Good editorial in The Oklahoman newspaper, lamenting America's lack of energy vision - even as a number of experts say the world's energy focus is shifting to the Americas:

"The default setting for a national energy policy in this country is inertia. We don't do much to advance a policy to promote greater independence. We actually do some things to promote more reliance on foreign supplies. But mostly we sit around and talk about the need for a comprehensive energy plan."

The editorial notes the volume of supply from unconventional sources - such as oil sands and natural gas from shale - that is changing the U.S. energy picture, or perhaps more accurately, changing the potential U.S. energy picture. The Oklahoman's point is well made, that policy stands in the way of realizing the benefits... more »

People in Williamsport, Pa., have an easy explanation for city's current economic bloom: natural gas from shale.

The city in the state's center, perhaps best known for hosting the annual Little League World Series, once was a thriving lumber center but in recent decades had seen economic decline. Now natural gas production, using hydraulic fracturing to tap the Marcellus Shale formation, has transformed it into one of the fastest growing communities in the country. Here's a video that captures Williamsport's story:

It's hard to overstate the impact of the shale energy revolution in this country, spurred by fracturing technology and innovations in horizontal drilling. It's a revolution marked by dynamic economic growth, job creation and, of course the energy to drive our country's future.

The evidence is apparent. In Pennsylvania alone, development of the Marcellus shale created 72,000 new jobs from late 2009 to early 2011. We're seeing similar results in other states as well.

Yet, no revolution occurs in a vacuum. Unlocking this game-changing energy has raised some legitimate questions, especially in local communities -- questions about safety, environmental protection and every-day concerns about traffic, noise, housing and more. Our industry has heard these concerns and is responding. This revoluti... more »

Energy from shale is a game-changer - and a no-brainer - for America. Evidence abounds.

Economic growth? Williamsport, Pa., in the heart of the Marcellus Shale formation, was the country's seventh-fastest growing city in 2010, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, which is in charge of knowing such things. Williamsport's growth rate: 7.8 percent - which locals attribute to shale energy development. "This growth is clearly one of the most accurate measure to date of the overpowering influence of the natural gas industry in the region," said the Williamsport Sun-Gazette in an editorial. Here's more:

"We are well aware of the resistance to the industry of some and share the belief that the industry must be monitored closely for environmental safeguarding. ... But blanket resistan... more »

That's no typo: U.S. Rep. Glenn "GT" Thompson says that in two of the Pennsylvania counties that make up his congressional district hugging the New York state line, the unemployment rate is zero.

The reason? Natural gas production in the Marcellus Shale, which is soaring because of hydraulic fracturing-assisted drilling. "Marcellus shale is something I've been very involved in," Thompson told a public hearing in Corning, N.Y., where he was a guest. The meeting was covered by the Ithaca Journal. "It's an opportunity that comes with responsibility. ... This has been very positive."

Zero unemployment! Can't imagine the stat eluded the congressman's New York listeners, whose state leadership is considering ways to tap parts of the Marcellus.

Other positive impacts from the oil and natural gas... more »