Energy Spurs Ohio Economic Growth

Mark Green
Posted June 24, 2014

Thanks to the Utica Shale, Ohio is emerging as a key energy state. The picture below is from a photo essay that’s been posted on the Energy From Shale website that shows some of the scenes from the heart of the Utica – where jobs are being created and whole communities are being reinvigorated. Click on the essay link and scroll down to find the gallery.

In Ohio as in other shale energy states, advanced hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling is unlocking vast reserves of oil and natural gas. It’s a revolution that’s the main reason the U.S. is now the world’s leading natural gas producer and could become the world’s leading oil producer by next year.

Hydraulic fracturing has been used in Ohio since 1951, and now it’s helping communities in the eastern part of the state that once were centers of steel production grow again with energy-related activity that’s creating jobs and stimulating the broader regional economy. This is depicted in the essay with a shot of a new natural gas separating plant in Scio, part of a $900 million investment by Utica East Ohio. In Carroll County shale energy development is a big reason they’ve seen sales tax revenue triple, from $1 million in 2010 to more than $3 million. Norman Aguredakes (left), owner of a farm and ranch supply business near Malvern:

“The strength of America has always been our natural resources. (Shale development) is a huge benefit to industry, to people who are here doing business, to individuals who want to live here.”

Learn more at EnergyFromShale.org.