Independent Oil & Gas Association Members to Speak at Landowner Coalition Rally

LAKE VIEW, NY (08/20/2009)(readMedia)-- Members of the Independent Oil & Gas Association of New York (IOGA of NY) will speak at the Joint Landowner Coalition (JLC) rally titled, "Our Land - Our Rights - Our Future" on:

Sunday, August 23

Noon - 4 p.m.

General Clinton Park

Bainbridge, NY

The rally, comprised of 25 landowner coalitions from nine counties as well as landowners who have signed individual leases, will demonstrate the group's support of natural gas exploration in the Marcellus Shale.

"It cannot be overstated: the Marcellus Shale formation holds tremendous economic potential for New York," said Brad Gill, IOGA of NY executive director. "Increasing the production of this clean-burning and abundant natural resource will improve the economy, result in increased tax revenues and jobs, and improve New York's and America's energy independence."

IOGA of NY members will arrive at noon and address the group about the industry, New York's current regulations and protections, benefits to landowners, municipalities and the state, and job creation. Environmental and safety concerns will be addressed as well.

IOGA of NY speakers will include:

? Brad Gill: Executive Director of IOGA of NY and President of Earth Energy Consultants.

? John Holko: Secretary of the IOGA of NY Board and President of Lenape Resources, Inc.

Speakers will be available to the media before and after the presentation.

"Natural gas exploration is an environmentally sound practice that has been employed in New York for decades," said Gill. "There are approximately 13,000 active wells around our state - something many New Yorker's may not know simply because these well have operated very safely. Companies operating in New York have an excellent environmental safety track record and plan to fully comply - as we always have - with New York's laws and regulations."

In coming weeks, IOGA of NY is holding a series of public meetings to discuss the environmental, scientific and economic aspects of natural gas exploration.

Please note the Morrisville meeting date has been changed. The updated meeting dates are as follows:

Thursday, Sept. 3, Corning Community College, Triangle Lounge, 1 Academic Drive, Corning

Tuesday, Sept. 8, Bernie's Holiday Restaurant, 277 Rock Hill Drive, Rock Hill

Thursday, Sept. 10, SUNY Oneonta, Hunt Union, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta

Thursday, Oct. 1, Morrisville State College, Theatre, 90 Eaton Street, Morrisville

Each meeting will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

IOGA of NY is a trade association founded in 1980 to protect, foster and advance the common interests of oil and gas producers, professionals and related industries in the State of New York. For additional information on natural gas exploration, as well as an up-to-date listing of the association's public meeting schedule, please visit IOGA of NY's informational blog: http://www.marcellusfacts.com/blog.