Opinion: Understanding the Impact of Natural Gas and Oil
ZANESVILLE TIMES RECORDER. Last month our team at the Zanesville-Muskingum County Chamber of Commerce hosted an energy roundtable with Rep. Troy Balderson (OH-12), the Consumer Energy Alliance and the Utica Energy Alliance. The natural gas and oil industry touches numerous sectors of our local economy. This meeting brought industry representatives and businesses together to highlight the importance of natural gas in our region.
Everyone in our community felt the effects of rising gas prices this summer. Our roundtable participants shared these stories with Balderson to ensure he understands the trickle down impact of energy policy and decisions from Washington D.C.
Natural gas and oil are essential for our daily lives. It’s more than just the gas you put in your car or use to heat your home. The Ohio Oil and Gas Energy Education Program’s Essential Ohio Energy campaign highlights the vast array of products and services that rely on natural gas and oil. For example, our modern medical equipment, construction tools, plastic components in our tech products and common textiles like polyester to make clothes, all utilize natural gas and oil. Policy choices regarding this industry touch every other industry. As a representative of these businesses we do not take this lightly.
During this roundtable discussion one problem almost all participants flagged is the lack of understanding surrounding the natural gas and oil industry. The Appalachian region has emerged as a leader in energy over the past decade, increasing production while also cutting emissions. This is the true message we need to be sharing with our neighbors and friends as we all work to unleash Ohio’s natural gas and utilize our vast resources.
The Zanesville Chamber has recently become a member of the Utica Energy Alliance, which exists to advocate for and educate about the shale industry and its many benefits for Ohioans. We hope to continue working with them and elevating the voices of our chamber members.
Dana Matz, president of the Zanesville-Muskingum County Chamber of Commerce
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