Former governor TOM RIDGE sets out the guidelines by which natural-gas companies will develop the Marcellus Shale
Share with others:
Six years, nine months and five days.
That's how long I had the privilege to serve as governor of Pennsylvania -- the best job in America. Every day offered an opportunity and a unique, but rewarding, challenge. Every day we worked to create a new Pennsylvania.
Like most Pennsylvanians, I care deeply about our shared future. I have traveled each of our 67 counties by plane, bus and car. I've seen Pennsylvania on horseback, from a bicycle seat and in a canoe. Seeing our state and its wonderful people up-close has cemented forever my love for Pennsylvania.
So when I was asked to work with the Marcellus Shale Coalition, I viewed it as a chance to again serve the commonwealth as we work to fully embrace the historic and transformative opportunity offered by the responsible development of the Marcellus Shale's abundant, clean-burning natural-gas reserves.
Pennsylvania's history of developing our abundant natural resources runs deep. The harvesting of our hardwoods built colonial America. Col. Edwin Drake's Titusville oil well more than 150 years ago opened the world's eyes to the beneficial use of fossil fuels and helped raise the standard of living for millions across the globe. Our coal -- soft and hard -- fueled America's industrial revolution and helped the United States win two world wars.
Now we have an unprecedented opportunity with the Marcellus Shale -- one of the world's largest energy finds in the last 50 years and likely able to supply a substantial portion of our clean-burning natural-gas needs for a generation. In fact, according to experts, America's shale-gas reserves could fuel our nation for nearly 100 years.
Of course, we need to be smart and responsible at every step of the way as this tremendous opportunity continues to be realized. We are, and we will continue to be.
First Published October 3, 2010 12:00 am
