New discoveries underscore the importance of U.S. natural gas By EPN Staff The U.S. continues to find new recoverable reserves of natural gas, boosting available supply and further cementing the fuel source’s importance to electricity generation, industrial operations, home use and commercial applications The U.S. Department of Interior recently raised estimates of recoverable domestic reserves, and the U.S. Geological Survey announced another major reserve discovery in Gulf Coast states and offshore. The discoveries bolster the utility of domestic natural gas as a tool to promote economic development, public health and national security at home and abroad, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright recently told Energy Platform News. Secure supplies of reliable, low-cost energy have a profound impact on a society – “everything rises from that,” he said. “We’re going to supply allies all around the world (with) reliable, secure American natural gas,” Wright said. Why it matters The U.S. is a natural gas juggernaut, and the Trump administration is taking steps to leverage these resources and encourage states to adopt policies that do, too. Natural gas is recognized by the federal government as the most affordable residential energy source in the U.S., and this country maintains an abundant supply. The economic benefits of natural gas production have been lucrative, funding a range of public services, supporting economic development and helping to stabilize critical energy systems. That has led to a recent build-out of infrastructure needed to match supply with growing demand from end users seeking natural gas. It also is driving a push to expand liquified natural gas exports to other nations, providing affordable energy supplies to allies and promoting national security interests. The bigger picture In the U.S., natural gas accounts for: About 42 percent of electricity generation. About 42 percent of industrial energy use, including as manufacturing feedstock. 41 percent of residential heating and cooking. 37 percent of commercial energy needs. Five states account for more than 70 percent of U.S. natural gas production: Texas – 24.6% Pennsylvania – 21.8% Louisiana – 9.9% West Virginia – 7.4% Oklahoma – 6.7% More context At current rates of consumption, the nation’s technically recoverable natural gas reserves amount to 130 years’ worth of supply. But advances in technology have repeatedly resulted in upward revisions to the nation’s proved reserves of oil and natural gas, and those advances are poised to continue leading to new discoveries and recoverable reserves.
