Our nation’s shale gas and oil boom promises to change energy, economic and security balances all over the world. It has already begun to revitalize many communities in the U.S. and represents the brightest spot in our current economy. But like energy booms of the past, it presents many unique environmental, social and community challenges--both real and perceived-- at local, state, national and even international levels. In this important domestic energy revolution, our nation must live up to the environmental and social responsibilities attendant to such opportunity. This is especially so in in regions where oil and gas drilling is not commonplace.

One of the largest domestic shale gas plays is the Marcellus Shale that underlies a number of states, including Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Ohio and New York. Ridge Global has supported a leading natural gas industry association, helping to educate the public and stakeholder groups on the facts about drilling, to highlight industry best practices and to achieve a lasting base of broad support for safe exploration and production of this natural, clean energy resource.

Ridge Global provided the association and its members with distinct expertise, employing vast knowledge and understanding of the political, economic, cultural and historical life of the region. The Ridge Global team offering included an emphasis on grassroots outreach to agricultural interests, sportsmen groups, small businesses, organized labor and environmental organizations. By identifying and engaging interest groups’ concerns and issues, Ridge Global advanced the public dialogue about the positive impact that will result from the thoughtful development of the Marcellus Shale.

The Ridge Global team helped develop a set of guiding principles that industry members use to lead their daily efforts. We utilized our policy development experience to generate these operating standards that stressed environmental stewardship, economic development, safety and corporate responsibility. Shale gas development is critical to America’s energy independence and security. Ridge Global is committed to supporting the industry players who are developing this important resource, and helping to build corporate citizenship programs that serve as models for the oil and gas industry.