Natural Resources


Tap into Erie: Freshwater is one of Erie, Pennsylvania’s greatest assets.

Located on the shores of Lake Erie our community possesses an abundance of fresh water and fresh opportunities for new businesses and businesses interested in expanding or growing to a climate that’s right for growth. Abundant water, sewer, gas and electricity make it possible for us to support a wide variety of manufacturing, technology, distribution and agricultural businesses.

Today many regions across the United States are beginning to face the fact that their freshwater supplies are limited. Water shortages are on the rise, from Charlotte to Atlanta and Los Angeles to Las Vegas.

Shale Gas & the Plastics Industry

Now the second-largest producer of natural gas in the U.S., Pennsylvania shale gas is driving down energy costs and opening new opportunities for manufacturers. The recent surge in the availability of Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs) Marcellus Shale gas is drastically lowering the cost of plastics production by providing ethylene as an inexpensive feedstock alternative in addition to propylene. Over the past six years, the abundance of natural gas has lowered wholesale electricity prices over 40 percent. This has saved the average household nearly $ 1,000 a year with even greater savings for commercial and industrial customers. In addition, purchased natural gas cost rates have been lowered by more than 50 percent. A November 2012 report from TD Bank showed the entire manufacturing sector could save more than $ 50 billion per year in the form of these lowered costs. Pennsylvania went from importing 75 percent of its natural gas just six years ago to being a net exporter of natural gas for the first time in 100 years.