Upcoming Natural Gas Programming in the New Year

A synopsis of Marcellus programming available this month around the state

From the PennState Cooperative Extension

Penn State is providing many opportunities this month to learn more about Marcellus Shale issues.  The  Marcellus Education Team is offering a variety of programs for a variety of audiences.

A program, “Water Issues Surrounding Natural Gas Extraction” will be held Monday, January 10th, 7:00 to 9:30 PM at the Hughesville High School in Hughesville PA.  Guest speakers will be Dr. Terry Engelder, Professor of Geosciences, Penn State University, Scott Perry, Director of the Bureau of Oil and Gas Management, DEP, and Joe Lima, Program Manager with Schlumberger.  Topics include the role of geology and physics in water use and natural gas development, DEP water quality regulations update and recent resources for PA, and a look at emerging environmentally friendly chemistry used during gas development.

A program discussing financial planning will also be held at the Hughesville High School on Monday, January 24th from 7:00 to 9:30 PM.  The public will have a chance to hear an overview of Marcellus development, managing sudden windfalls, tax planning strategies and estate planning options.  Guest speakers include Tom Murphy, co-director of the Penn State Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research (MCOR), Paul Nicholas with Clermont Wealth Strategies, Nancy Montanye, CPA and member of the PA Institute of CPAs, and Lester Greevy Esq., Greevy and Associates.  Financial sponsors will be available before, during, and after the program to provide additional information.

Three Natural Gas Taxation and Finance workshops will be held across the state for financial planners, attorneys, accountants, tax preparers and those who are interested in providing the best advice possible for clients to save money and avoid unnecessary taxes.  These one-day programs will be held at the Westmoreland County Cooperative Extension office in Greensburg, the Genetti Hotel & Suites in Williamsport, and at the Riverstone Inn in Towanda on January 12, 19 and 26 respectively.

The webinar, “Marcellus Shale Legislation:  What Was Accomplished in the 2009-10 Session and What Issues Remain to be Addressed” will take part on Thursday January 20th at 1 PM.  Ross Pifer, Clinical Professor and Director of the Agricultural Law Resource and Reference Center for the Dickinson School of Law at Penn State will provide expert analysis of legislation enacted and considered related to natural gas exploration.
Dr. Timothy Kelsey will be in Gettysburg January 27th discussing, “Marcellus Shale – What It Means to Adams County” from 8:30 to 10 AM at the Adams County Emergency Services Center.  This meeting is open to the public.

On January 31st, a Marcellus Shale program will be held at the Farm & Home Center in Lancaster PA.  Speakers will include Tom Murphy, Penn State co-director of MCOR, Richard Druby, Esq., Nestico, Druby & Hildabrand, and Paul Nicholas, Clermont Wealth Strategies.  The program will begin at 7 PM.

All programs require pre-registration.  More information and how to pre-register can be found on our events page.