Study projects growth in shale-related employment

An IHS Global Insight study released Wednesday projects that shale gas-supported employment in Pennsylvania will grow 14 percent each year between 2010 and 2015, more than in any other unconventional gas producing state.

The study, which was funded by America’s Natural Gas Alliance, examines the economic impact of shale, coal bed methane and other unconventional gas development on a state-by-state basis, including states with few or no gas wells that benefit from the growing industry’s demand for supplies.

It estimates unconventional gas extraction nationwide will support nearly 1.5 million jobs in 2015, while drilling in Pennsylvania will support 111,000 jobs that year.

The study details the industry’s “dramatic impact on employment and economic growth” but offers a more modest projection of shale drilling’s impact on Pennsylvania jobs than similar studies commissioned by the industry.

A 2011 study funded by the Marcellus Shale Coalition and conducted by researchers affiliated with Penn State University found that the shale industry will support 216,000 jobs in 2015.

citizensvoice.com/news/drilling/study-projects-growth-in-shale-related-employment-1.1330142
Laura Legere
Published: June 15, 2012