The Marcellus Shale is one of the greatest economic development opportunities in the history of Pennsylvania. Aside from its tremendous potential to produce energy, it represents an enormous foundation for job creation. According to the state Department of Labor and Industry, the Marcellus Shale could produce 4,397 jobs directly and a total of 15,609 ancillary jobs.
But where is GOP gubernatorial candidate Tom Corbett on making sure that those jobs to go to Pennsylvanians? He’s nowhere to be found, of course. While jobs are going to those from Oklahoma, Texas and other southern states, Corbett remains mum on the subject. Democrat Dan Onorato, on the other hand, has been vocal about making sure that these jobs go to skilled Pennsylanians.
And while we’re on the topic of natural gas, it should be noted that Corbett has largely ignored environmental concerns and the benefit of taxing Marcellus Shale. But who could blame him? After all, his campaign has benefited from well over $350,000 in campaign contributions from industry interests, making him by far the biggest beneficiary of those natural gas tycoons.
Corbett and his campaign have a lot of explaining to do on this issue.
