PITTSBURGH — The Pennsylvania Independent Oil & Gas Association (PIOGA) will highlight the continuing importance of the industry during its annual Spring Meeting and Exposition on Wednesday, April 6 in the Event Center of Pittsburgh’s Rivers Casino. The conference runs from 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m., followed by a reception until 7 p.m.
Pennsylvania was the birthplace of the oil and natural gas industry more than 160 years ago, launching an industry that has changed the world for the better. And now with huge natural gas reserves in the Marcellus and Utica shales, the Keystone State has regained its stature as one of the world’s most important providers of energy and feedstocks that today’s society cannot do without.
“Our members understand that society cannot function without the products they provide — everything from the natural gas that heats our homes to the feedstocks needed to make virtually every consumer product we own or use,” said Association President and Executive Director Daniel J. Weaver. “Yet there is a growing narrative that the world must stop producing and using hydrocarbons. Our organization has been working tirelessly to set the record straight: Renewables are a key component of our energy portfolio, but it’s impossible for them to be the only component.”
Wexford-based PIOGA is the Commonwealth’s oldest and largest oil and gas trade association, made up of nearly 400 companies representing all facets of the industry, from those that drill and operate oil and gas wells to those that provide services to operators to those that refine and consume natural gas and petrochemical products.
The theme of PIOGA’s conference is, “Oil and Natural Gas: The Foundation for Society.”
Keynotes include opening speaker Asim Haque, vice president, state and member services, with PJM Interconnection, addressing, “PJM: The Largest Power Grid in North America and the Role of Natural Gas.” The luncheon address will be delivered by William Watson, general manager for the Shell Polymers petrochemical complex in Monaca, Beaver County. Closing speaker will be Senator Gene Yaw, who represents Pennsylvania’s 23rd Senatorial District and is chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee.
Other presenters and topics are:
“We expect well over 300 members of the oil and gas industry and business community will take the opportunity to gather in person to hear this cutting-edge information, as well as to learn about some great products and services that our exhibitors are offering, and to renew connections and make new ones,” Weaver said.
For more information, visit the PIOGA Events section at www.pioga.org.
