Join us for this 6-week free online webinar series as we look back on 2024 and at the main drivers for development in 2025. Experts will join us from across the Basin to give us their perspective on regulatory, legislative, technological, and other factors that will impact the pace of development.
Each session runs Tuesday’s from 11:00am – 11:45am EST starting March 18th.
Webinar Schedule
Shale Energy Impact on West Virginia
West Virginia produced just over 3.2 TCF of natural gas in 2023 and is the 4th largest producer in the United States. The industry supports over 15,000 direct and 73,000 indirect jobs while contributing nearly $700 million in property and severance taxes to the Mountain State. Mr. Charlie Burd is the President of the Gas and Oil Association of West Virginia (GO-WV). He has led GO-WV since the merger of the two leading natural gas trade groups in 2021. Prior to that, he led IOGA for nearly 20 years. To continue this development, we will engage in a discussion with Mr. Burd on how the regulatory, legislative, and energy environment can impact the pace of development.
The Hydrogen Economy in 2025 & Beyond
What is the new reality for the hydrogen economy going forward? What projects are under development? We will discuss these questions and learn more about the economic, regulatory, and market drivers for the continued development of the hydrogen hubs across the Appalachian Basin. We will be joined by Mr. Adam Pope. Mr. Pope is a Senior Director with the Bravo Group and his firm is at the forefront of advancing hydrogen and carbon capture solutions.
The Hydrogen Economy in 2025 & Beyond Presentation
Is Geothermal the Next Energy Boom?
Geothermal energy has garnered broad-based support as a renewable source to help support increasing energy and heat demand across the country. While the industry is still early in development, utilizing advanced drilling and fracking technologies has shown promising results. To understand more about this growing industry, we will be joined by Mr. Kevin Sunday. Mr. Sunday is Director of Public Policy for McNees Government Relations and a thought leader in geothermal energy.
Future of Geothermal in PA Report
Pennsylvania Natural Gas Outlook
Pennsylvania is the second largest producer of natural gas and second largest net supplier of energy in the United States. Policy, regulation, and market forces play key roles in the pace of development across the Commonwealth. Join us for a conversation with Mr. Jim Welty, President of the Marcellus Shale Coalition. Mr. Welty will outline his organization’s goals for 2025 and his members efforts in responsibly producing energy for the world.
Pennsylvania Natural Gas Outlook Presentation
Grid Reliability: What it Means to Your Business and Household
We have all become accustomed to having reliable electricity for all facets of life, but many may not be aware where it comes from or how it makes it to our homes, schools or businesses.
PJM is a regional transmission organization (RTO) that coordinates the movement of electricity in all or parts of 13 states and the District of Columbia. PJM is the largest RTO in the United States and responsible for managing the electricity demands of over 65 million people and businesses. PJM, along with other RTO’s, has expressed concern that the current pace of electric generation retirements is not being sufficiently replaced by new generation projects.
Senator Gene Yaw, chair of the PA Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, has been leading the effort to increase awareness and understanding of the concerns from the RTOs and the potential impact to the region. Senator Yaw will lead a conversation on grid reliability and will be joined by Glen Thomas, President of GT Power Group.
Poised for Growth: Ohio & the Utica
Oil and gas development in the Utica has attracted global attention as oil production has ramped up significantly over the past few years. What are the key drivers to sustain growth in the oil and gas sectors? Where are other emerging opportunities related to energy development in Ohio? Learn this and more as we welcome Mr. Rob Brundrett, President of the Ohio Oil & Gas Association, for this informative webinar.
April 22 – 11:00 to 11:45
Speakers
In January of 2025, Jim Welty assumed the role of President of the Marcellus Shale Coalition (MSC), the leading trade association for entities engaged in all aspects of unconventional shale development in Pennsylvania, including exploration and production, midstream gathering, processing and transportation, as well as the suppliers, contractors and building trade unions that work with the industry. As president, Jim oversees the day-to-day operations of the MSC, serves as its chief spokesperson, and engages with stakeholders interested in the safe, efficient development of our shale resources. Jim joined the MSC in May of 2013 as vice president of government affairs, where he was responsible for the legislative and regulatory activities, oversight of the organization’s committee structure, and grassroots engagement. Jim is a graduate of Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA and Widener University School of Law in Harrisburg, PA. He is a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania and lives with his wife, two sons, and Labrador retriever in Boiling Springs.
