ICYMI: Keller hosts District Energy Day with Pennsylvania energy producers and local leaders

June 29, 2022

Press Release

Washington, D.C. - In case you missed it,Congressman Keller (PA-12) hosted a District Energy Day on Monday with representatives of Pennsylvania's energy industry and local elected officials in Lycoming County to discuss energy policies and workforce development initiatives impacting energy production in the Commonwealth. The day included a field tour of a natural gas rig, a roundtable discussion, and a tour of Pennsylvania College of Technology's plastics innovation, engines metal trades, and machining technologies centers

The Standard Journal and Williamsport Sun-Gazette covered the events of the day.

As reported by the Standard Journal:

Congressman Fred Keller (R-Pa.12) opened a luncheon discussion at the Pennsylvania College of Technology (PCT) after a tour of a Range Resources production facility near Cogan Station. Industry officials present included drillers and the head of an advocacy group who asked for policy changes.

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David E. Callahan, Marcellus Shale Group president, said it was troubling to hear Biden administration officials say the natural gas industry had a decade or less to keep producing.

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"We need infrastructure here in this country not only to serve our own needs but also to help our allies," Callahan said. "We need to unleash American ingenuity (and) unleash our technological advancement."

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Keller said the trip to the job site was a learning experience. He said opportunities for advancement were impressive.

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Meantime, Bill deRosiers, Coterra Energy manager of external affairs, said pipeline infrastructure is among the most vital links for the industry. He hopes attitudes will shift back to building pipelines if regulators deem a one is in the best interests of the country.

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DeRosiers thanked Keller for support of industry training programs which have helped ease the need for drivers with commercial licenses (CDL). He said in less than a year, a Susquehanna County Career and Technology Center CDL program has graduated more than 100 top-rated commercial drivers. DeRosiers noted upcoming classes are booked.

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As reported by the Williamsport Sun-Gazette:

Keller said he believes the problems existing with energy are very much tied to inflation and other economic issues facing the country.

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The 18 cents gas holiday pushed by the Biden Administration, Keller said, is simply a short-term solution to problems such as inflation.

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Keller said policies that prevent the building out of pipelines to bring gas from Pennsylvania to markets in New England are an example of what needs to change

advancement."

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"These pipelines are absolutely essential," Marcellus Shale Coalition President David Callahan told Keller.

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In May, Keller voted with other House Republicans against the Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act…Keller has indicated he opposed the bill because it does nothing to "address the real causes of rising energy costs, weaponizes the Federal Trade Commission to implement price controls on private industry and stifles economic growth."

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Keller said the gas and oil industry is highly regulated and does a good job of producing energy safely.

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Congressman Keller highlighted the big takeaways from the District Energy Day in a recap video.

"Today we've been working on how we can help with people having the skills necessary to earn a good living, what we need to do to embrace American energy, and education," Congressman Keller said in the video.

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