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Marcellus: The Economic Miracle

As the Marcellus Shale development continues to be one of the most significant, and complex, economic drivers to ever emerge in the State of Pennsylvania, The American Entrepreneur, Ron Morris, is here to sort it all out. Marcellus: The Economic Miracle takes a look at the many ways in which Pennsylvania, and the U.S., stand to benefit from the Marcellus Shale development, and the industries that are directly (and indirectly) impacted as a result.

Ron Morris talks with industry experts from around the country on all things Marcellus, including how Marcellus was developed, how the natural gas is extracted from the shale, the benefits to landowners, the training and education of the Marcellus workforce, the role that impact fees and taxes play in the economics of Marcellus, the impact on the environment, what happens when the Marcellus has been fully tapped and the drillers go away, and much more.

Marcellus: the Economic Miracle - Supply & Demand

April 13, 2012

Guests: Arthur Berman, John Felmy

As part “Marcellus: the Economic Miracle”, American Entrepreneur Radio’s ongoing coverage of the economic impact of the Marcellus Shale, host Ron Morris examines the sustainability of Marcellus from a supply standpoint. Ron is joined by Arthur Berman, of Labyrinth Consulting, and John Felmy, of the American Petroleum Institute.

Marcellus: The Economic Miracle - Week 2

April 6, 2012

Guests: David Dickson, Mike Knapp, Rick Smead

As drillers pore through the State of Pennsylvania in order to tap into the vast resources present in the Marcellus Shale, the resulting natural gas output is bifurcated into “wet gas” and “dry gas”. But what, exactly, is the difference? What are the uses for each, and how do the markets for each shape up? As part of our latest series devoted to the Marcellus Shale, “Marcellus: the Economic Miracle”, The American Entrepreneur, Ron Morris, explores that very question as he talks with Rick Smead of Navigant Energy, along with Mike Knapp of Knapp Acquisitions and Production, about the makeup of wet gas and dry gas, and which one will be the more economically viable option as we continue to drill into Marcellus.

Getting to the Gas: The Business of Fracking

April 20, 2012

Guests: Mark Laskow, Geoff Styles

As part of the continuing coverage of the Marcellus Shale’s economic impact in the State of Pennsylvania, The American Entrepreneur, Ron Morris, examines the process of how drillers extract the natural gas out of the ground. Ron looks at the process of hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking”, as he talks with Geoff Styles, President of GSW Strategy Group LLC, as well as our resident Marcellus expert, Mark Laskow, about the companies that are currently using this measure on Marcellus. He’ll examine the equipment that the drillers use, the professionals conducting the fracking exercises, and how the oil leaves the ground. Plus, he’ll examine the business impact of fracking, including the debate over the short and long term environmental concerns that those outside the industry have about fracking, and how the industry is working to mitigate those concerns.

Horizontal Drilling: Why Is It the Method of Choice For Marcellus Drillers?

April 27, 2012

Guests: L. Zane Shuck, Daniel Soeder

American Entrepreneur Radio guest host Mark Laskow examines the practice of horizontal drilling as it relates to obtaining natural gas from the Marcellus Shale, and other shale developments. Mark talks with two experienced drilling experts, Dan Soeder of the National Energy Technology Laboratory and oil and gas consultant L Zane Shuck, about the mechanics of horizontal drilling, the business implications of the drilling process, and the environmental impact that is tied to this methodlogy.

What Happens to the Water That Is Created During the Fracking Process?

May 4, 2012

Guests: Mark Laskow, Brian Oram, David Yoxtheimer

As part of American Entrepreneur Radio’s “Marcellus: The Economic Miracle” series, guest host Mark Laskow examines the water that is produced as a result of both the hydraulic fracturing (or “fracking”) and horizontal drilling processes. Mark, along with his guests, Brian Oram of BF Environmental Consultants and David Yoxtheimer of Penn State University, discuss the process of how the water is extracted, the treatment process, the health and safety concerns involved, and the entrepreneurial opportunities that exist for small and large companies in the water treatment process.

How Does the Oil and Gas Industry Manage the Environmental Impact of Marcellus Drilling?

