August 19, 2011

Manchin Statement Regarding Consol’s Investment In WV’s Marcellus Shale

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) released the following statement regarding the announcement that Consol Energy will partner with Noble Energy to develop more than 600,000 acres of Marcellus shale in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. 

“Investing in our state is the key to economic growth and creating good jobs, and so I applaud the news of Consol’s investment in developing West Virginia's Marcellus shale resources. Consol’s decision speaks volumes about the business and economic climate in our state,” Senator Manchin said. “I strongly believe Marcellus shale could be a game-changer for West Virginia, and that is why it is so important to have smart investments that will utilize our state's great labor force, and achieve the right balance between our environment and our economy.” 

“This announcement from Consol, coupled with the growing demand for our state's coal, also proves why I so passionately believe that working with industry and responsible energy development is critical to our state's and nation's future. In light of the serious economic challenges our nation faces, I would hope that the federal government finally takes note of investments like these and realizes that – if we want our economy to grow and new jobs to be created – now is the time to be a partner, not a regulatory obstacle,” Senator Manchin said. “In fact, if we are going to rebuild America, the best thing the federal government and regulatory agencies can do is to work with states like ours so we can expand the economic growth we're seeing in West Virginia all across this great nation.” 

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