Pipeline Projects Bring Opportunity, Jobs to Our Communities

• John Bzdawka, IBEW

Drilling in the Marcellus and Utica shales has tapped into large reserves of clean, affordable natural gas, dramatically increasing production over the last five years. This access, in turn, has improved almost every sector of our economy – from chemicals to manufacturing – and lowering energy and heating costs in every one of our households.

This natural gas boom has also resulted in many opportunities in new construction work for members the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). IBEW represents approximately 750,000 active members and retirees who work in a wide variety of fields, including utilities, construction, telecommunications, broadcasting, manufacturing, railroads and government.

Our members are involved in virtually every aspect of energy projects – everything from wiring work camps that house out-of-state workers to new offices for energy companies that have set up shop in the shale region. And we’re grateful for all those opportunities.

But there are more opportunities and tens of thousands of more jobs on the line for IBEW members. Due to the surge in domestic production, thousands of miles of pipeline are needed to transport natural gas to markets in Ohio and beyond.

Pipelines are the safest means of transporting natural gas and they don't interfere with our existing infrastructure. Each year, pipelines safely carry more than 14 billion barrels of crude oil and trillions of cubic feet of natural gas. In fact, we already have large natural gas pipelines crisscrossing our country, traversing safely across rivers, streams, pastures, and mountains. And many of those were built by IBEW members, who maintain the highest standards of quality and workmanship.

I’ve seen first-hand the unparalleled commitment from the natural gas industry to the environment and to undertaking projects the right way. They spend the money and dedicate the resources necessary to address environmental concerns and build safe pipeline systems that meet the latest and highest standards.

Then there are the economic benefits of pipelines. Job creation associated with shale gas development will total 930,000 manufacturing jobs nationwide by 2030 and 1.41 million by 2040. Our industry and our workers need to be a part of that job-creating machine.

The economic benefits that accompany natural gas pipeline projects aren’t just limited to hiring workers. States and counties along a pipeline route collect hundreds of millions in new tax revenues yearly for funding schools, public works projects, and other local needs. This influx of private funding comes at a time when states and local communities need it most.

Considering all the incredible economic hardships the construction and related industries have faced over the past eight years, we need to capitalize on every job-creating opportunity we can get. At a time when job creation should be a top priority, natural gas pipeline projects across the country will put Americans back to work and IBEW members are ready to build our energy future.