news

By Briona Arradondo
WTOV
Published March 16, 2012

U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson wrapped up a tour of Jefferson County on Friday to observe the impact the shale industry is having on the area.

Johnson, a Republican who represents Ohio's 6th district, said he wants to help the Ohio Valley harness its resources, especially after recent announcements of business expansion with the oil and gas industries. 

In addition, Johnson said he plans to make sure federal regulators don't hinder job growth.

"My goal is job creation and making sure that the federal regulators and the bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. don't come in and mess this opportunity up," Johnson said.

While addressing business representatives gathered at Steubenville Country Club, Johnson talked about expansion in the Valley; most recently, energy facilities in Harrison and Columbiana counties. 

"Now these are the first tangible pieces of evidence for the opportunities that we've been talking about and it's great for northeastern and southeastern Ohio but there are challenges," Johnson said. 

One of the challenges is the workforce. In Mingo Junction, Johnson and Jefferson County Commissioner Tom Gentile visited Fex Energy Solutions along with other facilities in the county impacted by the shale industry. 

Gentile said, "One of the biggest challenges they face is finding employees. When this starts to ramp up, finding qualified employees that understand their industry, finding truck drivers, is going to be a big problem."

Johnson said, "It's not surprising that we're a little behind the power curve in terms of being able to provide a skilled workforce, but we're making up ground very, very quickly."

With local schools catering their curriculum to the growing industry, Johnson said a change in the U.S. energy policy could help revitalize the area even more. 

"The Marcellus and the Utica shale give Ohio an opportunity to be at the hub of that, to be at the center of that activity," Johnson said.

He said many of the workers who moved away for jobs are starting to come back as oil and gas-related companies continue to move into the area.