Shale gas is the reason for America’s energy Independence. Appalachian basin has quickly become a global leader for production of natural gas from Marcellus and Utica shales.
The largest producing reserves are found in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. Horizontal drilling techniques have enabled larger volumes to be recovered safely and economically.
Natural gas shale gas wells, on an energy-produced basis, have significantly less environmental impact than any other widely existing form of energy, including renewables.
Shale gas wells have greatly reduced the surface air and water impact of gas production per well, and directly contributed to our energy economy, our tax base, and especially the rural economy.
Over the last decade, natural gas from shale has significantly reduced all criteria air pollutants. Shale gas by far, is the biggest contributor to the U.S. leading the world in the reduction of C02 emissions.
Better Living.
Shale drilling has made living better for America and across the globe. Natural gas is the backbone of our energy infrastructure as well as the producer of raw materials for products and services that are vital to our everyday lives, such as: Medical equipment, cell phones, computers, tv’s, transportation, and technology. Natural gas also makes renewable energy possible due to its reliability and byproducts that are used to build their components. Shale gas has lowered household energy costs for all Americans and created tremendous job growth for many other industries connected to gas.
Clean Energy.
Natural shale gas burns up to 50% cleaner than coal and other fossil fuels. It’s safely and easily transported by pipe, reducing hauling. Advanced technology has enabled the capture of large reserves of gas and oil from a single location, minimizing surface and environmental impact.
American Lung Association reported Cleanest cities in the USA, as calculated by the EPA. Important to note, counties and towns with the Cleanest Air Quality in the country are located in Active Marcellus drilling areas of the Appalachian basin. Air quality in these towns have improved considerably over the last decade. Shale gas has significantly reduced Ozone and particle pollution. https://www.lung.org/research/sota/city-rankings/cleanest-cities
Environmental footprint.
A small 3 acre surface footprint, (the well pad) can drill multiple horizontal wells and extract gas from thousands of acres. Once drilling is done and gas is flowing the rig moves off site and a wellhead is put in place. Wells can produce for decades and decades with just routine maintenance. A well can be drilled and ready to produce in 6-months.
Other sources of energy, such as solar or wind require hundreds and thousands of acres of land; up to 5x more than natural gas to produce the same Megawatt of energy. The cost to build solar and wind is ~2x more to produce the same Kilowatt of energy as natural gas. In Appalachia, solar and wind devastate forests, use valuable farmlands, and greatly impact livestock and wildlife habitats. Solar panels are made of rare earth minerals and toxic materials from China and India which later have to be disposed of or safely recycled. Windmills ruin scenic views, kill birds, bats, and cast large shadows over landscapes.
Natural gas is clearly the best choice of energy to preserve Appalachia. It’s proven, dependable, abundant, and safely recovered.
American Energy Independence.
In 2018, more than 90% of the gas consumed in the U.S. was produced domestically. Shale gas production has significantly helped reduce the U.S. trade deficit by greatly cutting back on imports of products and fuel across various industries. The by products of natural gas (hydrocarbons) have created a market of their own. Shale gas has ensured our country’s safety, benefiting those around the world, by becoming completely self reliant for National defense technology and energy demands.
Pounds of CO2 Emitted per MMBtu, by fuel:
Coal (Anthracite): 228.6
Coal (bituminous): 205.7
Coal (Ignite): 215.4
Coal (subbituminous): 214.3
Diesel fuel and Heating Oil: 161.3
Gasoline (w/o ethanol): 157.2
Propane: 139.0
Natural Gas: 117.0
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration