West Virginia University’s Extension Service will work to help the public gain a better understanding of natural gas issues in the state through a free, day-long conference in Morgantown on Wednesday, June 6 at the Morgantown Event Center.

The conference, Enhancing Public Understanding of Natural Gas Issues, runs from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and features information regarding natural gas exploration in the Marcellus shale region.

Topics include public health issues; seismic testing; well site safety; private property taxation and insurance issues; and banking and financing.

“We hear from people in all 55 of the counties we serve that they’re confused about Marcellus shale and what it means to their community,” Jennifer Williams, director of the WVU Extension Service Agriculture and Natural Resources unit. “As educators we have a responsibility to help the public make informed decisions when it comes to private and public issues surrounding oil and natural gas.”

Representatives of the WVU Extension Service, WVU School of Medicine, US Geological Survey and the West Virginia Tax Department will speak about issues surrounding Marcellus shale.

Lunch, break snacks and parking are free to attendees. Pre-registration is recommended. Participants should pre-register by Friday, May 25.

Register by mail, e-mail, or fax by downloading and completing the registration form at www.anr.ext.wvu.edu/oil_gas. For more information, call Georgette Plaugher at 304-329-1391.

For more information on oil and natural gas programming in your community, visit www.anr.ext.wvu.edu/oil_gas, or contact your local office of the WVU Extension Service.

-WVU-

04/27/12

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CONTACT: Cassie Waugh
Cassie.waugh@mail.wvu.edu; Office: 304-293-8735; Cell: 304-376-1829