Drilling Supporters Rally at Courthouse

Energy independence touted as benefit

Morgantown Dominion Post
22 June 2011
By Alex Lang

To show their support for the gas drilling industry and its employees, about 100 people gathered on Courthouse Square on Tuesday.

“Economic growth through energy independence” and “Local energy=local jobs” were two of the signs on display in the crowd.

“We’re responsible, we do things right,” Independent Oil and Gas Association of West Virginia President Michael McCown told the crowd. “Our industry is responsible for 35,000 jobs.”

That number represents both the direct and indirect jobs tied to the drilling industry. He also said the workers are going to fight for their jobs and their honor.

McCown was one of four speakers at a rally at the courthouse. Those involved in the gas drilling industry, most notably Marcellus shale, attended the rally before heading to the Morgantown City Council meeting. The council voted to ban Marcellus shale drilling in the city and within a 1-mile radius of city limits.

One of those employees in attendance was Zach Toothman. He recently graduated from WVU with a degree in petroleum engineering. He said he is a field engineer for Chesapeake Energy and spends most of his time around Marcellus shale drilling.

He said he was happy the rally was organized.

“We need to do more like this,” Toothman said.

Delegate Doug Skaff, D-Kanawha, told those at the rally that students like Toothman will have a chance to stay in West Virginia and raise a family thanks to the drilling industry. He said the state is at a crossroads and production of natural gas can be a game-changer for the state.

The drilling industry must work with the various government environmental protection agencies, Skaff said. He added “we’re not going to this half-heartedly.”

Chesapeake Energy Vice President of Corporate Development and State Government Regulations Scott Rotruck said safety is the number one priority. Not only in terms of worker safety, but environmental safety as well.

“That is extremely important to us,” Rotruck said.

Matt Sutton, who helped organize the rally, said it wasn’t in reaction to the several recent Marcellus shale protests. He added it was an idea that was talked about in the past.

“They want to get out and show support for workers in the area,” Sutton said.