US oil, gas rig count at its lowest since 2017
Wednesday, January 8, 2020
The U.S. oil and gas rig count decreased by four last week to 836, which is the lowest total in nearly two years, according to Enverus.
Total crude oil rigs were down three to 670 during the week ended Jan. 1. Meanwhile, natural gas rigs increased by one to 163. Rigs not classified as oil or gas dropped two.
The total domestic rig count has decreased by over 400 rigs (32%) since peaking at 1,237 in November 2018. This year alone, the U.S. rig count fell 27%, starting at 1,145 and shedding 309.
Learn more: S&P Global Platts > US oil, gas rig count down by 4 to 836, lowest since early 2017: Enverus
Leave a Comment
Marcellus & Utica Shale Well Map
Additional Shale Maps
Shale FAQ
What is fracking?
Fracking is a slang term for hydraulic fracturing. Fracturing is a process by which highly pressurized fluid is pumped thousands of feet into the ground to fracture rock formations. The goal is to release the natural gas that’s locked inside the rock.
Is it safe?
What most concerns people about fracturing is ground water contamination. The worry is that fractures underground, caused by the process, will extending upwards and into aquifers, releasing gas and chemicals into the ground water supply. There’s been no confirmed reports of such a thing happening. Though surface spills and drill site blowouts can lead to localized environmental concerns.
Will my water catch on fire?
Flammable water is caused by the release of methane gas into a drinking water supply. Methane gas occurs naturally and can be released by any kind of drilling, including water wells. In Pennsylvania officials fined Chesapeake Energy $1 million for contaminating ground water with methane. It was determined that the company had not properly cemented it’s boreholes and gas migrated up the well, between rock and into aquifers.