Thanks to the prolific Marcellus and Utica shales, Pennsylvania has quickly become the nation’s No. 2 natural gas producer over the past decade. That success, however, overshadows threats and concerns: how to provide natural gas to markets that are underserved or constrained, regulations that place an undue burden on the industry – particularly small, conventional oil and gas producers – policies that would stifle future use of clean-burning natural gas, and cyberthreats, to name just a few.

The Pennsylvania Independent Oil & Gas Association’s Spring Meeting on April 10 at Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh will shine a light on the challenges while offering the industry real solutions to continued expansion for all facets of the oil and gas industry.

“After a few difficult years for our industry due to persistently low market prices, we are gaining optimism about the future of this business and the benefits we will continue to bring to Pennsylvania and beyond,” said Dan Weaver, PIOGA President and Executive Director. “We are confident that this conference provides a cleareyed view of not only the challenges and uncertainties we face, but also offers some exciting new opportunities we can explore for continued growth.”

Weaver noted that the day’s keynote presentation, “The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels,” by Don Watkins, Director of Education for the Center for Industrial Progress, is a perfect example of confronting challenges while staying clearly focused on a bright future.

The Center for Industrial Progress is a think-tank seeking to bring about a new industrial revolution. The organization’s leaders believe that people have the untapped potential to radically improve their lives by using technology to improve the planet across a multitude of industries: mining, manufacturing, agriculture, chemistry and energy.

Among the day’s other topics are presenters are:

  • “Appalachian Basin Energy Forecasting and Economic Outlook,” Mason Ender, BTU Analytics
  • “From Paris to Pennsylvania – Cap and Trade and Climate Change,” Kevin Garber, Esq. and Jean Mosites, Esq. Babst Calland
  • “Can Customizing Production Technologies Stop Oil Production Declines?” Martin Shumway, Locus Bio Energy Solutions
  • “Pennsylvania Regulatory Overview,” Scott Perry, Esq. PA Department of Environmental Protection
  • “Cybersecurity, Energy Security & Emergency Response,” Kathleen Marks, U.S. Department of Energy/CESE
  • “Cracks in the Corporate Shield: Individual Liability for Corporate Violations,” Jon Beckman, Esq. and Brian Pulito, Esq. Steptoe & Johnson PLLC
  • “Cove Point Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) Exports,” Patrick Brennan, ST Cove Point, Marine Terminal Department
  • “Reclaiming Your Stranded Assets with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Virtual Pipeline,” Gregory Morse, NG Advantage
  • “The Power of PIOGA,” Dan Weaver, PIOGA

The day begins with registration and exhibit visits at 8 a.m., with the program running from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A networking reception follow until 7 p.m. More information and registration are available on the Spring Meeting event page.