Slide 16 of 30
- Since 1972, economic conditions and technological capability have varied dramatically. Natural gas reserve estimates have varied because improved technology has increased finding rates. As for crude oil, natural gas now can be economically produced in the United States from more marginal fields than was the case in 1972.
- In 1972 the American Gas Association (AGA) estimates of natural gas reserves were 266 trillion cubic feet.
- In 1996 EIA's estimates of natural gas reserves were 166.5 trillion cubic feet.
Source: Energy Information Administration, Annual Energy Review 1997, DOE/EIA-0384(97). (Washington, DC, July 1998), Table 4.10.
Note(s): Prior to 1977: A technical committee sponsored by AGA assembled these data. Beginning in 1977: EIA was solely responsible for assembling the natural gas reserves data. Natural gas reserves: The estimated quantities that can be recoverable with reasonable certainty in future years from known reservoirs under existing economic and operating conditions.
