Region Prepares for Gas Drilling Boom - WICU12/WSEE Erie, PA News, Sports, Weather and Events

Region Prepares for Gas Drilling Boom

Gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale is booming in many parts of Pennsylvania. While Erie County has not seen much activity, we will soon.

"There's something called the Utica Shale that is even deeper than the Marcellus Shale. This is something that is coming to Northwest Pennsylvania soon. A couple of wells have been drilled already. Exploratory wells. We anticipate there will be more as technology comes more on line," says Stephanie Catarino Wissman.

Wissman was a speaker at a forum held Thursday at the Manufacturers and Business Association.  It was sponsored by those who are definitely advocates of increased drilling, The Associated Petroleum Industries of Pennsylvania, and the Pennsylvania Independent Oil and Gas Association.  The groups want to educate people on, what they say, are the benefits of safe and responsible natural gas development.

The speakers talked about the jobs created by increased gas drilling. They talked about the billions of dollars that are shooting into the Pennsylvania economy.

"I think what we need to focus even more than the economic benefits, is reassuring them about the environmental benefits. There is no adverse impact when done correctly. When done safely and responsibly, it does not adversely impact the environment," Wissman said.

The gas drilling boom will be coming to Northwestern Pennsylvania.  The energy groups will back every step of the way. They will continuously assure the public that the new drilling is a good thing.