Energy Transfer Grant Supports Trout in the Classroom Program

State College, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Trout in the Classroom program received an $18,000 boost thanks to a check presented by Energy Transfer representatives on Wednesday, March 13 at the State College YMCA.

At the check presentation, Energy Transfer supervisor of Pipeline Operations Mark Martin spoke about the company’s commitment to being a good neighbor. "At Energy Transfer, we look for opportunities to invest in the communities we operate in because that’s what it means to be a part of a community. After-school programs like Trout in the Classroom expose students to new opportunities and teach them critical concepts like water and habitat conservation — something Energy Transfer takes seriously."

Pennsylvania Trout in the Classroom is an interdisciplinary program that introduces coldwater conservation education in schools by raising brook trout, a native coldwater species, from eggs to fingerlings. The program fosters awareness of water conservation in students grades 3-12 and encourages participation in coldwater resource projects.

Trout in the Classroom program director, Ashley Wilmont thanked Energy Transfer for the grant, saying, “Our grant program helps with big ticket items like filters and chillers to set up the tanks. Part of the grant funds that we received today from Energy Transfer will go directly towards that. In addition, part of this funding will go towards logistics for the Trout Release Day fieldtrip this spring during which ​ students learn about the environmental aspects of the program out in the field. A big ticket donation like $18,000 is a huge benefit, it’ll impact a lot of students in a positive way throughout the state.”

Area students attending the presentation also listened to Martin discuss how pipelines are installed across waterways. Martin described how modern construction techniques are designed to protect waterbodies during pipeline construction.

Also in attendance at the donation presentation was Energy Transfer Vice President of Environmental and Capital Projects, Larry Gremminger. He explained, “Energy Transfer supports a lot of ecological and biological programs nationwide and this is one that has a lot of value here in Pennsylvania because it exposes the kids in the classroom to a biological cycle that exists right in their own backyard.”

Energy Transfer’s Mariner East 2 pipeline is in service and construction continues to complete the Mariner East 2X pipeline project throughout Pennsylvania. The Mariner East system of pipelines is designed to provide much-needed natural gas liquids takeaway capacity for the Marcellus and Utica Shale production areas of eastern Ohio, West Virginia and western Pennsylvania.

The Mariner East system will provide operational flexibility and enhanced security of NGL supply from producing areas to key markets in the region and beyond.

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