• Despite drilling significantly more natural gas wells this year — the industry is on a pace to drill more than in any year since 1982 — production levels are just barely up, and it’s not enough to satisfy the nation’s growing demand. According to industry officials, the main reason is that the majority of gas fields are old, and their production has been declining over the years. So just to maintain present levels, production must be increased by approximately 23% per year. But the industry says it is restricted because the richest reserves are in federally protected areas.

    • Publication date: 08/06/2001