Canonsburg, Pa. – A new Lycoming College poll released today finds that “public opinion is largely supportive of the development of Marcellus Shale” in central and northeastern Pennsylvania, a region that is experiencing significant natural gas activity and production. Kathryn Klaber, president and executive director of the Marcellus Shale Coalition (MSC), issued this statement following the release of the poll:

“These results are welcomed news, and affirm the fact that as responsible Marcellus development continues throughout the region, more jobs and more supplies of affordable, clean-burning, homegrown energy will continue to be realized. Pennsylvanians – particularly in communities where Marcellus production is underway – understand this too and this research bears that out.

“But while a clear majority of Pennsylvanians understand the historic economic, energy security and clean energy benefits associated with responsible Marcellus development, it is incumbent our industry to equip citizens with the facts about our industry’s work.

“We’re not only committed to ensuring that communities are well-informed and educated about these critical issues and the environmental safeguards that we are applying to every aspect of our operations, but we’re also working each day to attract and retain a talented local workforce.”

Key poll findings:

• When offered a list of possible benefits that might result from the development of Marcellus Shale in the region, respondents were most optimistic about its potential for the creation of many new jobs for the region; in total 78 percent felt the creation of many new jobs was very likely or somewhat likely to occur.
• Similarly, 71 percent felt that the natural gas industry would create needed economic development in the region.
• Sixty-one percent agreed that natural gas development would be very likely or somewhat likely to reduce our reliance on foreign sources of energy.

NOTE: The Lycoming College poll is available on-line HERE. Last week, the MSC formally unveiled a set of guiding principles — “Our Commitment to the Community” — by which Marcellus operators will conduct their work and ultimately be judged. Also, click HERE to view the MSC’s new web video, “The Marcellus: An American Renewal.”