Governor Unveils 'Energy = Jobs' Guidebook During Campus Visit

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett made a Tuesday visit to Pennsylvania College of Technology's Schneebeli Earth Science Center near Allenwood, where – surrounded by the workforce of tomorrow, embodied by diesel technology and on-site power generation majors – he presented a 73-page resource guide designed to attract business and industry investors to the energy-rich commonwealth. "Whether from the well pad to the corner grocery store, the expansion of our energy sector has made Pennsylvanians better off and made us the vanguard of American energy independence," the first-term Republican told an audience of students, college employees and the media. "This is an 'all of the above and below' strategy. It endorses every path, from gas wells running a mile below the earth to wind power high above." The governor, joined by area legislators and state Labor and Industry Secretary Julia K. Hearthway, also toured the Energy Technology Education Center along nearby Route 15, a collaborative provider of hands-on training to emergency responders and to new and incumbent workers in the natural gas field.

– Photos by Tom Wilson, writer/editor-PCToday

Tracy L. Brundage, assistant vice president for workforce and economic development, leads an ETEC tour in the finger-numbing chill.

A frequent visitor to the ETEC site as chair of the state Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. Sen. Gene Yaw notes some of its features.

In stark contrast to the bitter weather, Secretary Hearthway warmly greets a local news reporter.

The governor outlines his four-pronged energy strategy: development of domestic resources, embrace of free markets, environmental responsibility and national security.

Sen. Yaw, who chairs the college's board of directors, discusses his longtime institutional connection.

The college president introduces the day's guest of honor ...

Assembling for the "official" photo op are, from left, Penn College President Davie Jane Gilmour; Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett; state Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township, who chairs the college's board of directors; state Labor and Industry Secretary Julia K. Hearthway; and state Rep. Garth Everett, R-Muncy, who also serves on the college board.

Drew A. Kyler, an on-site power generation major from Mercersburg, snags a gubernatorial handshake for a souvenir photo ...

Collecting essential feedback from students

... snapped by an obliging President Gilmour.

Gov. Corbett and President Gilmour explore another student's background and aspirations.

The governor works the room, taking time to meet students and faculty alike.

Taking follow-up questions from the press

The college president, through the lens of a video camera

The governor poses for a photo with Mary A. Sullivan, executive director of the Earth Science Center and assistant dean of transportation and natural resources technologies.

... standing amid a gathering of Penn College students.

The governor meets Lenore G. Penfield, director of facilities utilization and college events, who coordinated his visit.

John D. Yingling, Lycoming County's director of public safety, points out a simulated fire at the training site.

The tour group is treated to a demonstration of a training rig − one of only three in the United States.

Gov. Corbett discusses Pennsylvania's goal of energy independence.

Rep. Everett offers remarks from "the energy capital of Pennsylvania."

Joseph C. Straw, associate professor of diesel equipment technology, talks with Gov. Corbett.