"Energy Jobs Act" Would Be Positive Step For North Carolina

Piedmont Natural Gas says proposed legislation would help increase energy independence, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create jobs, foster economic development, and enhance state revenue through royalty sharing

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Piedmont Natural Gas

Apr 20, 2011, 11:17 ET

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Piedmont Natural Gas (NYSE: PNY) expressed support today for new energy legislation that was introduced yesterday in the North Carolina Senate. Piedmont's Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Thomas E. Skains said today that the "Energy Jobs Act" is a positive step that would help the state of North Carolina meet its growing demand for clean energy while fostering job creation and sustainable economic development.

"This legislation represents a comprehensive and responsible approach to the development and production of our onshore and offshore energy resources here in North Carolina. Importantly, it recognizes the role that natural gas can play to meet our state's growing energy needs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote job creation and economic development, and enhance the state's revenue through royalty sharing associated with natural gas development and production activities. This legislation would be a very positive step for North Carolina."

Mr. Skains went on to say, "Natural gas is an abundant domestic energy resource. The development and production of our state's natural resources will further enhance our nation's energy security and help keep energy costs affordable for consumers."

About Piedmont Natural Gas

Piedmont Natural Gas (NYSE: PNY) is an energy services company primarily engaged in the distribution of natural gas to more than 1 million residential, commercial and industrial utility customers in North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, including 52,000 customers served by municipalities who are wholesale customers. Our subsidiaries are invested in joint venture, energy-related businesses, including unregulated retail natural gas marketing, interstate natural gas storage and intrastate natural gas transportation. More information about Piedmont Natural Gas is available at http://www.piedmontng.com.

SOURCE Piedmont Natural Gas