May 11, 2012

Guests: John Hanger

As part of American Entrepreneur Radio’s “Marcellus: The Economic Miracle” series devoted to the impact that the Marcellus Shale is having on the region, Ron talks with John Hanger, the Former Secretary of Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection, regarding the environmental impact that Marcellus activity has on the area. John discusses the practices and standards in place to ensure safe drilling, discusses what the industry is doing to ensure that these standards are being met, and outlines the penalties that result when the environment is damaged as part of the drilling process.

What Makes Marcellus Tick? How the Infrastructure Supports the Industry

May 18, 2012

Guests: Ken Komoroski, Matt Pitzarella

The Marcellus Shale development is rapidly becoming the single most important economic development to hit the State of Pennsylvania in ages. But what makes up the support system to enable this natural resource to bear fruit? As part of American Entrepreneur Radio's series devoted to the Marcellus Shale, "Marcellus: The Economic Miracle", Ron moderates a panel discussion of individuals representing organizations who are essential in the process to bring the shale to market, as he talks with Matt Pitzarella of Range Resources and attorney Ken Komoroski of Fulbright and Jaworski. They will discuss their respective roles when it comes to shale drilling, and the challenges and opportunities facing shale drilling throughout the State of PA.

Game Changer: What Shell's Decision To Build a Cracker Plant in Pennsylvania Means For the Marcellus Shale

May 25, 2012

Guests: Mark Laskow, Rick Stouffer

When Shell recently decided to build an ethane cracker, in order to further capitalize on the shale gas play in the United States, they had plenty of locations at their disposal. Their choice? Beaver County, Pennsylvania. As part of our ongoing series devoted to the Marcellus Shale, "Marcellus: The Economic Miracle", guest host Mark Laskow, with the help of Rick Stouffer, Editor of the oil and gas newsletter Gas Business Briefing, examines this landmark decision, details how it came to be, and assess the impact it will have on the Marcellus Shale. Plus, Susan Dunlap, the Workforce Development Program Coordinator at the Community College of Beaver Counter, checks in to discuss how the region's aspiring Marcellus workers are being trained to meet the rapidly-changing needs of the Oil and Gas industry.

"Marcellus: The Economic Miracle": How Does Marcellus Impact Education in Pennsylvania?

June 1, 2012

Guests: Mark Laskow, Bill Lucas

The Marcellus Shale has emerged as one of the most significant economic developments in the recent history of Pennsylvania, and one that will have some staying power. But how is Marcellus taught in our schools? As part of our ongoing series, "Marcellus: the Economic Miracle", Bill Lucas, the Chief Development Officer for the Western Pennsylvania chapter of Junior Achievement, joins Guest Host Mark Laskow to discuss the programs that are in place for students who want to learn about Marcellus, and who want to prepare for possible employment in the Marcellus industry after graduation.

What Are the Costs of Doing Business in the Marcellus Shale?

June 8, 2012

Guests: John Hanger, Patrick Henderson, Mark Laskow

For this week's edition of "Marcellus: The Economic Miracle", Mark Laskow examines the cost structure of the Marcellus Shale, and dissects the various fines and impact fees that are imparted on those that capitalize on the vast Marcellus resources found in the State. Who pays the fees? Where does the revenue get distributed? How is the collection process enforced? Mark talks with John Hanger, the former Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection, as well as Patrick Henderson, the inaugural Energy Executive for the State of Pennsylvania, about the costs involved with Marcellus, and how the industry has responded to these costs.

Getting Pennsylvania Ready For Marcellus: Kai Schafft Discusses HIs Mission

June 15, 2012

Guests: Mark Laskow, Matt Pitzarella, Kai Schafft

As part of our ongoing series devoted to the Marcellus Shale's economic impact in the State of Pennsylvania, host Mark Laskow talks with Kai Schafft, an Associate Professor of Education at Penn State University in the Department of Education Policy Studies, about his efforts to provide insights to the rural outreaches of the State's educational system as to the impact that Marcellus will have. Kai discusses his efforts to implement Marcellus-based educational curricula into Pennsylvania schools, to educate students about the shale, and to prepare them for the future careers in the oil and gas industry that will be waiting for them upon graduation. Plus, Matt Pitzarella of Range Resources checks in to reflect on the passing of Ron Morris, and share his thoughts about Ron's tireless advocacy of Marcellus as an impactful economic driver for the State.