Oil & Gas Association Supports Vision and Recommendations of Draft State Energy Plan

LAKE VIEW, NY (08/10/2009)(readMedia)-- The Independent Oil & Gas Association of New York (IOGA of NY) today expressed support of a draft plan by the State Energy Planning Board, which recognizes the benefits that expanded natural gas exploration will bring to New York.

The plan, released today, says increased exploration in the Marcellus Shale "would create jobs, create wealth for upstate land-owners, and increase State revenue from taxes and land-owner leases and royalties." The report recommends that the state "Support private interest and investment in drilling in the Marcellus Shale natural gas reserves and natural gas pipeline expansions to improve supply and deliverability of natural gas to markets in New York in an environmentally acceptable manner."

New York's oil and gas producers have operated in a safe and environmentally sound way for decades. The state Department of Environmental Conservations is currently reviewing the possible environmental impacts that increased exploration would have on New York.

"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."

The draft energy plan follows a recent report by the New York State Commission on State Asset Maximization's (SAM), which said the Marcellus Shale "presents an unprecedented opportunity for economic development."

In coming weeks, IOGA of NY is holding another series of public meetings to discuss the environmental, scientific and economic aspects of natural gas exploration, as follows:

Thursday, Aug. 27, Morrisville State College, 90 Eaton Street, Morrisville

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

Each meeting will be held from 6:30 p.m. 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: www.marcellusfacts.com.

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