One of several industries attempting to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic is the Natural Gas and Energy industry in West Virginia.
Host, Jim Matuga, sat down with Charlie Burd, Executive Director at the Gas & Oil Association of West Virginia, and Frank Macchiarola, Senior VP of Policy of Economics, and Regulatory Affairs at The American Petroleum Institute.
As the largest private employer (82,000 indirect and direct jobs) in West Virginia, members of the Gas & Oil Association of West Virginia are helping to contribute to churches, schools, and communities.
“We’re not the guys who drill holes and take money away,” said Burd, “We’re the guys who drill and keep money in the state and our communities.”
The association is proud of its benevolence, and its efforts which have proven fruitful for many in Appalachia. As some of the first respondents to the pandemic, they have provided a number of resources to the poor, to the unemployed, and to others who have suffered from COVID-19 related difficulties over the last several years.
This year the association founded a new award, the Rusty Hutson Sr. Award, to recognize the valiant efforts of someone who embodies the spirit of a community leader. Natural gas and energy developments are also providing opportunities, adding several positive benefits to the state, including tech, geological, and engineering innovation.
“This is an exciting business of innovators and risk-takers,” said Macchiarola. “There’s a bright future for oil and gas in the United States.”
Throughout the pandemic, both men cited the lessons they’d learned, including listening better and showing more empathy. While gas and oil’s reputation often precedes itself, the industry, through its leadership, is primed for a more human approach toward its constituents.
Optimistic about the future, Burd said, “We create for people.”
“We’re there for people,” he continued. “We provide a people to advance through the energy corporation. Natural gas and oil will be vitally important as we move forward.”
The future of West Virginia, according to these men, is in this industry. Rather than moving away from natural gas, they see a brighter future with their efforts front and center.
To follow the panelists’ stories and to get a better glimpse of each company, visit www.gowv.com, www.api.org.