How did the Marcellus Shale Coalition come into existence?
It includes nearly 40 producing companies and dozens of additional associate members. Many, many more are coming on as we speak. Many had organized several years ago to work on issues of importance to industry growth in Pennsylvania. Last fall, they re-established themselves as the Marcellus Shale Coalition, elected officers, put by-laws in place and decided to hire a full-time staff. Q: Is it fair to say it’s a lobbying group and a trade association? A: It’s a trade association-plus. There are three components: One is to develop a consensus around priorities for investment and growth; second is a collaboration among stakeholders from suppliers to landowners to special interest groups. We will work with them to educate them and deal with issues as they arise. And third is a very clear mandate for best practices development and implementation. This state has seen lots of activity around natural resource development but this opportunity is a lot different than ones in the past … an opp
