the last year. With this year’s distribution, the state Public Utility Commission has collected and distributed over $2.7 billion to Pennsylvania communities since its enactment.
Several lawmakers participated in the event, which hit on every angle of how important these resources are, including opportunities with liquified natural gas (LNG).
According to poll by co/efficient, two-thirds of Pennsylvania residents support expanded LNG exports to help create energy sector jobs. The poll found that 87 percent see energy security as vital to national security, with natural gas vital to Pennsylvania’s economy and domestic and global security.
A second and separate statewide poll by Axis Research found 58 percent of Pennsylvania voters oppose the LNG export moratorium after learning more about it, with 41 percent less likely to vote for the president because of it. Notably, 57 percent of poll respondents were Democrat and Independent voters.
Pennsylvania is the United States’ second-largest producer of natural gas behind only Texas.