Events

Butler, PA — Jan. 24, 2020

Butler, PA – Pennsylvania State Representative Marci Mustello organized a Think About Energy Briefing that was hosted at the Butler County Community College on Friday, January 24th. The Briefing also included speakers from Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation, Energy Transfer, the Marcellus Shale Coalition and Butler County Community College.

The briefing featured Representative Mustello and was the series first stop in Butler, Pa. This was also the first Briefing of 2020 and continued the efforts conducted across Pennsylvania since 2013. Numerous other briefings are scheduled for 2020 and more information can be found at www.ThinkAboutBriefing.com.

The briefing provided information to attendees on the supply and availability of natural gas; development of midstream assets, workforce and education partnerships; industry updates & outlook and the impact of natural gas in the Butler region and beyond. Attendees also included students and instructors from the Butler County Area Vo-tech School.

George Stark, Director External Affairs at Cabot Oil & Gas, highlighted how Susquehanna County has provided job opportunities and is the top producing county in Pennsylvania in a short time. “Fifteen years ago Susquehanna County had no natural gas production, but now is leading the Commonwealth in terms of production,” Stark said. “This activity is providing localized job opportunities. Unemployment was near 7% before natural gas production started (in Susquehanna County) and now we are at full employment due to energy opportunities.”

Stark went on to discuss the importance of training the workforce for the next generation. “The opportunities for students in energy are fantastic. We continue to invest in STEM programs throughout the Commonwealth. Programs like the Mobile Oilfield Learning Unit (MOLU) reach out to younger students and prepare them for their future” said Stark. “Based on current technologies and our acreage, Cabot will be drilling for at least 30 more years,” concluded Stark.

Joe McGinn, Vice President of Public Affairs & Government Relations for Energy Transfer, discussed the numerous jobs related to natural gas development. “Jobs go well beyond the well pad and pipeline. Energy impacts the local businesses as well. We need accountants, service & retail workers and a strong network of support businesses,” said McGinn. “As we enter the second decade of development, we continue to make Butler County, Pennsylvania and the Country better.” McGinn highlighted the importance of moving the product to market. “Infrastructure is key to maximizing the benefits of shale energy,” said McGinn.

Dave Spigelmyer, President of the Marcellus Shale Coalition, provided the audience with an outlook for 2020 as well as some updates how far natural gas production has come in Pennsylvania. “Looking back to 2008 when development started to take off, we (Pennsylvania) produced around 180 BCF. Last year, Pennsylvania produced over 6.2 TCF of natural gas and is the second largest producer in the United States” said Spigelmyer. “It is more than just an economic and workforce success story,” continued Spigelmyer. “We as a nation have dropped in CO2 emissions for the 6th straight year.” Spigelmyer went on to highlight the industry’s commitment to the environment. “During 2019, there were over 19,600 inspections from DEP and the industry had a 98.3% compliance rate. While this is great, as an industry we will continue to strive for 100% compliance,” said Spigelmyer.

Lisa Campbell, Dean of Workforce Development at Butler County Community College, provided an overview of the numerous departments and efforts of the College. “Last year, Butler County Community College trained over 15,000 individuals,” said Campbell. “While we do not train many people directly working in the drilling or midstream sectors of the industry, we are training many individuals for the growing downstream sector.” Campbell went on to discuss the growing downstream sector with projects such as the Shell Cracker Facility are providing more opportunities for local residents. “We will continue to work with industry partners to make sure we are providing our students with the training needed to benefit from these opportunities.”

Representative Marci Mustello closed the briefing by discussing the importance of holding these events and inviting students. “I wanted to hold this event at Butler County Community College to highlight their efforts in training the current and future workforce. Also, I felt it was extremely important for local vo-tech students to be here and learn about the opportunities. They are the future workforce,” said Mustello. “This has been a blessing for Western PA and Pennsylvania. There is a future in Western Pennsylvania due to shale energy. It’s important that young people see there is a future out there,” Mustello said. “You don’t have to leave Pennsylvania anymore. It is right here for you.”

For more on today’s Think About Energy Briefing and the briefing series’ history, visit www.thinkaboutbriefing.com.

Press Release

Speakers

  • George Stark
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    George Stark

    George Stark is the Director of External Affairs for Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation. In this role, George directs external and internal outreach including government affairs, advertising, media relations, corporate social responsibility, and
    communications campaigns. He also oversees efforts in building community relationships and furthering workforce development and natural gas utilization within the industry.

