Rust Belt to Energy Belt
Mark Green
Posted October 20, 2011
In Steubenville, Ohio, they're talking about job growth so dynamic that every adult in town could be working by April. In Bismarck, N.D., unemployment is a microscopic 3 percent. In both, oil and natural gas development is a key driving force.
ABC News has online and video reports on each. Unemployment in Steubenville hit 15 percent last year. Now some think full employment in the city is possible thanks to natural gas development from the Marcellus Shale. Here's ABC's video:
The story is similar in Bismarck - and much of North Dakota for that matter. Oil and natural gas development from the Bakken formation has helped create 3,000 open jobs in the city and 16,000 in the state. There are lines at Bismarck's airport, and the real estate market is flourishing with homes selling in three weeks or less, usually at the asking price. ABC's video:
Two cities, two jobs snapshots. Where are the jobs in America? That's easy: Wherever they're in the business of finding and developing America's energy resources.
About The Author
Mark Green joined API after a career in newspaper journalism, including 16 years as national editorial writer for The Oklahoman in the paper’s Washington bureau. Previously, Mark was a reporter, copy editor and sports editor at an assortment of newspapers. He earned his journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma and master’s in journalism and public affairs from American University. He and his wife Pamela have two grown children and six grandchildren.