VIDEO: The Women of Shale and Natural Gas Opportunity

Mark Green
Posted July 1, 2013

Take a look at the new video below, featuring four women from the Marcellus Shale region – three in New York, where a ban on natural gas production using hydraulic fracturing is keeping shale’s benefits locked in the earth, and one from Pennsylvania, where more than $400 million in impact fees have been paid by oil and natural gas companies the past two years, in addition to more than $700 million in rents and royalties paid to land and mineral rights owners.

Shale natural gas development means opportunity for individual prosperity, for individual hopes and dreams. New Yorkers, especially those living atop the Marcellus in the state’s Southern Tier, are waiting for their turn. They’re falling behind economically, resigned to see their children move away for jobs in other states. Marian Szarejko, owner of a pizza restaurant in Windsor:

“I love my business. I love running my business in New York. I just wish I had more business for my business.”

Shale natural gas, developed with hydraulic fracturing, is their chance for a better life – a life they can see playing out next door in Pennsylvania. Chris Lacey, Chenango:

“There is nothing waiting in line behind natural gas to come make us prosperous again. I think this is our only shot.”

It’s up to state leaders in Albany, starting with Gov. Cuomo, to reckon the opportunity beneath New Yorkers’ feet – and then act. Lift the hydraulic fracturing moratorium. Let land and mineral rights owners benefit from what’s rightfully theirs. Let broader economic growth, fueled by energy development, lift the state economy – and more importantly, restore hope in communities and individual households.