FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 8, 2017

For More Information:
Glenville State College
Public Relations Department
(304) 462-4115

Bill Hughes

GLENVILLE, WV - Members of the Glenville State College Environmental Organization will host a presentation about the ‘Impacts of Shale Gas Exploration and Production on Rural Communities in WV’ by Bill Hughes on Wednesday, March 15, beginning at noon. The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place on the third floor of the Mollohan Campus Community Center in room 315.

With a background in industrial electrical control work before retirement, Hughes has now turned his attention to the process, progress, procedures, and development of shale gas operations. He began to document the complete process in extensive, organized, and digested photographic detail and considers his professional role to be that of a documentarian—integrating his massive collection of photographs, conducting gas field tours, and writing to explain and disseminate what the shale gas industry involves in rural West Virginia locations.

Hughes will provide attendees with a multimedia presentation using his collection to show the progression of production stages involved in a shale gas fracturing operation.

Because of his growing experience, exposure, and presence in the shale gas community, he was asked to work part-time with both the FracTracker Alliance and the Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition. In 2013, Hughes received the Grass Root Activist Award, a recognition award from the West Virginia Environmental Counsel, for his work in educating citizens, documenting the impacts and working with governmental, corporate, and citizen entities. In 2014, the WV Sierra Club Chapter awarded him with their first ‘Founders Award’ for his efforts and influence in WV. In 2016, the WV Department of Environmental Protection Environmental Advocate Office awarded Hughes with their Spirit of Environmental Protection Award.