“Marcellus Shale is putting Pennsylvanians back to work and not just at the drill sites. Family-sustaining jobs are being created right here in Pleasant Gap thanks to natural gas,” Cawley said.
Graymont is a leading producer of lime, which is used in treating the wastewater from natural gas drilling, among other applications. Producing about 1 million tons of lime products a year, the Pleasant Gap plant is the largest of four Graymont plants in Centre County.
In addition, the company plans to build a state-of-the-art, low-emission kiln powered by natural gas. Kilns are used to “cook” the limestone to produce quicklime.
Graymont expects the natural gas-powered kiln to increase production at Pleasant Gap plant by more than 25 percent and generate 50 new, direct and indirect jobs in the region.
“Gov. Corbett and I believe we must do more than just drill for gas here in Pennsylvania. We need to use the gas here in Pennsylvania. Graymont is a perfect example of how affordable, natural gas is helping companies grow,” Cawley said.
Cawley noted that the gas kiln will be in addition to two coal-fired kilns already in operation at Pleasant Gap.
“Whether it is coal, oil or natural gas – wind or solar, Pennsylvania is leading America to energy independence,” Cawley said.
For more information, visit www.pa.gov.