Congressman Tim Ryan guest blogs for Energy In Depth - Ohio on the opportunities shale can bring:

"As northeastern Ohio begins to recover from the recession, it is the energy and manufacturing sectors that are taking the lead. I am proud to be the co-chair of both the House Manufacturing Caucus and the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Export Working Group. I believe we are on the cusp of a manufacturing renaissance, but we must continue to make strategic investments and foster innovations through public and private relationships. As I write this, Vallourec Star is today celebrating the opening of their new facility in my District. Ten years ago no one would have thought Youngstown, Ohio, would once again have a new steel producing facility – but we proved them wrong.

We have made great strides the past few years with our large manufacturers creating new jobs and many smaller companies joining the supply chain. The Tech Belt—the economic corridor between Cleveland and Pittsburgh—continues to expand with the opening of the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute in downtown Youngstown. But we cannot rest until every person who wants a job has the opportunity to find work. The expansion of the oil and gas industry in northeastern Ohio is a chance to provide that employment—and is a promising development that we cannot afford to miss. Our workers can provide the trucking, construction and other support services needed to take advantage of the state’s abundant gas supply. We can ensure that our energy future is stable—and our workers find good paying jobs.

I also believe that our gas abundance not only provides employment and lowers domestic energy costs, but it provides the opportunity to export natural gas to other nation states. The LNG Export Working Group has been focused on addressing the interests and development of domestic LNG exporting. Despite party affiliations, many of my Congressional colleagues have gathered regularly to work toward a common goal: allowing United States LNG manufacturers the free-market capabilities to export and sell their product. Expanding LNG exports makes too much sense to continue to delay. Economically, the potential in U.S. LNG exports can have an enormous effect not only here locally, but in all corners of our country. That is why I feel so strongly that the Department of Energy should process pending waivers. I understand the various concerns and fears surrounding expanded exports, however I am confident that Department of Energy (DOE) has the tools to maintain integrity in the natural gas market and protect American consumers."

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