Washington, DC (June 18, 09) — With news today that the United States has more recoverable natural gas than previously believed, the U.S.-based Natural Gas Supply Association (NGSA) and the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) issued a joint statement to highlight the importance of natural gas as both a low-carbon energy source and a long-term fuel for North America’s secure energy future.
“Clean-burning natural gas is a sustainable fuel of the future – and it’s already a reality and contributing significantly to our energy mix,” said R. Skip Horvath, President of the Natural Gas Supply Association (NGSA). “Today’s report from the Potential Gas Committee is great news for North America.”
The Potential Gas Committee report indicates the U.S. has approximately 2,000 trillion cubic feet of recoverable natural gas still in the ground – a nearly 60 percent increase from estimates released four years ago. The Committee is comprised of approximately 100 volunteers from industry, governmental and academic institutions.
CAPP also sees the sustainability of Canadian natural gas in the North American market, particularly in light of new technologies beginning to unlock Canada's vast shale gas resources.
"Despite the tough economic conditions currently faced by natural gas producers, the long-term outlook and resource potential remains strong and reinforces Canada's role as the number one exporter of natural gas to the US market," said David Collyer, President of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers
Horvath noted that technological advances continue to minimize the environmental and ecological footprint of natural gas, important factors for the long-term sustainability of the industry.
“The natural gas business employs an estimated 4 million Americans, both directly and indirectly; and the positive impact of natural gas development adds approximately $400 billion in annual economic value to the U.S. economy,” Horvath said. “Additionally, about 83 percent of the natural gas used in the U.S. today is produced domestically, and another 15 percent is imported from our friends in Canada.”
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The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) represents 130 companies that explore for, develop and produce natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, oil sands and elemental sulphur throughout Canada. CAPP member companies produce more than 90 per cent of Canada’s natural gas and crude oil. CAPP also has 150 associate members that provide a wide range of services that support the upstream crude oil and natural gas industry. Together, these members and associate members are an important part of a $120-billion-per-year national industry that affects the livelihoods of more than half a million Canadians.
Media Contact Information:
Travis Davies,
Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers:
(P) 403-454-3746
Jeff Schrade,
Natural Gas Supply Association:
(P) 202-326-9316