Is the Industry Ready?
In 2013, the number of exploratory
natural gas wells increased even
while development wells decreased
due to market conditions.
| U.S. Total | 2012 | 2013 | Delta | Present |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exploratory Wells | 313 | 335 | +22 | +7% |
| Development Wells | 9,187 | 7,243 | (1,944) | (21%) |
The industry is ready to expand
future natural gas production with
development drilling.
If we look at natural gas exploratory and development
wells in 2012 versus 2013, we see that the industry
is ready to expand future natural gas production with
development drilling. America’s newfound abundance
of natural gas resources is a boon to the nation. It
is creating jobs, reducing home heating and electric
bills and lowering energy and raw materials costs for
businesses. And the opportunity to do more is before us
– to produce more natural gas, spur additional economic
activity and create even more jobs – by serving
international markets as well as American ones.
America’s oil and natural gas companies are ready and should be allowed to supply other markets through exports. Given the trade, jobs, and other economic benefits, LNG exports are indisputably in our national interest, and the U.S. Department of Energy should approve pending applications for authorization to export natural gas without delay.