Report: West Virginians Saved More Than $4 Billion Over 10 Years from Lower Natural Gas Prices
Consumer Energy Alliance Examines Benefits of Energy Production to
West Virginia’s Families, Small Businesses and Industries in New Report
Thanks to increased production and new technologies, which have
decreased the price of natural gas, West Virginians saved more than $4
billion between 2006 and 2016, according to a state report released
today by Consumer
Energy Alliance (CEA), with calculations developed by Orion
Strategies.
Households saved nearly $1.6 billion and commercial and industrial users
saved more than $2.7 billion according to the report titled “Powering
West Virginia.” The analysis examines how the shale revolution in
the Marcellus and Utica regions have helped energy consumers in the
Mountain State increase disposable income, job growth and economic
investment, as well as revitalize communities.
CEA’s analysis also found that since 2010, West Virginia’s core
shale-related industry employment increased 77.54 percent, employing
nearly 12,000 people. In comparison, all industries combined experienced
just a 15.74 percent change in employment. Also, oil and gas pipeline
construction jobs grew from almost 1,800 at the end of 2016 to 5,130 by
the end of the third quarter in 2017 – a 185-percent increase.
Highlights from the report include:
-
Expanded natural gas production across the state saved consumers
nearly $4.3 billion between 2006 and 2016. Residential users saved
almost $1.6 billion; commercial and industrial users saved over $2.7
billion.
-
Since 2010, West Virginia’s core shale-related industry employment
increased 77.54 percent, employing nearly 12,000 West Virginians. In
comparison, all industries in West Virginia only experienced a 15.74
percent change in employment.
-
On average, each West Virginian spent $3,910 on energy-related needs
in 2016. For those living at or below poverty, this translates to
roughly one-third of their income.
“This report highlights how West Virginia’s families and energy users
benefit from the production of West Virginia’s natural resources and the
ability to transport that energy through pipeline infrastructure, all of
which provides millions of dollars annually to fund our schools,
hospitals, roads and communities,” said Chris Ventura, CEA Midwest’s
Executive Director. “The mining and production of traditional energy
resources, like natural gas, have supported communities throughout the
state for generations and has been integral in bringing affordable
energy to the rest of the country for years. We are pleased to see how
lower fuel prices have helped West Virginians save more than $4 billion
in the past decade.”
Ventura added, “Fortunately, the benefits from increased production are
not just limited to consumer savings; energy development has also
increased shale-related industry employment 77.54 percent since 2010,
employing nearly 12,000 West Virginians.”
“Despite the tremendous benefits and critical importance of energy
production to the Mountain State, future progress is threatened by
out-of-state activists, some funded by foreign governments, who continue
to work to eliminate the production and transportation of safe,
affordable sources of energy without offering any solutions that will
help meet consumer demand while supporting our environmental goals. CEA
strongly encourages West Virginia’s elected leaders to continue their
support of energy solutions that allow for the responsible development
of American energy resources which help keep energy affordable for
everyone.”
To view the report, click
here.
About Consumer Energy Alliance
Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) brings together families, farmers, small
businesses, distributors, producers and manufacturers to support
America's energy future. With more than 500,000 members nationwide, our
mission is to help ensure stable prices and energy security for
households across the country. We believe energy development is
something that touches everyone in our nation, and thus it is necessary
for all of us to actively engage in the conversation about how we
develop our diverse energy resources and energy's importance to the
economy. Learn more at ConsumerEnergyAlliance.org.
About Orion Strategies
Orion Strategies is a strategic communications and public relations firm
with a staff of experienced professionals in public relations,
government affairs, grassroots advocacy, polling, research, and creative
services.
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