Exploring Shale: The Quest For Natural Gas New drilling techniques make it possible to extract natural gas from deep shale rock formations. The advances mean the United States has more abundant natural gas resources than previously believed. Gas advocates say it could significantly alter the future U.S. energy picture, but environmental concerns over possible groundwater contamination still linger.

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Exploring Shale: The Quest For Natural Gas

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With Little Clout, Natural Gas Lobby Strikes Out

September 24, 2009 • There is almost a century's worth of natural gas in shale rock formations all over the county, enough to make a significant change in the debate about America's energy future. But as Congress moves toward writing a new national energy policy, natural gas lobbyists have been mostly missing in action.

With Little Clout, Natural Gas Lobby Strikes Out

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Water Contamination Concerns Linger For Shale Gas

September 23, 2009 • As the practice of harvesting natural gas embedded in shale rock deep below the Earth's surface has expanded, it has raised concerns about the impact this type of drilling has on the environment — especially on groundwater. At issue is the practice of "hydraulic fracturing."

Rediscovering Natural Gas By Hitting Rock Bottom

A shale gas well bore is lined by steel pipe, shown here in 100-foot sections in Washington County, Pa., at the drill site of Range Resources. Between its vertical and horizontal sections, a well bore will extend 9,000 feet or longer and require more than a million pounds of steel. Tom Gjelten/NPR hide caption

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Rediscovering Natural Gas By Hitting Rock Bottom

September 22, 2009 • New drilling techniques make it possible to extract natural gas from deep shale rock formations. The advances mean the United States has more abundant natural gas resources than previously believed. Gas advocates say it could significantly alter the future U.S. energy picture.

Rediscovering Natural Gas By Hitting Rock Bottom

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Who's Looking At Natural Gas Now? Big Oil

September 23, 2009 • The U.S. natural gas business is dominated by small, independent companies averaging a dozen employees each. But business is booming and estimates of accessible natural gas reserves in the U.S. are growing. As a result, huge companies like Exxon Mobil are taking a second look.

Who's Looking At Natural Gas Now? Big Oil

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Natural Gas: Conventional Drilling Areas And Shale Basins

September 22, 2009 • Interactive Map: New shale gas production techniques have opened much wider areas for exploration.

Face-Off Over 'Fracking': Water Battle Brews On Hill

May 27, 2009 • Environmentalists and the natural gas industry are getting ready for a battle in Congress over "fracking," which involves injecting water and chemicals underground to pry out gas. Environmentalists want the federal government to regulate the practice because, in some cases, fracking may be harming nearby water wells.

Face-Off Over 'Fracking': Water Battle Brews On Hill

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