Going back to the first natural gas well drilled in Dunkirk, N.Y., National Fuel and our predecessor companies have deep roots in both the natural gas industry and in the regions where we operate. Today, National Fuel’s investments and operations continue to contribute significantly to the economic health and vitality of our local communities.

• Investing in critical energy infrastructure — Over the last 10 years, we have put more than $6 billion in energy development, investing in real, long-lived assets that support good-paying jobs and provide a significant tax base for local schools and municipalities.
• Large local employer — We employ more than 2,100 people, paying nearly $270 million in annual compensation and benefits.
• Provider of local tax revenues — Over the past five years, we have paid $301 million in state and local property taxes, providing revenues that support school districts and the social services that many in our communities have come to rely on. Additionally, Seneca has paid $47 million over the last five years in Pennsylvania impact fees which support the maintenance and repair of local infrastructure and investment in new community facilities.
• Supporter of local vendors and contractors — We support the employment of thousands more in our local communities by using the products and services of local vendors, contractors and labor. Over the last five years, we have paid $529 million and $214 million to local vendors and contractors in New York and Pennsylvania, respectively.
• Fair landowner compensation — We provide fair and reasonable compensation to local landowners for acreage leases, mineral rights and pipeline rights of way and easements. Over the last five years, Seneca has paid local Pennsylvania landowners more than $194 million in royalties on natural gas production.
• Charitable giving — Each year, hundreds of National Fuel employees donate thousands of dollars to local and national charitable organizations. The National Fuel Foundation matches dollar for dollar, up to $750 per employee, doubling the impact of each employee’s contribution. Since 2005, our employees and the foundation have given more than $21 million to charitable organizations.
• Local shareholder base — National Fuel has a large number of locally based retail shareholders, many of whom are current employees and retirees. We have one of the longest dividend track records among U.S. public companies, having paid a dividend to shareholders for 118 consecutive years and increased the dividend for 50 consecutive years. Many of our retail shareholders rely on our dividend for retirement income, and some choose to reinvest their dividend in National Fuel stock, providing further support for future investments and growth.