Abstract | The focus of the Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research is to coordinate and facilitate programs of research and outreach across the University by building integrated research and outreach teams to address the complete range of issues presented by the development of the Marcellus Shale and other gas shales. Penn State has leading scholars working on many of the most critical areas of research and on extending that information to stakeholder groups, federal and state legislators, the natural gas industry and the public. The Marcellus Center's activities are broad and include: - Conducting research on energy and energy independence including methods of extraction, alternative fracturing stimulation methods and materials and water treatment and disposal. - Assessing workforce needs and training, demographic and community change, demand for government services and business retention. - Disseminating reports, presentations and programs on issues including Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM), land use change, water quality and quantity and landowner decision-making. - Providing information on regulation, legal dimensions, pipeline siting and local and state tax and non-tax revenues. |