The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce’s Greater Philadelphia Energy Action Team (GPEAT) launched a report, “A Pipeline for Growth, Fueling Economic Revitalization with Marcellus and Utica Shale Gas.” The report outlines a strategy for developing a Regional Energy Hub, and the significant economic potential of job growth for Philadelphia and the surrounding area. An interactive map of energy assets in Greater Philadelphia was also launched.
GPEAT Chair and President & CEO of Philadelphia Energy Solutions Philip Rinaldi, provided a summary of the report’s findings and highlighted how the state’s recoverable shale gas resources present real economic benefit and job creation opportunities for the Greater Philadelphia region.
The event was held at the Chemical Heritage Foundation and included the following speakers:
- Lisa Crutchfield, Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Public Affairs, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce
- Jason Hanna, Senior Associate, Langan Engineering and Environmental Services
- Jeanne Nevelos, Vice President, Business Expansion Services, Select Greater Philadelphia
- Denis O’Brien, Senior Executive Vice President, Exelon Corporation and CEO of Exelon Utilities
- James O’Toole, Jr., Shareholder , Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC
- Philip Rinaldi, President & CEO of Philadelphia Energy Solutions & Chair of the Greater Philadelphia Energy Action Team
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf issued a statement saying the following: “Since day one as governor, I have made investing in jobs that pay a top priority for my administration. In creating this energy hub, we are ensuring that the greater Philadelphia area will reap benefits that will energize the economy and create good-paying jobs for Pennsylvanians. The work done by the energy industry, public sector, labor and government officials in developing this Energy Hub strategy is a great example of how we can work together to foster economic growth in our commonwealth. My administration will carefully review the details of the report and continue to assure that all issues surrounding workforce development, safety, and environmental safeguards are fully addressed.”
Chamber Chair Denis O’Brien spoke about the substantial and rigorous process to write the report which included input from over 40 companies from throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. Mr. O’Brien noted that, “the Greater Philadelphia region is poised to become our nation’s next, great Energy Hub, and GPEAT plays an important role in this effort.”
Executives from Buchanan Ingersoll, Spectra Energy and Langan Engineering provided information about the existing shale gas delivery infrastructure as well as a market analysis for mid-stream and down-stream opportunities for pipeline development and economic growth.
In addition, Chamber Senior VP of Advocacy and Public Affairs Lisa Crutchfield presented the economic benefits of an expanded pipeline delivery network and the need to embrace environmental responsibility of shale development and transmission.
The full report can be viewed here: http://gpcc.co/PipelineForGrowth
