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Rep. McKinley Highlights American Energy Abundance

Washington, D.C. — This afternoon Rep. David B. McKinley, P.E. (R-W.Va.) highlighted the potential for economic growth in the region as a result of the Marcellus and Utica Shale in remarks to a crowd of manufacturers and natural gas industry leaders.

“The abundance of natural gas in our region can transform America’s economy and pave the way for a renaissance in manufacturing,” said McKinley. “We just need to make sure we don’t get in the way.”

“The prospect of thousands of jobs, billions in investment, and lower energy prices should be something we embrace,” said McKinley. “Unfortunately, there are some in Washington who want to impede this progress.”

McKinley discussed several challenges facing the natural gas industry, including scare tactics about hydraulic fracturing, delays in permitting for pipeline infrastructure, and efforts to stop the export of LNG.

“We are sitting on top of the second largest natural gas field in the world, which has the potential to provide a competitive advantage to American manufacturers and attract huge investments like ethane crackers,” added McKinley. “We need to be vigilant and stop actions that would derail it.”

The House has passed several bills to spur natural gas production, including:

• The “Protecting States’ Rights to Promote American Energy Security Act” (H.R. 2728), which would prevent duplicative federal regulation of hydraulic fracturing on public lands in states that already have regulations in place.

• The “Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act” (H.R. 1900) which streamlines the permitting process for pipelines.

• The “Domestic Prosperity and Global Freedom Act” (H.R. 6), which would expedite the approval of LNG export facilities.

The Penn State Natural Gas Utilization Conference was held in Canonsburg, PA and included speakers from industry, government and academia.

McKinley spoke on a panel with fellow Energy and Commerce Committee member Rep. Tim Murphy (R-PA).