Building on strong numbers from the first quarter of 2013, Utica Shale development in the second quarter of 2013 has been taking off in Ohio. Of course, we see headlines each week in newspapers all over the Buckeye state indicating new jobs, investments, and opportunities thanks to increased oil and natural gas production, so this shouldn’t really surprise anyone.  And while development is good news for getting Ohio back on track, it is equally important to understand where Utica Shale development is helping boost Ohio’s economy.

To date, there have been 627 permits issued by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for wells in the Utica/Point Pleasant geological formation. Of those 627 permitted wells, 310 of them have been developed, and 89 of those are in production.

Thus far, Utica Shale permits have been issued in the following 22 counties (updated county numbers in bold):

• Ashland -1
• Belmont – 22
• Carroll – 249
• Columbiana – 68
• Coshocton – 5
• Geauga – 1
• Gurnsey – 34
• Harrison – 80
• Holmes – 3
• Jefferson – 33
• Knox – 2
• Mahoning – 17
• Medina – 1
• Monroe – 27
• Muskingum – 3
• Noble – 32
• Portage – 14
• Stark – 13
• Trumbull – 4
• Tuscarawas – 13
• Washington – 4
• Wayne – 1

All of these permits have been provided to 27 companies that are developing Ohio’s shale resources (updated permit numbers in bold):

• Anadarko E&P Company LP – 12
• Antero Res Appalachian Corp – 22
• Atlas Noble – 5
• BP – 1
• Carrizo Utica LLC – 3
• Chesapeake Appalachia LLC – 6
• Chesapeake Exploration LLC – 394
• Chevron Appalachia LLC – 4
• CNX Gas Company LLC – 22
• Devon Energy Production Co – 13
• Eclipse Resources LP – 1
• Enervest Operating LLC – 16
• EQT Production Company – 3
• Gulfport Energy corporation – 47
• Halcon Operating Company Inc. – 3
• Hall Drilling – 1
• Hess Ohio Develop. LLC – 11
• Hess Ohio Resources LLC – 7
• HG Energy LLC – 16
• Hilcorp Energy Company – 3
• Mountaineer Keystone LLC – 7
• Petroleum Development Corp – 5
• R E Gas Development LLC – 13
• Sierra Resources LLC – 3
• Swepi LP – 1
• Triad Hunter – 3
• XTO Energy Inc. – 5

While still very early in its development, the Utica Shale is already showing some very exciting results. The best part is that this development, and the jobs and revenue that come with it, has occurred without a single environmental violation.  That successful track record is due to the diligence of companies operating in the state and Ohio’s strong regulations put forward in Senate Bill 315, the bi-partisan update to those regulations.

Thanks to our natural resources, the public commitment of these companies, a strong regulatory foundation, and the billions of dollars being invested from development, there is a renewed sense of optimism in Ohio thanks to the Utica Shale.

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