Apr 16, 2025 2 min read

A recent event hosted by the Pennsylvania Chamber and Washington County Chamber of Commerce underscored the “enormous economic development” brought about by the energy industry and the vast opportunities for Pennsylvania-made natural gas (Energy leaders reflect on industry’s direction at Range Resources event, March 21).

Since natural gas drilling began over two decades ago in Washington County, modern natural gas development has powered Pennsylvania and its economy. Ranked second in the nation for natural gas production, Pennsylvania is vital to American energy leadership and security.

As chamber and business leaders highlighted, the benefits of energy development in Pennsylvania are evident.

Over 423,000 jobs in the Keystone State are supported by the natural gas and oil industry – from Washington County to all points in Pennsylvania.

The natural gas and oil industry also contributes $75 billion to Pennsylvania’s economy and hundreds of millions of dollars annually from the natural gas impact fee.

And it doesn’t have to stop there. Pennsylvania’s energy opportunities are growing.

Earlier this month, Homer City Redevelopment unveiled plans to convert the Indiana County-based site of a former coal plant into a large-scale, natural gas-powered data center campus – one of the largest capital investments in Pennsylvania history. And in Washington County, a partnership has announced plans to build a new natural gas power plant at the Fort Cherry Development District.

These projects underscore the power of Pennsylvania natural gas – both as reliable baseload energy and an economic driver. Clearly, proximity to abundant sources of energy is helping to attract new investment.

Powering artificial intelligence, data centers and advanced manufacturing presents significant opportunities for Pennsylvania and its energy sector, spurring natural gas development and construction of the energy infrastructure to support it.

As one of the commonwealth’s top natural gas-producing counties, Washington County is a regional hub for business and innovation. With a renewed focus on American energy dominance and policies to support it, Pennsylvania is well positioned to strengthen its energy advantage and economy.

Stephanie Catarino Wissman

Executive director

American Petroleum Institute Pennsylvania

Harrisburg