More evidence that shale energy in Ohio is looming as an economic dynamo.

First, an op-ed from the Coshocton Tribune discusses ways southeast Ohio can prepare for economic growth stemming from shale energy development. Consultant Jim Evans:

“With current interest in the area's Utica shale resources, there once again is hope for jobs and economic prosperity. Estimates of the numbers of jobs that could be generated vary based on who is making the prediction, but even the most conservative estimates offer promise. If oil and gas development comes to fruition, companies who supply the oil and gas industry will obviously have opportunities to prosper. However, good fortune won't only be reserved for direct suppliers. Most area businesses will have an unparalleled opportunity to capital... more »

Interesting report in the Boston Globe about how a ripple of economic benefits from shale natural gas development is reaching a non-energy state, Massachusetts.

Clean Harbors, Inc., a Norwell, Mass., company that delivers environmental services, estimates that demand for its know-how from shale-rich Pennsylvania generated 25 percent of its $2 billion in revenues last year – a number it expects to grow this year. “We just see a tremendous market that needs all of the services we provide,” says Chief Executive Alan McKim, who figures his company’s shale-related business is growing about 25 percent a year. “In the U.S., there’s huge potential,’’ McKim says. The Globe adds:

“Clean Harbors is just one example of how the unlocking of natural gas reserves hundreds of miles away promises... more »

Editor's note: The event has concluded. Archive footage is available above.

With the right leadership and policies, the United States can take control of its energy future. A new estimate that an oil shale formation in the western U.S. holds 1.5 trillion barrels of recoverable oil, expanding production of natural gas from shale and analysis that the U.S. could secure 100 percent of its liquid fuel needs through North American sources within 15 years certainly support that conclusion.

Leadership and policies. Specifical... more »

Over on the White House Blog, there’s genuine enthusiasm for natural gas, and for good reason.  Natural gas is clean-burning, affordable and so abundant that a number of experts describe it as a game-changer, a 100-year energy source.

In the here and now, natural gas that comes from shale through hydraulic fracturing is lifting state and regional economies while revitalizing the U.S. manufacturing sector. Heather Zichal, deputy assistant to the president for energy and climate change:

“Since taking office, President Obama has supported an all-out, all-of-the-above strategy that develops every available source of American energy. A strategy that’s cleaner, cheaper, and full of new jobs. As part of that effort, the Administration has focused on expanding production of natural gas. A... more »

There’s a good story going on in Lorain, Ohio, a steel town that has seen ups and downs. Thanks to the surge in production of energy from shale in neighboring Pennsylvania, the current trend is decidedly up.

John Wilkinson, who manages U.S. Steel’s Lorain tubular operations facility that makes steel pipe, says good years (2007-08) were followed by the economic downturn in 2009. Layoffs were ordered. Shale has played a big role in turning things around, building demand for steel products including casings to line wells and extraction tubing. Wilkinson:

“Now with the upturn in the economy, the things we’re seeing from the Marcellus Shale and the increase in production, we’ve had the opportunity to recall almost all of those people and actually hire an additional 300 people in the la... more »