American Chemistry Council Joins The Hill's 'Ohio Energy Jobs Summit' to Highlight the Economic Impact of Shale Gas in Powering Manufacturing Renaissance

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May 02, 2012, 01:23 ET

Ohio's Natural Gas Spurring Job Creation, Driving Economic Growth

COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 2, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Chemistry Council (ACC) participated in today's Ohio Energy Jobs Summit to highlight how abundant and affordable supplies of natural gas from shale will create jobs, boost exports, and increase investment in Ohio. The Columbus event was hosted by The Hill newspaper, sponsored by the Coalition for American Jobs, and included a broad representation of members from the Ohio Congressional delegation, state public officials and business leaders across the state.

ACC President and CEO Cal Dooley introduced Ohio Governor John Kasich, who has announced an all-of-the-above approach to energy policy that supports a strong, secure and sustainable energy future by maximizing its diverse natural resources, including natural gas, biofuels, coal and renewable sources.

Momentive Performance Materials Holdings, a chemical manufacturing company based in Columbus, was represented by Executive Vice-President Jody Bevilaqua during a panel discussion with Ohio companies on the broad economic impact of new shale gas development in the state.

"Natural gas is a game changer. Ohio's supply of natural gas from shale has the potential to create tens of thousands of high-paying manufacturing jobs, drive economic output and generate revenues for the Buckeye state," Dooley said.

"Ohio is a model for states on how leveraging abundant shale gas through responsible production can reduce energy costs and create a competitive advantage for its manufacturing industry, particularly for chemical manufacturers. The result is increased investment, more jobs and a growing, robust economy."

ACC recently projected that the establishment of a new chemical plant to take advantage of shale gas here in Ohio could create 17,000 new permanent jobs, provide more than $1 billion in wages for Ohio workers and produce $169 million in tax revenue for the state.

Today's event comes in the midst of ACC's recently launched energy advocacy and awareness campaign, From Chemistry to Energy. From Chemistry to Energy advocates for a comprehensive national energy strategy that maximizes all domestic energy resources, with a focus on robust and responsible production of domestic shale gas; improved residential, commercial and industrial energy efficiency; and expanded adoption of energy recovery programs. Each will help meet national energy security, economic and environmental goals while also creating value for the business of chemistry and creating energy solutions for a strong, secure, and sustainable future.

For more information about the From Chemistry to Energy campaign, please visit ChemistryToEnergy.com. Also, join the conversation on Twitter using #Chemistry2Energy and follow campaign updates at @AmChemistry and blog.americanchemistry.com

http://www.americanchemistry.com

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) represents the leading companies engaged in the business of chemistry. ACC members apply the science of chemistry to make innovative products and services that make people's lives better, healthier and safer. ACC is committed to improved environmental, health and safety performance through Responsible Care®, common sense advocacy designed to address major public policy issues, and health and environmental research and product testing. The business of chemistry is a $720 billion enterprise and a key element of the nation's economy. It is one of the nation's largest exporters, accounting for ten cents out of every dollar in U.S. exports. Chemistry companies are among the largest investors in research and development. Safety and security have always been primary concerns of ACC members, and they have intensified their efforts, working closely with government agencies to improve security and to defend against any threat to the nation's critical infrastructure.

SOURCE American Chemistry Council