U.S. shale plays are dense geological formations found a mile or more below the earth’s surface. These plays are home to vast domestic supplies of natural gas. Until recently, however, unlocking the potential of these shale plays was thought uneconomical. That is, until innovative breakthroughs in drilling technologies allowed us to access resources that were one thought unrecoverable. Over the past few years, improvements in these technologies have allowed us to discover and develop abundant supplies of natural gas across the United States and Canada.
These discoveries have fundamentally transformed the long-term outlook for natural gas supplies—stabilizing the market, expanding our energy choices and transforming our nation into a global clean energy leader, rather than simply a large energy consumer.
The natural gas industry is committed to the safe and responsible development of natural gas, which is a vital to this resource reaching its full potential. Communities should not have to choose between advancing their economic interests and safeguarding their natural resources. With responsible natural gas production, our nation can advance both priorities together.
