Marcellus Shale Boom Brings Growth, Challenges to PA Counties
Pennsylvania, second only to Texas in natural gas production, is experiencing growth and challenges due to the Marcellus shale boom. Washington and Greene Counties, at the heart of this revolution, are seeing significant impacts.
The Marcellus shale play began in 2004 with the first well drilled in Washington County. Since then, these counties have been major contributors to Pennsylvania's energy landscape. In late 2013, drilling activity was so robust that hotels and drive-throughs were filled with out-of-state vehicles. The production of natural gas liquids, often more valuable than dry gas, has driven this growth.
However, there are concerns about future growth. Gas gathering line infrastructure may constrain residential or commercial development in southwestern Pennsylvania. Every township in Washington and Greene Counties has agreements with operators to repair roads damaged by industry activities. Washington County, more densely populated and affluent, manages these impacts differently than Greene County, which faces greater challenges.
The Marcellus shale industry has brought substantial revenue to local governments in Washington and Greene Counties. Greene County received around $6 million in 2015 alone. While initially revenues outweighed service demands, managing long-term impacts and planning for future growth are now key concerns for these counties.
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