New natural gas production in Illinois could create more than 45,000 jobs and $9 billion in economic impact, according to an Illinois Chamber Foundation study.
State Representative David Reis (R-Ste. Marie), chief Republican negotiator and sponsor of the fracking legislation, praised the jobs measure: “Fracking has the potential to create thousands of jobs for downstate residents. Local businesses, classrooms and government services, such as fire and police, could benefit greatly once fracking gets underway in our state.”
The economic opportunities associated with fracking are limitless. Local businesses will witness new revenue with an uptick of clientele purchasing materials. Thousands of jobs are anticipated in the workforce spanning from the fracking/drilling industry, transportation, as well as new retail employees to meet heightened demand for services. Landowners can also move forward with leasing land for the fracking industry to drill on.
Reis continued, “With economic recovery being paramount to rebuilding our state’s fiscal health, we must forge ahead with innovative policies to fuel job growth and bring much needed resources to our local communities.”