The document discusses shale gas production in the United States. It notes that shale gas, extracted through hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, has revitalized the US gas industry and allowed the country to produce 94% of its gas domestically in 2011. While shale gas production is projected to grow significantly over 25 years, there is uncertainty around long-term well productivity since most are less than a year old. Major shale plays include the Barnett Shale in Texas and the Marcellus Shale in the eastern US. Shale gas has important economic and employment benefits but also environmental concerns that require ongoing management.

1. SHALE GAS
U.S. Abundance and Importance: Powering Employment

2. Shale Gas
 Gas that is trapped in Shale Formations (fine-
grained sedimentary rocks)
 Hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling are
vital to the production of Shale Gas
 The U.S. gas industry has been revitalized due
to production of Shale Gas

3. Shale in the U.S.
 In 2011, 94% of gas consumed in the U.S. was
domestically produced
 The U.S. should be in a position to
predominantly consume domestic gas for
several years due to Shale Gas Production
 The projected growth in Shale development
should boost natural gas production nearly
29% in 25 years

4. Uncertain Prospects
 Production-tests have only occurred on a
small portion of shale formations
 There is uncertainty over the long-term
productivity of shale gas wells since a majority
are less than a year old
 Advancements in well drilling and completion
technology are still being developed
 Projected rates of production range from 26.1
trillion cubic feet to 34.1 trillion cubic feet

5. Where is Shale Gas?
 Shale “plays” – shale formations containing
significant amounts of natural gas
 For over a decade, production has occurred at
the Barnett Shale play in Texas
 The Marcellus Shale in the eastern U.S. is
also important

6. U.S. Shale
 Antrim Shale  Gothic Shale
 Barnett Shale  Haynesville Shale
 Caney Shale  New Albany Shale
 Conesauga Shale  Pearsall Shale
 Fayetteville Shale  Devonian Shales
 Chattanooga and Ohio Shales
 Floyd Shale
 Marcellus Shale
 Utica Shale
 Woodford Shale

7. Economics of Production
 Unlike conventional gas, shale gas forms in
organic-rich shale rock with low permeability that
inhibits gas flow compared to more permeable
reservoir rock
 Natural gas does not flow to the well rapidly
therefore commercial quantities cannot be
produced
 When hydraulic fracturing is used in conjunction
with horizontal drilling, shale gas is extracted
economically
To learn more about hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling:
HydraluicFracturing.com ; Horizontal Drilling

8. Shale Gas and the Environment
 The following concerns exist and are
continuously addressed by corporations and
governments
 The use of water affecting its availability for other
uses
 Potentially hazardous chemicals in hydraulic
fracturing fluid
 Waste water produced from fracturing

9. Highlight – Marcellus Shale
 New Marcellus Pipeline, Processing Project
Strengthens Philadelphia-Pittsburgh
Connection
 Sunoco's Marcus Hook Plant Gets Boost from
Marcellus Shale Project
 Marcellus Shale Coalition

10. Employment
 Natural Gas Powering Employment
In the past decade, more than 30 states saw a
50% increase in oil and gas employment
If you are interested in pursuing a career, but
don’t have any experience, visit ShaleNET for
a full list of Approved Training Providers in
New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West
Virginia

11.  For oil and gas employment opportunities visit
www.gasunlim.com