VIDEO: Why Is Jan Schakowsky Frightened Of Natural Gas?
An odd moment occurred during a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on natural gas exploration yesterday.
While job creators across the country touted their success and explained how energy production is growing our economy, Congresswomen Jan Schakowsky said the panel and discussion frightened her.
Don’t be scared, Jan.
Natural gas and oil production is booming in this country. In turn, it’s creating jobs and helping our country become North American energy independent—especially in places like North Dakota and Pennsylvania.
In fact, it’s been so popular, NBC News explored the opportunities places like Williston, North Dakota and its oil boom are providing for the country.
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When it comes to natural gas, the very same things are true.
Kiplinger recently profiled this growing industry.
“Since 2008, nearly 3,400 Marcellus Shale wells have been drilled in the state. A landowner with 100 acres of Marcellus Shale rights might expect (but can’t count on) $2 million in royalties over 20 years—on top of lease payments that can run six figures—but the overall wealth generated is much greater. According to one study, a typical well generates about $4 million in economic benefits, including 62 jobs. Shale gas production has grown an average of 48% annually from 2006 through 2010, as extraction has become economical through a combination of horizontal drilling techniques and hydraulic fracturing, in which a high-pressure mix of water, sand and chemicals forces gas out of the rock.”
These two industries are giving our economy a much-needed lift and establishing responsible energy sources. It would be irresponsible for us to turn our backs to energy production available here at home. Democrats would rather institute carbon taxes and ban offshore drilling. That’s exactly the wrong philosophy. We need to encourage energy production that will help our economy and help us become energy independent.