Gary Hlavinka, Vice President of Coterra Energy’s Marcellus Business Unit recently addressed the Marcellus Shale Coalition’s annual Shale Insight conference in Erie, Pennsylvania. During his presentation, Hlavinka described Coterra’s transformation over the past two years, underscoring the company’s extensive drilling inventory, its solid financial foundation, and the collaborative strength of its workforce, leveraging technical knowledge and innovation across its entire organization.
Hlavinka stated, “We are at the forefront of technology adoption, incorporating cutting-edge tools such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and innovative directional drilling techniques. In the northeast Pennsylvania area of the Marcellus region, Coterra has pushed back technical boundaries, enabling the drilling of longer and more cost-effective wells, with total measured depths of up to 5 miles and laterals exceeding 19,000 feet.”
These impressive achievements have been realized with an unwavering commitment to responsible development, ensuring the health, safety, and environmental well-being of the communities in which Coterra operates.
Hlavinka further stated, “Through our dedication to innovation and advanced technology, we are actively engaged in reducing greenhouse gas and methane emissions. Since 2019, we have achieved remarkable results, including an 81% reduction in methane emission intensity, a 49% decrease in greenhouse gas emission intensity, and an impressive 78% reduction in flare intensity.”
A significant portion of Hlavinka’s presentation highlighted Coterra’s long-term commitment to workforce development. According to Hlavinka, “Coterra’s investment in education and industry training has exceeded $14 million, encompassing traditional funding, Education Improvement Tax Credits (EITC), and Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) Credits.” Coterra is a leader in establishing dual enrollment programs, aimed at reducing the financial burden of higher education for nearly 750 students annually. This initiative extends to career-focused institutions like the Pennsylvania College of Technology and Lackawanna College’s School of Petroleum & Natural Gas (LC PNG).
Highlighting Coterra’s role in supporting LC PNG, it’s worth noting that since 2014, Coterra’s initial endowment of the program has grown to over $4 million. During this period, LC PNG has graduated 350 highly qualified professionals, boasting an industry placement rate exceeding 93%. Furthermore, two of its current foremen, originally LC PNG interns, are now actively engaged in training the next cohort at Lackawanna College, representing a full cycle of energy education investment in the Commonwealth.
As Coterra continues to grow in Pennsylvania, the company’s capability to invest in education and workforce development remains strong. Notably, Coterra has recently increased its financial support for the Parkway West Career & Technology Center and Western Area Career & Technology Center through EITC and NAP programs and is working to expand dual enrollment opportunities at both of these institutions.
Hlavinka concluded his remarks, stating, “Our partnerships with Pennsylvania career & technology centers have grown to include 30 institutions across the Commonwealth. We are thrilled to collaborate with Parkway West and Western Area CTCs in western Pennsylvania, further expanding educational opportunities in the region.”
