Research Shows that Shale Could Bring At Least 65,000 Jobs by 2014
WASHINGTON, D.C.— A new study released today confirms that shale development in Ohio will be an economic game changer for the Buckeye State.
The Ohio Shale Coalition, a group founded by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, released a study conducted by researchers at Cleveland State University, The Ohio State University and Marietta College, which determined that at a minimum, development of the Utica Shale will bring over 65,000 jobs and contribute $4.86 billion to Ohio’s economy.
“Developing our shale energy resources is a win-win for America and for Ohio,” said Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for 21st Century. “Shale development will bring hundreds of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars to our nation’s economy and will improve America’s energy security. The study released today by the Ohio Shale Coalition presents a very conservative, baseline case for the type of potential that exists for growth in Ohio.”
“Today’s study and others recently released project significant new sources of jobs and revenue across Ohio and neighboring states which will contribute to increasing our nation’s energy security and putting America back to work,” Harbert said. “We look forward to working with the Ohio Shale Coalition and other groups to highlight the economic impact shale development will have.”
Harbert visited Columbus last week to address Ohio’s Energy Management Conference, at which the potential for developing the Utica Shale was a major topic.
The Ohio Shale Coalition study used a conservative economic development model and did not include other benefits from Utica Shale development, such as increased spending from the oil and gas industry as a whole in Ohio.
The mission of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute for 21st Century Energy is to unify policymakers, regulators, business leaders, and the American public behind a common sense energy strategy to help keep America secure, prosperous, and clean. Through policy development, education, and advocacy, the Institute is building support for meaningful action at the local, state, national, and international levels.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.