Pa. should join exploration into Appalachia energy hub

Gov. Tom Wolf’s Jan. 8 executive order addressing energy, environment and low-carbon transportation solutions is relevant to the Appalachia storage and distribution hub. U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Rick Perry’s Dec. 5 op-ed “It’s Time to Build an Appalachia Energy Hub” addresses the Appalachia (Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky) natural gas endowment as a means to economic growth and national energy security. Importantly, Mr. Perry notes his agency envisions the Appalachia energy revolution as informed by the necessity for environmental stewardship.

Following meetings with the Appalachia Development Group (ADG) and others, the DOE began to focus upon the proposal to create a natural gas liquids raw material storage cavern network to enhance manufacturing in the region. ADG has submitted a loan guarantee application seeking partial public financing of $1.9 billion. Other private and public funds are being raised. ADG has partnered with experts to design its proposal, with focus on greenhouse gas management. This hub will reduce greenhouse gases from transportation sectors. The DOE Loan Program Office has subsequently invited ADG CEO Steven B. Hedrick to submit a more thorough Part 2 justification of the ADG Hub.

Economists predict a hub will add 100,000 jobs to Appalachia. On Dec. 12, President Donald Trump established the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council to urge public and private investment in economically distressed areas. There are four states in Appalachia that should join the council to explore investment in an Appalachia energy hub.

ADG’s mission is to connect opportunities for Appalachia by managing environmental impacts, enhancing national energy independence, creating 100,000 jobs, and effective investment of private and public monies. The hub is an incredible opportunity we must not miss. KATHY G. BECKETT

Charleston, W. Va.

The writer is an environmental attorney with the law firm of Steptoe & Johnson. She also serves as the environmental and sustainability lead for the Appalachia Development Group.