Building on strong numbers from 2012, Utica Shale development has been taking off this year in Ohio. It seems 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.  While development is good news for getting Ohio back on track, it is important to understand where Utica Shale development is helping boost Ohio’s economy.

To date, there have been 502 permits issued by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Mineral Resource Management for wells in the Utica/Point Pleasant geological formation. Of those 502 permitted wells, 216 of them have been developed, and of those, 48 are in production.

Thus far Utica Shale permits have been issued in the following 21 counties: (Updates in Bold)

• Ashland -1
• Belmont – 14
• Carroll – 280
• Columbiana – 62
• Coshocton – 5
• Geauga – 1
• Gurnsey – 27
• Harrison – 65
• Holmes – 3
• Jefferson – 33
• Knox – 2
• Mahoning – 16
• Medina – 1
• Monroe – 22
• Muskingum – 3
• Noble – 25
• Portage – 14
• Stark – 13
• Trumbull – 2
• Tuscarawas – 12
• Wayne – 1

All of these permits have been provided to 24 companies that are working to develop Utica Shale in Ohio. (Updates in Bold)

• Anadarko E&P Company LP – 12
• Antero Res Appalachian Corp – 12
• Atlas Noble – 5
• Carrizo Utica LLC – 2
• Chesapeake Exploration LLC – 324
• Chevron Appalachia LLC – 2
• CNX Gas Company LLC – 20
• Devon Energy Production Co – 13
• Eclipse Resources LP – 1
• Enervest Operating LLC – 16
• EQT Production Company – 2
• Gulfport Energy corporation – 28
• Halcon Operating Company Inc. – 1
• Hall Drilling – 1
• Hess Ohio Develop. LLC – 13
• Hess Ohio Resources LLC – 5
• HG Energy LLC – 16
• Hilcorp Energy Company – 3
• Mountaineer Keystone LLC – 7
• Petroleum Development Corp – 3
• R E Gas Development LLC – 8
• Sierra Resources LLC – 3
• Swepi LP – 1
• XTO Energy Inc. – 4

While still very early in its development, hosting only 48 producing wells, 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 diligence of these companies, a strong regulatory foundation, and the billions being invested  from development, there is a renewed sense of optimism in Ohio thanks to the Utica Shale.