Published in the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, by Mike Reuther

August 13, 2014

Construction is well underway for an 829-megawatt natural gas-fueled power plant that is expected to bring jobs to the area.

Gov. Tom Corbett was on hand Tuesday at the Clinton Township site where the ceremonial first shovel of dirt was turned for Moxie Energy's Patriot generating station.

Company officials said the plant will power up to 1 million homes after coming into operation by mid-2016.

"This is another project that shows how our 'all of the above and below' energy strategy is putting Pennsylvania at the forefront of the American energy revolution," Corbett said. "By responsibly harvesting our abundant energy resources, we are creating family-sustaining jobs and are re-invigorating local communities all over Pennsylvania."

The plant is expected to create 27 permanent jobs and 45 indirect jobs in the local community, according to company officials.

Beyond that, up to 500 construction jobs are being created.

"This will be an economic powerhouse for central Pa.," said Bill Pentak, vice president of investor relations and public affairs.

A number of people have expressed concern regarding potential environmental impacts caused by the plant's operations.

Some of the loudest protests came at a state Department of Environmental Protection hearing in January 2013.

However, one company official said the plant will be one of the cleanest natural gas-fueled facilities in the nation.

DEP eventually approved the plant's air quality plan.

"It will have the latest in emissions control technology," Pentak said.

In addition, the plant is to be cooled by air rather than water, eliminating the drawing or discharging of water from the Susquehanna River, thereby preventing potential impacts to river habitat, according to Pentak.

Company officials in the past have said the plant is being constructed to take advantage of the surrounding Marcellus Shale which contains large deposits of natural gas.

Despite a continued slow-down in gas drilling in the past two years, Pentak said there have been no second thoughts about going through with plans to build the plant.

"There is still plenty of accessible natural gas in the area," he said.

Although the governor was on hand for the groundbreaking, Pentak said construction of the plant began last December.

"This was more of a ceremonial groundbreaking," he said.

He said construction is a bit ahead of schedule.

(Mike Reuther, "Natural gas power plant coming on-line in 2 years; Corbett on hand for ‘ceremonial groundbreaking," Williamsport Sun-Gazette, 8/13/14)