Shale Development Topics Addressed by Extension Summer Series

Marcellus, Rhinestreet, Utica, Point Pleasant Shale Gas; drill, don't drill! What’s right and how is the environment impacted? Is there an opportunity for me personally or my business? What challenges accompany this opportunity? Whether you’ve already decided, or are still on the fence, the “Shale Gas Summer Series: Marcellus and Beyond,” will provide information designed to assist you in the decision making process.

There have been 23 permits issued for Marcellus well drilling and five Marcellus wells drilled in Allegheny County since the beginning of 2011. Have you been approached to lease your property and what should you know before signing on the dotted line? Allegheny County property owners stand to receive up to $1 billion in gas lease bonus payments, even before the first well is drilled. Good paying jobs have been created, providing careers for thousands of Pennsylvanians, offering our youth the opportunity to stay in their home communities. However, other concerns persist and how these may impact us.

These questions and others will be addressed by informed representatives from industry, universities, regulatory and community organizations. Penn State Extension is offering this series on Tuesday evenings, from 7 to 9PM, beginning June 26th and meeting every other Tuesday evening through August 21st  at Rodef Shalom Congregation-Levy Hall, 4905 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.  Presentations and discussions will focus on the business, environment, legislation, employment opportunities, and the infrastructure  of the natural gas industry, and how it might affect you and your community. All community members, business owners and entrepreneurs, and representatives from community organizations and elected officials will find this series information packed.

The topics are scheduled as follows:

June 26        Marcellus & Beyond:  Business Voices of Experience
July 10         Marcellus & Beyond:  Environmental Voices of Experience
July 24         Marcellus & Beyond: Legislative Voices of Experience
August 7      Marcellus & Beyond:  Workforce Voices of Experience
August 21    Marcellus & Beyond:  Infrastructure Voices of Experience

Through “Shale Gas Summer Series: Marcellus and Beyond,” Penn State Extension strives to provide current information by top authorities on many of the issues surrounding the natural gas industry. Pre-registration is required by registering online at:  http://agsci.psu.edu/shale-gas-marcellus   or by calling 877-489-1398. Interested individuals can register to attend the entire series for $60 or for individual sessions at $15 each.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities.  If you anticipate needing special accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Jon Laughner at (724) 774-3003 in advance of your participation or visit.