ANGA Comments on the Energy Information Administration’s 2012 Annual Energy Outlook
January 29, 2012
Background: Following is a statement by America's Natural Gas Alliance Vice President for Strategic Communications Dan Whitten on the U.S. Energy Information Administration's (EIA) 2012 Annual Energy Outlook Early Release.
"It is important to put EIA's numbers into context. The outlook for unproved natural gas resources represents a continuous and substantial increase above 2010 and preceding years. Further the nation's overall resource potential for natural gas is still very high, according to EIA. There is no question, with continued advances in both the technology used to produce natural gas and our understanding of resource potential, that projections will continue to evolve."
"Over the last decade, shale gas production has increased more than 12-fold. Estimates for technically recoverable shale resources have grown at a similar rate. As a result, EIA has raised production estimates and affirmed that natural gas will be a major part of our county's energy portfolio and economy in the foreseeable future. The estimate also clearly shows strong growth in natural gas demand, particularly in the electricity sector.
Affordable natural gas is making a profound difference in the competitiveness of U.S. companies across key sectors. And, this ripple effect extends to an average projected stimulus of $926 per American household this year, IHS says in a recent forecast.
These numbers should not be looked at in a vacuum. The natural gas community has an ongoing and abiding commitment to safe and responsible development, and we have demonstrated that through an outstanding safety track record. Natural gas also is substantially cleaner than dominant alternatives for power generation and transportation, and its increased use will lead to a cleaner environment.
We're proud of the contributions we're making today-and the growing role that clean, American and abundant natural gas will play for the foreseeable future."
