WASHINGTON — The Appalachian Regional Commissionhas welcomed the release of The Appalachian Energy and Petrochemical Renaissance: An Examination of Economic Progress and Opportunities, a new Department of Energy report on the Region’s growing shale and gas industries.

Drawing on ARC data, research, and investment outcomes, the report examines energy resources found in the Appalachian Region, opportunities and challenges presented by expanded extraction, the importance of the petrochemical industry’s use of natural gas byproducts in production, and steps that can be taken to increase the positive economic impact resulting from these opportunities in the Region. The report offers several recommendations for continued capitalization of these sectors, including:

Increased investment in transportation bringing products to the market, including: rail, pipelines, waterways, and highways; Increased private investment in petrochemical industry infrastructure, including ethane cracker plants like the one currently being constructed in Beaver County, Pa.; Continued investment in a highly-trained workforce, proficient in the needs of today’s high-tech manufacturing industry; Development of tax and regulatory policies supporting an energy-friendly business environment; and continued regional leadership toward innovation across the energy, petrochemical, and manufacturing sectors.