Learn about the latest developments in West Virginia’s natural gas industry during the fourth annual Enhancing Public Understanding of Natural Gas Issues Conference at the Bridgeport Conference Center in Bridgeport on Wednesday (May 20) from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Organized by the West Virginia University Extension Service, the conference is free to the public and will feature presentations by industry experts in topics including West Virginia’s above-ground storage tank regulations, the state’s natural gas outlook for 2015, underground injection control, royalty payments and more.

Conference pre-registration is required and limited. Those wishing to attend the conference should register online at www.wvuesngconference2015.eventbrite.com by May 8.

Among the conference presenters will be keynote speaker John Deskins of the WVU College of Business and Economics’ Bureau of Business and Economic Research. Deskins will discuss the future of natural gas in West Virginia.

“It’s a unique time for the energy industry in West Virginia as every segment – coal, oil and natural gas – is experiencing a downturn,” said Georgette Plaugher, conference chair and program coordinator for the WVU Extension Service Oil and Natural Gas education program.

Plaugher said the conference organizers strive to provide property owners and those interested in learning more about West Virginia’s natural gas industry with valuable information on new or revised regulations and the latest research developments.

“Like all energy industries, the nature of the natural gas industry is constantly changing and evolving,” said Plaugher. “Whether you are a landowner, researcher or industry regulator, it’s important to stay abreast of those developments as the industry continues to go forward.”

Attendees will have their choice of various breakout sessions in the afternoon.

Joe Sizemore, environmental resources program manager for the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection, will present on above-ground storage tank regulations for the natural gas industry, while Ryan Nester, a Bridgeport-area certified public accountant, will present “Mineral Management: Understanding Royalty Payments.”

The second breakout session will feature John King, environmental resources analyst for the WVDEP, who will speak on available citizen service programs, and United States Department of Agriculture’s Joe Hatton, who will discuss conservation easements and natural gas exploration.

“These sessions will be beneficial to any landowners – whether they own their mineral rights or not – concerned with how the natural gas industry could affect their property,” said Plaugher. “We always try to have information for those wanting to better understand how royalty payments and easements work and how they can become involved in that process.”

Following the breakout sessions, Tom Bass, environmental program resources manager with the WVDEP, will address the audience on West Virginia’s underground injection control program.

“Many people have questions or concerns relating to underground injection wells in their area, such as the possibility of groundwater contamination or earthquakes,” said Plaugher. “Mr. Bass will discuss the WVDEP’s role in managing and controlling these underground injection sites to ensure their compliance with environmental protection regulations.”

The conference’s capnote speaker, Brian Anderson, of the WVU College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, will discuss the Marcellus Shale Energy and Environmental Shale Laboratory, which is a collaborative research project between WVU and The Ohio State University.

For more information on the conference, including registration and the complete schedule of presentations and sessions, visit the website at www.anr.ext.wvu.edu/oil_gas or call Plaugher at 304-329-1391.

-WVU-

bu/04/17/15

CONTACT: Cassie Thomas, WVU Extension Service
304.293.8735, Cassie.Thomas@mail.wvu.edu

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