Governor Announces Formation of Marcellus to Manufacturing Task Force

Press Release

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today, joined by leaders in the natural gas and chemical industries, announced the formation of a Marcellus to Manufacturing Task Force. This Task Force will research and develop potential economic development opportunities related to Marcellus Shale and natural gas byproducts such as ethane and ethylene.

"The environmentally responsible manner in which the extraction of natural gas from Marcellus Shale occurs will bring countless jobs to West Virginia," Gov. Tomblin said. "In addition, if we can feasibly develop thermal or steam crackers to make use of the ethane and ethylene associated with gas, we will have a great opportunity to reinvigorate our manufacturing sector. I have asked this Task Force to look at all of the possibilities and identify how we can take the expansion surge from the natural gas industry to positively impact our chemical and manufacturing industries."

Specifically, Governor Tomblin requests the Task Force to:

* Research and analyze the feasibility of converting ethane to ethylene using thermal or steam cracking;
* Identify potential private sector companies that specialize in constructing and operating thermal or steam crackers and develop strategies on how to attract such companies; and
* Locate existing infrastructure in the State, including pipelines and storage facilities, which may be upgraded to be used in conjunction with manufacturing processes associated with ethane, ethylene and other natural gas byproducts.

The Task Force, comprised of the following individuals, will report its findings to the Governor on a semi-annual basis. The Task Force Members are:

* Greg Babe, President and CEO Of Bayer Corporation and Bayer Material Science LLC;
* Kevin DiGregorio, Ph.D., Executive Director, Chemical Alliance Zone West Virginia;
* Patrick Donovan, Director, Maritime and Intermodal Transportation, Rahall Appalachian Transportation Institute;
* Don Garvin, Legislative Coordinator, West Virginia Environmental Council;
* W. Henry Harmon, President and CEO, Triana Energy;
* Michael John, President and CEO, Northeast Natural Energy;
* Jack Lafield, President and CEO, Caiman Energy;
* Steve Perdue, Government Affairs Manager, EQT;
* Scott Rotruck, Vice President of Corporate Development and State Government Relations, Chesapeake Energy;
* Steven H. White, Director, Affiliated Construction Trades;
* Kurt Dettinger, General Counsel for Governor Tomblin; and
* Keith Burdette, Cabinet Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Commerce.

Each Task Force member appointed by the Governor shall serve a three-year term.

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