Oberlander Says Beaver County Plant Will Help Armstrong
Calling it a win for the economy of western Pennsylvania, State Representative Donna Oberlander (R-Clarion/Armstrong/Forest) celebrated the news yesterday that Shell Chemical Appalachia will build an ethylene cracker plant in Beaver County.
“For years, officials in western Pennsylvania have been fighting hard to convince Shell that our state is the perfect place to build its massive petrochemical complex,” Oberlander said. “The company estimates that nearly 6,000 construction jobs and 600 permanent jobs will be created by this plant, which will refine natural gas to make many of the plastics we use every day.”
Oberlander noted that the Marcellus and Utica shales helped to position western Pennsylvania well, and that was enhanced by our location in the northeast part of the country, a strong workforce, and lower taxes.
“This decision would not have gone our way if we would have given in to additional taxation on the natural gas industry,” Oberlander said. “The construction of this plant will generate millions in tax revenue from property taxes, income taxes, and business taxes already on the books. We didn’t need to add another tax to an industry that is still struggling from low natural gas prices. This news today sends a strong signal that business-friendly policies can lead to successful outcomes.”
Oberlander also was hopeful that this boost in the western Pennsylvania economy will benefit the 63rd District.
“Although the plant is in Beaver County, the ripple effects will likely lead right here to the 63rd District,” she said. “Shell will need resources from all over western Pennsylvania to build the plant and supply the natural gas for its refinery. I’m hopeful that residents and businesses throughout Clarion, Armstrong, and Forest counties will benefit.”
State Representative Jeff Pyle’s office (R-Armstrong/Indiana) did not provide comment on the Beaver County plant.
Regional News | KP NewsDesk June 8, 2016
By Rainbow Rider, June 8, 2016 @ 10:21 PM
I don’t care what the article says, the only reason Shell came to the region is because they are on jensen’s list of business contacts! 😉
jensen brought them here!
And we all thought the list was a farce!
LOL