Pennsylvania Energy Leaders Highlight Natural Gas and Oil Industry Impact
On June 23, 2026, the American Petroleum Institute Pennsylvania (API PA) and industry partners hosted “Natural Gas and Oil Day” in Harrisburg to advocate for energy policies. The group sent a joint letter to Gov. Josh Shapiro highlighting Pennsylvania’s role as the nation’s second-largest natural gas producer and the economic impact of the state’s impact fee.
The event brought together state senators, representatives, energy companies, and labor leaders at the state capitol. API PA Executive Director Stephanie Catarino Wissman stated that the day aimed to spotlight the state’s energy advantage and push for policies strengthening energy security and the economy.
API PA, the Marcellus Shale Coalition (MSC), and the Pennsylvania Independent Oil and Gas Association (PIOGA) issued a joint letter to Gov. Shapiro and state lawmakers. The letter addressed misconceptions about the state’s impact fee and emphasized its role in funding projects across all 67 counties.
Why does Pennsylvania’s energy production matter?
The industry serves as a primary economic driver. According to PwC, the natural gas and oil sector supports 400,000 jobs and generates $77 billion for the state economy.
Natural gas is currently the largest source of in-state electricity generation. Additionally, over half of all Pennsylvania households rely on the fuel as their primary source for home heating.
Wissman noted that the natural gas impact fee has already generated over $3.1 billion for projects statewide. Jim Welty of the MSC and Dan Weaver of PIOGA also cited economic and environmental progress resulting from these energy resources.
How is technology impacting the workforce?
The “Natural Gas and Oil Day” included a technology showcase to demonstrate safety initiatives and production delivery methods. This featured a virtual reality experience designed to provide a perspective on the modern energy workforce.
Research was also highlighted at the event. Dr. Carolyn Mahan, a professor at Penn State Altoona, is studying how vegetation management on pipeline right-of-ways affects native plants and wildlife along Shell’s Falcon Pipeline in Southwest Pennsylvania.
What happens next for the industry?
The financial trajectory of state projects may depend on the continued activation of new wells. The joint letter to Gov. Shapiro stated that as new unconventional wells come online, they will be subject to the impact fee for 15 years.
This structure suggests the program is likely to continue channeling billions of dollars into state programs. Future policy discussions may focus on maintaining these revenue streams as the industry balances economic output with environmental progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Pennsylvania rank in U.S. natural gas production?
Pennsylvania is the second-largest producer of natural gas in the United States, trailing only Texas.
What is the economic impact of the industry according to PwC?
The industry supports 400,000 jobs and contributes $77 billion to the state’s economy.
How many counties benefit from the natural gas impact fee?
The funding supports projects in all 67 Pennsylvania counties.
How should the state balance industrial energy production with local environmental conservation?