Shale Energy – A Unique Economic Development Challenge

Remember the old saying – “Be careful what you wish for”? Natural gas extraction and distribution from the Marcellus and Utica shale plays are creating unique challenges for economic development professionals in a five state region (Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New York and Maryland). This is a very interesting economic development case study in the making. There will undoubtedly be learning that can be reapplied to help communities trying to manage major economic transformation of any kind.

I think every economic development professional should stay current on this emerging case study. Therefore, this will be the first in a series of blog posts on the subject.

What is a Shale Gas Play?

Shale is becoming increasingly popular as a source of natural gas. The key driver has been the invention of horizontal drilling methods that have made extraction of natural gas from shale deposits commercially viable.

Here is a quote I found that surprised me – “The development of shale gas is expected to significantly increase U.S. energy security and help reduce greenhouse gas pollution.” — White House, Office of the Press Secretary, 17 November 2009

I had not thought about commercialization of shale gas as a national security matter. But, upon reflection, it makes perfect sense. Energy independence will strengthen the global competitiveness of Brand America and the environmentally appropriate commercialization of shale gas can help reduce the nation’s carbon footprint.

The U.S. Department of Energy predicts growth in shale gas output can virtually eliminate imports for at least two decades. It breaks a long-term potential monopoly power of a gas-OPEC or a single producer like Russia to exercise dominance over large natural gas consumers. It reduces the U.S. dependence on Middle East natural gas supplies and limits Iran’s ability to leverage energy as a diplomatic strategy for increased regional power.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that the U.S. possesses 2,552 trillion cubic feet of potential natural gas resources. Natural gas from shale accounts for 827 trillion cubic feet (32%) of that amount. In 2009, national consumption of natural gas was roughly 23 trillion cubic feet. At that rate of consumption, there would be enough supply for 110 years of use (36 of those years would be from shale gas).

For perspective, there are a number of shale reserves in the United States that are (and can) being commercially developed. Here is the short list –

• Antrium Shale, Michigan
• Caney Shale, Oklahoma
• Conesauga Shale, Alabama, Mississippi
• Fayetteville Shale, Arkansas
• Floyd Shale, Alabama
• Gothic Shale, Colorado
• Haynesville Shale, Louisiana
• New Albany Shale, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky
• Pearsall Shale, Texas
• Marcellus Shale, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland
• Utica Shale, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York
• Woodford Shale, Oklahoma

You can see that shale reserves can be found in a number of states. That means many communities have the potential to be impacted by the development of shale gas, making it an important challenge for the economic development professionals in these areas.

Shale Gas Extraction and Distribution Means Jobs

A study by Penn State University concludes shale exploration created 29,000 jobs in Pennsylvania in 2009; another 98,000 estimated for 2010. Another study found 70,000 jobs were created in Texas through exploration of that state’s shale. Near-term job creation is one of the positive outcomes from the shale gas industry that can help transform a community from uncertainty to optimism. Although if economic growth is not managed properly it can take a community through a roller coaster ride from boom to bust.

Jobs associated directly with drilling gas wells are just one source of jobs. Industry Week published a paper on the job growth potential from the Tier I and Tier II supplier industry entitled “Marcellus and Shale Gas Energy Supply Chain.” There are also jobs associated with waste management. You can get a sense of the variety of jobs created by the shale gas industry by visiting this website.

Shale Gas Requires Quality Economic Development

The upside potential of shale gas is fairly clear. But, without effective economic development there is the potential for downside risk. A study by Cornell University in New York identified four important ones.

1. Rapid increase in demand for government services, and local governments are typically ill prepared.
2. The expectation of wealth works against economic diversification and increases the cost of doing business for other industries.
3. Housing and labor costs rise.
4. After the initial ram-up construction phase, many jobs may disappear.

These challenges will demand economic development professionals leverage all their skills to help guide their community’s readiness to ensure the economy doesn’t fall apart after the drilling stops.

If your community is directly affected by the shale gas industry, buckle up because it will be a fast ride and a lot of hands-on learning. If your community is not involved, take the opportunity to learn from your colleagues who will be dealing with some very interesting problems and opportunities. This is an amazing economic development case study in the making. Look for my next blog post on this subject in the near future.

PAY IT FORWARD

If you liked this blog post forward it to a friend. If you have a Facebook account, become a fan of Strengthening Brand America. If you are a LinkedIn user, join the Strengthening Brand America Group. If you like twitter, follow BrandAmerica to keep track of updates on this website.

Supplemental Reading

Economic Implications of Natural Gas Drilling in the Marcellus Region

Study Suggests Businesses Benefiting from Marcellus Shale Development

Natural Gas Boom Brings Riches to a Rural US Town

Gas Drilling Having Substantial, and Sometimes Surprising, Economic Impact

Community and Economic Implications of Marcellus Shale Development

Nemacolin Energy Institute publishes a free newsletter to help you stay current on the news from the Marcellus and Utica shale gas plays. Just click on the subscribe button.

7 Comments  |    Forward this to a friend   |   Number of emails sent: 545

Category Leadership, Shale Gas

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.