That campaign is aimed at countering concerns about the rapid growth of gas drilling - not to mention the risks, as evidenced by the June explosion at a Clearfield County well. The industry, which is regulated by the state Department of Environmental Protection, is embroiled in legislative debates over taxing gas extracted from the lucrative Marcellus Shale formation, among other issues.
"Right now, there is so much misinformation out there," said Kristi Gittins, a member of the Marcellus Shale Coalition's executive committee. "We have a lot of work to do explaining what the economic benefits are for Pennsylvania and for the energy security of the nation."
Details of the negotiations with Ridge's firm are being kept under wraps, and coalition officials stressed that a formal contract with the firm had not yet been signed.
But luring a prestige-laced name such as Ridge's would infuse the industry's efforts with the full force of the former governor's popularity and influence.
"These are smart people," said Barry Kauffman, executive director of the watchdog group Common Cause Pennsylvania, "and they know the importance of clout in getting things done."
Ridge, 64, who is to be one of the keynote speakers at what the coalition is calling a "landmark" natural-gas summit in Pittsburgh this fall, could not be reached for comment.
His partners in the Ridge Policy Group, Mark Holman and Mark Campbell, former gubernatorial chiefs of staff to Ridge, did not return calls.
The natural-gas industry has not been shy about hiring Pennsylvania people with government connections.
Over the last year, at least three senior members of Rendell's administration have taken jobs with natural-gas companies.