    In addition to his roles on several oil and natural gas industry organizations, George currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce and the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains.

    He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Dickinson College and is a graduate of Leadership Pittsburgh. Prior to Cabot, George worked at Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania/Maryland for 15 years and most recently held the position of Director of External Affairs during his tenure. He lives in Wheeling, West Virginia with his wife and three daughters.

  • Joseph F. McGinn
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    Joseph F. McGinn

    Joe McGinn is the Vice President of Public Affairs and Government Relations for Energy Transfer. In his two years away from Energy Transfer, Joe was founder and principal of McGinn Public Strategies, where he worked to achieve solutions to complicated public affairs matters.

    Starting his career with Sunoco in 2004, he has been with the company for over a decade in various positions in the fields of community relations, communications, media relations, philanthropy, recruiting, labor relations, human resources and government affairs.  Hisresponsibilities now include public affairs, government relations, external communications, and media relations.

    Prior to Sunoco, Joe worked as a district representative for a US Congressman in Pennsylvania.  He led outreach engagement with constituents and spoke on behalf of the congressman at public events.

    Joe earned a Masters Degree in Government Administration from the University of Pennsylvania, a BA in English from Columbia University in New York City, a Master of Government Administration certificate from Fels Institute of Government and a certificate in Human Resource Management from Villanova University.

    Joe resides in Aston, Penn. with his wife and children.

  • Representative Marci Mustello
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    Representative Marci Mustello

    Relying on her two decades of experience in federal legislative district offices, Rep. Marci Mustello will use her time in Harrisburg to enact policies to support job creation and expansion, reform property taxes, reduce government spending, eliminate burdensome taxes, and improve the business climate. Beginning in June 2019, she is serving her first term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives after assuming office following a May 2019 special election.

    Rep. Mustello has been appointed to serve on the House Commerce, Human Services, Tourism and Recreational Development, and Agriculture and Rural Affairs committees for the 2019-20 legislative session.

    A life-long resident of western Pennsylvania, Marci was raised on the traditions of hard work and self-reliance. Prior to her service as a state representative, Marci most recently worked as a staffer for U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly. Also, she served as the president of the board of directors for the Butler County Humane Society, where she was responsible for overseeing the administration, programs, day-to-day operations and strategic plan of the organization.

    Marci is committed to improving the quality of life for all residents and making sure our children have the best education available. As part of her legislative priorities, she will protect our state and national Constitutions and will advocate for state’s rights, Second Amendment rights, and pro-life rights. She will also strive to energize our economy to provide good jobs and careers for all Pennsylvanians, help our agricultural community, promote fiscal responsibility, and work with local law enforcement to end the opioid crisis.

    Marci is a graduate of Butler High School and attended Butler County Community College, Slippery Rock University and Grove City College.

    State Rep. Marci Mustello represents the 11th Legislative District in Butler County, which includes the city of Butler; Chicora, Connoquenessing, Fairview, Karns City, Petrolia, Prospect, East Butler and Saxonburg boroughs; as well as Butler, Clearfield, Connoquenessing, Donegal, Fairview, Jefferson, Oakland and Summit townships.

  • Lisa Campbell
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    Lisa Campbell

    Lisa Campbell is the Dean of Workforce Development for Butler County Community College.

  • Dave Spigelmyer
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    Dave Spigelmyer

    David J. Spigelmyer is president of the Pittsburgh, Pa.-based Marcellus Shale Coalition (MSC), the region’s largest shale development trade association.

    On behalf of the MSC’s approximately 200 member companies, he works closely with elected leaders, regulators and the civic community to advance responsible shale development and the overall enhancement of the region’s economy and environment.

    Mr. Spigelmyer was instrumental in the MSC’s 2008 founding, and has served as the organization’s chairman, vice-chairman and as lead of its legislative committee.

    Most recently, Mr. Spigelmyer served as Vice President of Chesapeake Energy Corporation’s Appalachia division, where he was responsible for government relations, regulatory policy, stakeholder engagement and communications efforts.

    Prior to Chesapeake, he served in similar roles at EQT Corporation and Dominion Resources and held other energy industry-related positions in New York State as well as in Washington, DC.

    Mr. Spigelmyer, a Penn State University graduate and an active outdoorsman, was born and raised in Clearfield County, Pa. He lives in
    southwestern Pennsylvania with his wife, Francie. They have two children.

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