On a late summer day 166 years ago in Titusville, just an hour’s drive southeast of Erie, Colonel Edwin Drake successfully drilled the first commercial oil well — and changed the world forever.
Energy is the bedrock of any successful society. The oil and natural gas discovered right here in northwest Pennsylvania powered the Industrial Revolution. It won two world wars, created millions of family sustaining jobs, elevated tens of millions of Americans out of poverty and made the United States the economic envy of the world.
Jim Welty
What I see as an American success story comes full circle in Erie starting on Wednesday, Sept. 16. Erie will once again play host to the national energy conversation as the SHALE INSIGHT® 2025 conference brings together policymakers, industry leaders and innovators to map the future of energy, manufacturing and digital infrastructure in our region and across the country.
Pennsylvania’s role as the nation’s energy backbone is evident in the investments and projects taking shape across the commonwealth. In July, Senator Dave McCormick’s inaugural Energy and Innovation Summit held in Pittsburgh brought into focus how Appalachian natural gas fuels our economy, from advanced manufacturing to cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
These critical industries are locating and expanding across Pennsylvania because of the advantage of abundant, reliable and affordable energy. Pennsylvania’s unique and differentiated position is not only creating local jobs but also helping to secure the nation’s leadership role in a complex and fast-changing global economy.
Western Pennsylvania is emerging as an integrated energy and technology hub — fueled by homegrown natural gas and backed by the region’s skilled workforce, building trade partners, industrial know-how and globally recognized research capabilities.
Energy security, infrastructure modernization and permitting reform remain at the forefront of national priorities, and will all be at the center of this week’s event, where nearly a thousand energy-minded stakeholders will gather for our 15th annual conference.
Grid reliability will be center stage, with PJM Interconnection leadership outlining how it is working to meet soaring demand for electricity with dependable, baseload resources. Federal and state policymakers will discuss how America can keep the lights on affordably, even as power use climbs from data centers, manufacturing and electrification.
For years, regulatory gridlock to expand pipeline delivery systems into New York left millions of consumers exposed to higher costs and winter shortages. Blocking critical infrastructure did not reduce demand for energy — it simply forced the region to import natural gas from overseas, often carried by ship from as far away as Russia. These chronic permitting delays — which impact all forms of energy, not just natural gas infrastructure — are bad for consumers, our economy and our environment. A more commonsense approach is gaining momentum, with regulators and policymakers weighing new solutions to connect abundant energy supplies with growing demand to help ensure consumers have the energy they need around the clock.
The opportunity is enormous. Strengthening energy infrastructure — whether through grid improvements or new pipeline systems — saves families money, creates good-paying jobs, generates tax revenue for schools and communities and ensures energy flows safely and efficiently where it is needed most.
SHALE INSIGHT® is a platform for advancing these solutions. The event brings together leaders and experts from companies like EQT, Repsol, MPLX, PennEnergy Resources and National Fuel Gas, alongside leaders from PJM Interconnection, PHMSA and the American Gas Association.
U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who also serves as the chair of President Trump’s multi-agency National Energy Dominance Council, will provide the event’s keynote address, underscoring how critical Appalachian energy is to America’s security and competitiveness.
Innovation is another key theme in Erie this week. The University Research Showcase attracts students from leading research institutions, including Penn State, West Virginia University, Ohio State and others, who share their latest studies on topics of importance to the industry. And the Technology Showcase provides a unique platform for innovators to present new, emerging technologies, including next generation solutions that further enhance safety and operational efficiency while also lessening impacts.
Erie’s deep manufacturing heritage reflects the opportunities that natural gas creates across the commonwealth and beyond. Affordable and reliable energy is essential for stronger communities, new industries and a healthier environment.
The message ahead of SHALE INSIGHT® 2025 is clear. Pennsylvania’s natural gas is powering the nation’s future. It is supporting family-sustaining jobs, driving down consumer costs, reducing emissions and strengthening America’s competitive edge. When Pennsylvania leads, America benefits.
Jim Welty is president of the Pittsburgh-based Marcellus Shale Coalition (MSC). The annual SHALE INSIGHT® Conference will be held at Erie’s Bayfront Convention Center September 16 through18. Learn more at www.marcelluscoalition.org/shale-insight.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Doug Burgum to address energy conference in Erie, Pa. | Opinion
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