EQT Corp., the largest natural gas producer in the Appalachian Basin, and one of the largest in the country, has given $25,000 to support WVU Extension Service’s Natural Gas Education Program.

“The oil and natural gas industry is one of the primary components of West Virginia’s overall economy, and its importance to the state is growing each year,” said Kevin West, EQT’s managing director of external affairs. “This program will provide invaluable, unbiased information to the citizens of West Virginia and educate those who are impacted by the exploration, drilling and production of natural gas.”

WVU Extension Service’s Agriculture and Natural Resources department will develop the curriculum, and the program will be delivered by agriculture Extension agents throughout West Virginia. The NGEP will develop and deliver training aimed at educating West Virginians about the natural gas industry in the state.

WVU Extension Service will also partner with other schools and colleges across the Morgantown campus to deliver updated, multidisciplinary, and accurate information about the industry. EQT’s contribution will help pay for educational programs that will be delivered in at least five regions of the state.

“This is just another great partnership to develop a program that will educate thousands across West Virginia,” said Jennifer Williams, director of the WVU Extension Service Agriculture and Natural Resources Unit. “The industry is so important to the economic viability of the state, and WVU Extension Service is proud to be leading an educational program that will help residents understand the economic, environmental, and residential impacts that the natural gas industry will have on West Virginia.”

EQT is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pa., and operates in four states: Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. The company is committed to meeting the country’s growing demand for clean energy, promoting safety, providing a rewarding workplace, and using its resources to enrich the communities where its employees live and work.

The WVU Extension Service is uniquely situated to develop this type of program. Extension serves as the outreach division of West Virginia University. Extension has offices in all 55 counties, which provide citizens with knowledge in areas such as 4-H and youth development, agriculture, family and consumer sciences, health, leadership development, and community and economic development.

For more information about EQT, visit www.eqt.com.

EQT’s gift was made through the WVU Foundation, a private nonprofit corporation that generates and provides support for West Virginia University.

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CONTACT: Ann Berry, WVU Extension Services
304-293-8640; Ann.Berry@mail.wvu.edu

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