PA House of Representatives Roundtable

On Thursday, Under Secretary Menezes participated in a roundtable discussion with Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Mike Turzai, Policy Chair Donna Oberlander, Members of the House of Representatives, and industry representatives. The group discussed opportunities for economic and infrastructure development in the Appalachian region, home to abundant and affordable natural energy resources, and how utilizing those resources achieve energy independence. Both the state and industry representatives, emphasized the importance of cooperation in order to reach Pennsylvania’s full energy potential.

Shell Ethylene Cracker Plant Tour

Following the roundtable, Under Secretary Menezes toured the Shell Ethylene Cracker Plant. This facility, the largest construction project in the state of Pennsylvania since World War II, will employ 6,000 workers during peak construction and 600 permanent workers upon construction completion. Once online, the Shell Cracker Plant, will supply manufacturers throughout Appalachia and the Midwest. The Appalachian petrochemical industry has the potential to create 100,000 jobs in the coming decade and inject tens of billions into the economy over its lifetime. With the support of the President’s recent Executive Order on Energy Infrastructure and Economic Growth, there are also opportunities for development of the region’s energy infrastructure and to create expanded markets for Pennsylvania’s shale gas, and other energy products.

PA Manufacturers’ Association Roundtable

On Friday, following the President’s recent Executive Order promoting energy infrastructure, Under Secretary Menezes participated in an industry roundtable with the PA Manufacturers’ Association to discuss opportunities for the federal government to remove impediments to the economic growth of the Appalachian region, including the growth of petrochemicals, energy, and manufacturing. The Appalachian region has proven gas reserves and utilizing the abundant Marcellus and Utica shale gas, working together we can revitalize, diversify and promote workforce development in the petrochemical, energy and manufacturing sectors.

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