Somerset County Chamber of Commerce Shares Information on Marcellus Shale

Somerset County's Chamber of Commerce has scheduled an informational luncheon with speakers from industry and government for Tuesday, April 14th about the potential economic and environmental impacts of Marcellus Shale drilling for natural gas.

Chamber Executive Director Ron Aldom says drilling in the Barnett Shale in Texas, which is only one-fifth the size of the Marcellus Shale, had quite an economic impact. He expects regions above the Marcellus Shale to see economic activity and high-paying jobs for up to three decades.

He believes strong state environmental regulations will protect Somerset County’s significant agriculture and outdoor recreation interests, which have successfully coexisted for years with manufacturing, coal mining, and wind energy.

The luncheon sold out quickly—there is a waiting list.