West Virginia Executive Spring 2018 | Page 81

campus-wide LED lighting retrofit project that will eliminate 20,000 linear fluorescent lamps and 4,700 CFL lamps. The project will not only reduce the energy consumption for lighting by more than 65 percent annually but also eliminate the cost of replacing the antiquated fluorescent lamps and ballasts that contain mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls and other elements harmful to the environment. The yearly 1.7 million kilowatt-hours saved from the project is enough energy to completely power more than 100 average-sized U.S. homes for an entire year. The amount of mercury that will be safely recycled from the fluorescent lights removed from campus will help prevent 209 acres of fresh drinking water from potential contamination. Helios Energy, in partnership with Lighting Resources, a leader in hazardous material recycling, utilizes state-of-the-art lamp recycling equipment to safely extract mercury from these lamps. Initially, there will be more than 3 tons of metal and 2 tons of cardboard recycled by the university during the project with additional positive impact to the environment. Governor Justice Extends Tri-State Shale Coalition to Develop the Regional Natural Gas Industry Governor Jim Justice has announced the extension of the Tri-State Shale Coalition agreement with Ohio Governor John Kasich and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf. The goal of the tri-state agreement is to enhance regional cooperation and job growth through developing shale gas in the Appalachian Basin. “Instead of competing, our three states are working together to promote the region as a center for shale-related manufacturing,” says Justice. “Shale gas presents an oppor- tunity to spur economic growth beyond the wellhead. We are working to attract investors and downstream partners. We are encouraging chemicals and plastics manufacturers to come here, stay here and grow here with us in the Appala- chian region.” Appalachia has long been recognized as a source for valu- able resources such as natural gas. The three states host sever- al chemical feedstock and plastics manufacturing businesses. The Tri-State Shale Coalition participants intend to increase the region’s share of downstream-related business investments and the high-paying careers associated with them. Accord- ing to the American Chemistry Council, the strong upsurge in investment in the U.S. chemical industry can be attributed at least in part to the plentiful supply of natural gas. The do- mestic supply gives U.S. chemical manufacturers a competi- tive edge, resulting in increased investment, industry growth and jobs. As of December 2017, the council reported that 317 projects cumulatively valued at $185 billion in capital invest- ment have been announced. Under the new agreement, the states will work together on issues in infrastructure systems, workforce development, research and marketing activities to better enable the region to harness the potential of Appalachian gas and natural gas liquids. The original agreement creating the Tri-State Shale Coalition was signed in 2015 and has been renewed automatically each year. The new signatures continue the regional cooperation agreement through December 31, 2021. On behalf of Suttle & Stalnaker– Congratulations Steve Rubin! Wally Suttle Miri Hunter “ Congratulations to our friend, Steve Rubin, and all the winners!” Morgantown 304-554-3371 Charleston 304-343-4126 www.suttlecpas.com WWW.WVEXECUTIVE.COM Parkersburg 304-485-6584 SPRING 2018 79