Congressman Fred Keller promotes domestic energy production in PA-12
Washington, D.C. — Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) this week lauded the benefits of local energy production, visiting with several local groups working to expand access to affordable energy to communities across Pennsylvania’s 12th District.
On Wednesday, Keller joined Leatherstocking Gas Company to participate in a groundbreaking ceremony for its pipeline project extending natural gas into Wyalusing Borough. In addition to delivering affordable energy, the project will also grow jobs and increase economic opportunities in the region.
As reported by the Wyalusing Rocket Courier:
The first phase of the project will consist of constructing a natural gas gate station and a gas main line from that station, which will serve the school buildings on the Max P. Gannon Campus and businesses on Grovedale Lane.
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Wyalusing School Superintendent Dr. Jason Bottiglieri described the project as providing for a “greener future for Wyalusing.”
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U.S. Rep. Fred Keller thanked Leatherstocking for its investment in the region.
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“Today, we’re here talking about infrastructure,” he said. “This is a project that meets that definition. It is infrastructure and that is providing energy— not just to individuals, but also to our school district and businesses. When you look at what happens with this investment in infrastructure, the people in the community here are going to be able to realize the savings and the benefits of natural gas.”
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The average PA resident, because of the state’s abundance of natural gas, saves about $1,100 a year on their energy costs, said Keller.
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“Now people in our community here are going to be able to realize those savings,” [Keller] said. “You’ve got jobs, you’ve got savings and you’ve got investment in our community.”
The event was also covered by the Towanda Daily Review:
[Wyalusing School Superintendent Dr. Jason] Bottiglieri noted that the switch to natural gas from the district’s wood chip burning biomass facility will provide cost savings and sustainability for the district, which will be passed on to taxpayers.
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U.S. Rep. Fred Keller (R-Pa.-12) noted that 10% of that natural gas comes from within his congressional district.
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Keller said the average Pennsylvanian who utilizes natural gas could realize a $1,100 year energy savings while highlighting other benefits such as the support of American jobs as the nation has become energy independent and keeping dollars invested within the country.
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“I would rather invest that money in energy that’s developed in northeastern or north central Pennsylvania than send it to places where the countries don’t share our values,” said Keller. “We can develop that energy here and give that money to companies in America that will come down to landowners who own those rights to that gas right here in our community, and we won’t be shipping those dollars overseas to people that don’t share our interests as Americans.”
Next, Keller visited Lackawanna College’s Tunkhannock Center, which will house the college’s new School of Petroleum and Natural Gas (PNG) starting in August. The tour included a look at the school’s expanded classrooms, as well as its state-of-the-art PNG lab.
As reported by the Scranton Times-Tribune:
Local officials on Wednesday toured Lackawanna College’s new Tunkhannock Center, which boasts larger classrooms for more hands-on learning.
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“This is very impressive,” said U.S. Rep Fred Keller, R-12, Middleburg, said as he walked around the building. “The 12th Congressional District is one of the leading producers of natural gas in the country. It’s great that so many students are going to be able to be trained for future jobs right in the heart of the district.”
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Keller was joined by the three Wyoming County commissioners, Sen. Lisa Baker, R-20, Lehman Twp., and Lackawanna College President Jill Murray.
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“We’re counting on a lot of students being able to get the proper training that is needed to go into this challenging field. Wyoming County is one of the centers of the gas industry, which is why this is an ideal location.”
Finally, Keller met with Rob Coleman, CEO of Mountain Energy Services at its headquarters in Tunkhannock. A major employer in central and northeastern Pennsylvania, Mountain Energy Services employs more than 150 workers, providing wellsite services to support energy production in the state.
On the tours, Congressman Keller made the following statement:
“Pennsylvania’s domestic energy sector has revitalized our communities, reduced energy costs, and brought new and exciting job opportunities to our state’s families. I am grateful for the opportunity to speak with the people responsible for harnessing Pennsylvania’s abundant natural resources to benefit our communities. My efforts in Congress are focused squarely on ensuring domestic energy producers have the resources they need to continue their great work—the benefits of which are wide-reaching.”
Keller returns to Washington, D.C. next week to continue his work defending America’s energy independence, standing up for job creators, and promoting policies that strengthen Pennsylvania’s robust energy sector.
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