As the Wine and Beer Summit gets underway here in Albany today, the natural-gas industry is wondering: What about us?

In a letter sent to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Independent Oil and Gas Association Executive Director Brad Gill writes that a “summit” similar to the ones for beer and wine and greek yogurt could benefit energy development for New York.

From the letter:

I am confident that there would be tremendous interest from throughout the state in such an event. Energy companies, service providers, engineering firms, environmental consultants, economists and landowners can be brought together to explain the nearly 200-year-old history of this industry in New York. We can highlight what shale gas development would make possible, including benefiting the state economy, local economies, how reduced energy costs can attract other industries, how the return of manufacturing to the United States is real, and how natural gas development has reduced New York’s residential electric costs. We can and should talk about how inexpensive and stable natural gas prices can help make New York competitive again.

Of course, what IOGA is getting at is the growing concern among those in the industry that the state is reacting to pressure from environmental groups in order to delay allowing high-volume hydrofracking in Nw York.

Indeed, several wine and beer groups are in Albany today to also discuss the impact of the controversial natrual gas extraction process could have on their businesses.

The full letter from IOGA is after the jump.


Hon. Andrew M. Cuomo
Governor
New York State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224

October 24, 2012

Dear Governor Cuomo:

This letter comes upon the important occasion of your Administration’s “summit” meeting for the state’s brewing and winery industries, being held in Albany today. As you and your administration continue to demonstrate, it is important that industry and the state work together to promote and grow jobs in New York.

On behalf of the more than 400 members of the Independent Oil & Gas Association of New York, as well as the thousands of professionals who work in and with our industry, we ask you to convene a natural gas and oil development summit.

I believe that a summit to hear ideas from industry leaders, large natural gas users and other stakeholders will help ensure that the natural gas industry continues to grow and create jobs in New York.

I am confident that there would be tremendous interest from throughout the state in such an event. Energy companies, service providers, engineering firms, environmental consultants, economists and landowners can be brought together to explain the nearly 200-year-old history of this industry in New York. We can highlight what shale gas development would make possible, including benefiting the state economy, local economies, how reduced energy costs can attract other industries, how the return of manufacturing to the United States is real, and how natural gas development has reduced New York’s residential electric costs. We can and should talk about how inexpensive and stable natural gas prices can help make New York competitive again.

I look forward to continuing a thoughtful and compelling discussion at the Summit.

Sincerely,

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