Approval is Victory for Energy Future

Warren Tribune. The recent announcement that the $1.2 billion Trumbull Energy Center project will move forward is another victory for the Mahoning Valley as it positions itself as an energy leader for the future.According to the Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber, the project is one of the biggest economic development projects in Ohio. Hundreds of good-paying union jobs will be created to build the plant, just as occurred with the Lordstown Energy Center.It’s important to remember these investments are not by accident. It takes planning, developers and support from the local community — all of whom should be commended for making this project possible. It also was made a reality by strategic position of the Valley in the Utica and Marcellus Shale basins. Without access to clean natural gas as a fuel source, projects like this would not be possible.We are blessed to have this strategic geographic advantage powering growth of Lordstown and the Valley’s future and made possible by support of a strong, hyper-local energy ecosystem.Homegrown natural gas safely will be harnessed locally. That essential energy will be moved, processed and transported by pipelines and natural gas compressors manufactured and serviced by companies in the Valley. That natural gas will then be turned into electricity and used by businesses throughout the area, including for making electric vehicles and batteries right next door in Lordstown. In addition to providing electricity during the manufacturing process, those same EVs and batteries will be powered by new natural gas power plants when plugged in and charged. It’s local energy from the moment it’s extracted at natural gas and oil wellheads to when we use it in our homes.This allows for energy to be made cleaner than ever. The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates Ohio reduced electric generation CO2 emissions by 37.7 percent between 2005 and 2015 by switching to natural gas-fired power plants like in Lordstown.This new project is one of many economic investments made possible by abundant, affordable, American-made natural gas and oil. A recent study released by JobsOhio and Cleveland State University estimated $95.3 billion has been invested in the state from shale development.It’s a good time to thank those involved for the addition of another $1.2 billion because of the Trumbull Energy Center and the Mahoning Valley. At a time when energy is top of mind for all of us, Lordstown is leading the energy future for our state and country. That is something to celebrate.GEORGE BROWNExecutive DirectorOhio Oil and Gas Energy Education ProgramGranvilleClick here to view the original article.