President Trump has been actively promoting energy independence from his first day in office. A key resource for energy independence is the Appalachian Basin which consists of the Marcellus and Utica shale plays which now account for almost 40% of U.S. natural gas production.
Section 9 of the Executive Order focuses on the Economic Growth in the Appalachian Region, which will be to create a petrochemical and plastics industries in the Appalachian Region. The Shell cracker plant is the first big step in achieving Trump’s goals for the region.
A key part of the Order, Section 9, call for all of this has to happen in 180 days. April 10th was the start. There is tremendous sense of urgency in this Order. Ohio River Corridor, LLC will be closely monitoring the developments of this Executive Order and providing updates on the government’s plans for “energy infrastructure and economic growth” in the Appalachian Region.
You can read Section 9 here:
“Sec. 9. Report on Economic Growth of the Appalachian Region: “Within 180 days of the date of this Order the Secretary of Energy, in consultation with the heads of other agencies, as appropriate, shall submit a report to the President, through the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, describing opportunities, through the Federal Government or otherwise, to promote economic growth of the Appalachian region, including growth of petrochemical and other industries. This report also shall assess methods for diversifying the Appalachian economy and promoting workforce development.”
“The news coming from the White House will begin to set the stage for infrastructure that will allow the Appalachian Region to continue to grow and flourish. One of the major hurdles throughout the Appalachian Basin and along the Ohio River Corridor is the lack of infrastructure, specifically four lane highways. Better highways will support the logistics and supply chain needs of those industries and companies that will benefit from the cost and proximity to the gas-rich, and soon to be polyethylene-rich Ohio River area,” said Bryce Custer, of Ohio River Corridor, LLC. “This Executive Order can be a game-changer for the entire region in regard to much-needed infrastructure development.”