Inaugural energy day highlights strength of West Virginia’s natural gas, oil industries and importance to economic growth, energy security, and environmental progress

GO-WV Executive Director Charlie Burd opened the morning news conference at the Capitol.

CHARLESTON, WV – West Virginia energy and its benefits to the region were on full display at the State Capitol today as the Gas & Oil Association of West Virginia’s (GO-WV) first Gas & Oil Day took place in the Upper Rotunda throughout the day.

The event, which convened about a dozen companies across the state’s natural gas and oil sector, along with lawmakers and key stakeholders, aimed to advocate for the ongoing development and deployment of West Virginia oil and natural gas to meet growing energy demand.

“The work GO-WV’s member companies – from the well tenders to the midstream operators to the local utility workers – is critical to our state on so many levels,” said Charlie Burd, Executive Director of GO-WV. “We hope to encourage our elected officials to take pride in West Virginia’s energy leadership and the many benefits our industry provides for residents, the economic development of our region, and the bright future of this great state.”

Delegate Steele spoke on behalf of the gas and oil industry.

“Far from using every tool in the toolbox to beat back soaring energy prices, the current administration has prevented West Virginia-produced energy from being safely delivered to families and businesses across the country,” said Chris Ventura, Midwest Executive Director of the Consumer Energy Alliance. “Impeding pipeline construction, canceling Keystone XL, and freezing federal lease sales is devastating to working families and seniors on fixed incomes.”

“We’re seeing firsthand the important role domestic energy production plays in maintaining energy security for our country and our allies. As the fifth largest energy producing state in the country, West Virginia is integral in maintaining U.S. energy security through ongoing production of natural gas,” Burd continued.

GO-WV staff Charlie Burd and Lori Miller Smith were on hand to answer questions from those at the Capitol.