As the statewide debate on Marcellus Shale drilling and fracing unfolds, the city of Morgantown has become a central topic of discussion. On June 21, the Morgantown City Council enacted an ordinance banning hydraulic fracturing of natural gas wells drilled horizontally within a mile outside city limits, starting a chain reaction that has spurred discussion statewide, from small towns to the state capital.

The West Virginia Oil and Gas Expo will be held at Mylan Park in Morgantown on October 5. While hosting the Expo in the very city that seeks to ban oil and gas operations within city limits may seem counter-productive, there are several reasons why the area is perfectly suited for this event.