Rob Brundrett is the President of the Ohio & Oil Gas Association (OOGA). In this role, he oversees the day to day operations of the organization. OOGA membership is comprised of independent, major national, and major international oil and natural gas companies—all focused on the exploration, discovery, and production of crude oil, natural gas, and associated liquids in Ohio, along with companies representing all aspects of the midstream and downstream operations, including pipelines, processors, and refineries. Prior to joining OOGA, Rob was Director of Public Policy Services for The Ohio Manufacturers’ Association (OMA). In this role, Rob coordinated the OMA’s day-to-day lobbying efforts at the statehouse and before the executive branch. Mr. Brundrett also has extensive experience around the General Assembly. After graduating from college, he participated in the highly competitive Ohio Legislative Services Commission’s Fellowship program.
Charlie Burd became the Executive Director of GO-WV with its creation following the merger of the West Virginia Oil and Natural Gas Association (WVONGA) into the Independent Oil and Gas Association of West Virginia (IOGA) on January 1, 2021. Prior to the merger, Charlie had served as Executive Director to IOGA since July 2002. His duties include managing the operations of the over 475-member trade association of oil and natural gas operators and those businesses that serve them. He also oversees GO-WV’s legislative efforts. Prior to his trade association affiliation, Charlie enjoyed a 29-year career at Hope Gas, Inc., where he held a variety of marketing, economic development, and management positions. He holds an associate degree in accounting from Mountain State College, a Regents BA degree from Glenville State University and is a graduate of the University Of Oklahoma’s “Economic Development Institute.” He is a 2001 graduate of Leadership West Virginia.
Senator Yaw was elected to represent the Pennsylvania 23rd Senatorial District in November 2008. Prior to running for the Senate, Yaw served as Lycoming County solicitor for 17 years and was named County Solicitor of the Year in 2004. He has also served as general counsel to the Pennsylvania College of Technology for more than 20 years. In 2013, he was elected Chairman of the Pennsylvania College of Technology Board of Directors. Senator Yaw serves as Chairman of the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. He is also Vice Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, a member of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Banking and Insurance, Majority Policy, Rules and Executive Nominations and Urban Affairs and Housing Committees. Senator Yaw serves on a number of Boards and Commissions including as Chairman of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, and is a member of the Chesapeake Bay Commission, the Environmental Quality Board, the PA Aggregate Advisory Board, and the PA Energy Development Authority.
Kevin Sunday is a Policy Director for McNees Government Relations. He advises business leaders, trade associations, economic development organizations, universities and non-profits successfully get to yes with key stakeholders and government decision-makers in the legislature and executive agencies. To help clients succeed, Kevin takes a deep dive into the realm of policy research and analysis to develop and execute public affairs strategies that facilitate project development and minimize reputational risk. He previously led advocacy for infrastructure and energy policy at the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry and served in a senior communications role at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Kevin graduated magna cum laude from Towson University and earned a certificate of leadership development from the US Army War College. He serves on the board of directors for the American Red Cross and the Army Heritage Educational Center Foundation and resides in central Pennsylvania with his wife and two children.
Glen Thomas is the former chairman of the Pennsylvania Utility Commission (PUC), where he oversaw the restructuring of Pennsylvania’s electricity, natural gas, and local telephone markets. Before his appointment to the PUC, Mr. Thomas served as deputy director of Governor Ridge’s Policy Office, where he advised the governor on energy and environmental issues. In addition, Mr. Thomas was appointed by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to serve on the governor’s transition team for energy related issues in 2003. Mr. Thomas is also a former partner at the law firm of Blank Rome. Mr. Glen Thomas currently serves as President of the PJM Power Providers Group, a non-profit organization dedicated to properly designed and well-functioning markets in the PJM region. Mr. Thomas has served as president of the Mid-Atlantic Association of Regulatory Utilities Commissioners; chairman of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners Washington Action Committee; and a member of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Electricity Advisory Board, the National Regulatory Research Institute’s Board of Directors, the Keystone Center Energy Board, the Organization of MISO States Board of Directors, and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners Committee on International Relations, Telecommunications and Critical Infrastructure.
Adam Pope is a Senior Director of the Pittsburgh office for Bravo Group. He holds an extensive background in energy and industry expertise, with a hybrid understanding of public relations tactics and government relations strategies. Before joining the Bravo Group, Adam was the community liaison officer for EXCO Resources, a leading natural gas and oil company. Adam previously was director of development for former U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter. Adam holds a bachelor’s in political science from the University of Pittsburgh.