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By America’s Natural Gas Alliance

Published: Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011 – 2:15 pm

WASHINGTON, Dec. 7, 2011 — /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Following is a statement by Regina Hopper, president and CEO of America’s Natural Gas Alliance, on the release of the IHS Global Insight study, “The Economic and Employment Contributions of Shale Gas in the United States.”

“The IHS Global Insight study confirms that shale gas, in addition to being an abundant, domestic resource, is also an economic and employment engine in the United States. Shale gas will account for 60 percent of U.S. natural gas production by 2035, up from 34 percent today, according to the study, boosting capital investment and industry-supported jobs.

“At a time when our nation’s economy is still suffering from a downturn and jobs are top-of-mind for many Americans, the impact of shale gas on employment is invaluable. Last year, shale plays supported 600,000 jobs, and by 2035, the study projects that shale gas will support more than 1.6 million jobs.

“Capital investment as a result of shale gas production is expected to total nearly $1.9 trillion between 2010 and 2035. As natural gas prices remain low with increased shale gas production, electricity costs are lower and the overall stronger economy will bring to every American household a savings of $926 per year between 2012 and 2015.

“Whether it is through job creation, economic stimulus, or government revenue, shale gas has provided and will continue to provide numerous benefits for Americans. And our commitment to safe and responsible development means communities don’t have to choose between their economic well being and the protection of the environment, they can have both.”

America’s Natural Gas Alliance (ANGA) represents 30 of North America’s leading independent natural gas exploration and production companies. ANGA members are dedicated to increasing the appreciation of the environmental, economic and national security benefits of clean, abundant, American natural gas. Learn more about ANGA at www.anga.us.

Original Article