Natural gas is fundamental to Ohio’s economic future, chamber leader says | Guest opinion

Making Ohio the best place in which to do business anywhere in the world — the mission of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce — requires access to reliable, affordable and sustainable energy. Ohio is leading the way in our nation’s domestic natural gas production, and a recommitment to American energy production is long overdue. We shouldn’t be shying away from our homegrown energy potential but doubling down on it — starting right here in the Buckeye State.

The strategic advantages of natural gas go hand in hand with a friendly business and consumer economy. That’s why infrastructure, specifically energy infrastructure, was included as one of six key levers in the Ohio Chamber’s Blueprint for Ohio’s Economic Future, a long-range strategic plan intended to ensure our state’s continued growth.

From Intel’s historic investment in Licking County, to the influx of new data centers powering AI computation and advanced manufacturing, to blossoming hubs in biotechnology, Ohio is ushering in an unparalleled manufacturing renaissance that is the envy of the 50 states. And what many fail to realize is that none of this would be possible without access to reliable and affordable energy.

Natural gas is powering our future, not only as the foundational building blocks for key materials and technology from cellphones to health care products, but as a needed resource that moves freight and people, powers manufacturing lines and keeps the lights on.

Businesses need access to reliable electricity to support their operations, and with a rise in remote work, in people’s homes as well — not to mention natural gas keeps nearly two-thirds of Ohio families warm in the winter and is a preferred fuel for cooking.

Natural gas was Ohio’s No. 1 source of electricity generation in 2022 at 54%, and the expansion of the Silicon Heartland will only increase demand. In fact, in 2019, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio forecast a 4.32% increase in total electricity needs by 2039.

While the largest share of this demand is being met by in-state natural gas-fired power generation, the increased need for reliable electricity generation will compound strain on the state’s existing grid. We must take steps now to remain one of the most competitive states for businesses while laying the foundation for future growth, and that means improving energy infrastructure and shoring up resiliency of the grid through the benefits of an always-on power like natural gas.

At the chamber, we believe an “all of the above” energy strategy is the best way to ensure business and consumer benefits across the board, but until new technology becomes dispatchable power, we will need to rely on our abundant supply of natural gas to meet electricity needs in our state. Ohio is one of the top natural gas-consuming states for commercial and industrial end-users, providing us a massive strategic advantage for economic development compared to other states.

But there is work to be done: Despite the large amount of natural gas being produced in the state, many urban areas continue to be underserved due to pipeline constraints, while rural areas remain unserved due to a lack of pipeline infrastructure. Ohio should encourage policies that allow more Ohio-sourced natural gas to be used locally, which will in turn provide local jobs and investment, and a boon to the economy.

Simply put, a vibrant business economy is possible only if people have access to essential energy, and increased energy access lowers prices and reduces the cost of doing business in Ohio.

Steve Stivers is president and chief executive officer of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Chamber leader says Ohio’s economic future depends on natural gas