The Marcellus Shale | January 2023
Field Overview
The Marcellus Shale is the largest gas play onshore in the US. Located in the Northeast, it supplies the high-demand markets along the East Coast. Most of the basin’s gas is produced through unconventional methods, while the little oil produced is mostly by conventional means. Some of the top formations include the Onondaga and the Huntersville.
State Drilling Statistics
Active Drilling Rigs in Basin- 36 (-1)
Total Rigs in Pennsylvania- 22 (-)
Total Rigs in the United States- 760 (-11)
Total U.S. Rigs 18% YTD
State Permitting Data
Permits Approved – 83
Marcellus Top Producers
Top Producer By BOE – EQT
Basin Highlights
An Ohio law defining natural gas as ‘green energy’ lays out the next battle in the climate wars
According to fans of fossil fuels, burning natural gas is just as environmentally friendly as turning a windmill. Ohioans think so too adding a new law that permits oil and gas drilling in state parks and labels any energy source that “is more sustainable and stable” as “green energy.” The Empowerment Alliance (TEA) has been promoting the “clean” potential of natural gas in Ohio. With the assistance of Entergy, the Marcellus Shale Coalition, and the Ohio Oil and Gas Association, TEA is intensifying the “gas battles”. In order to fight back against climate-friendly tendencies, supporters of fossil fuels are staging a conflict over gas stoves.
State’s gas industry waits for Shapiro’s agenda as governor
Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania governor, has a bumpy history with the oil and gas sector. Lately, however, he has advocated for speedier and clearer permitting and regulations, as well as for the development of natural gas and an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy. Shapiro will likely rely on Pennsylvania’s natural gas sector to generate employment, boost the economy, and promote environmental gains, according to David Callahan, president of the Marcellus Shale Coalition. According to Jeff Nobers, executive director of Pittsburgh Works Together, Shapiro should concentrate on a sensible energy policy that highlights Pennsylvania’s advantages.
Pa. drillers abandoned thousands of natural gas wells in 5 years, ignored state law, report says
Conventional oil and gas operators have been subjected to penalties, permission suspensions, and criminal prosecutions as a result of their failure to declare how much gas they extracted from the ground and the safety of their equipment. Less than one-third of operators with 11 or more wells submitted yearly data in a timely manner, while more than 50% failed to disclose any data, according to the report. If a driller doesn’t reply to an official notification, a fine, or the seizure of a company’s assets, DEP may establish guidelines to act swiftly upon identifying future problems.
Operators with the Most Permits in PA
Rank | Company | Permits Approved |
1 | Chesapeake | 15 |
2 | Coterra Energy | 13 |
3 | Blackhill Energy | 8 |
4 | Apex Energy | 6 |
5 | PennEnergy Resources | 6 |
Top Producers By Gas
Change | Rank | Company | Gas Production (MMCF) (2/23) |
– | 1 | EQT | 375 |
– | 2 | Chesapeake | 361 |
– | 3 | Range Resources | 350 |
– | 4 | Coterra Energy | 303 |
– | 5 | Seneca Resources | 294 |
Rig Count
PA Oil Production

PA Natural Gas Production


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