Pennsylvania’s natural gas production volume trended upward in 2015, according to the newly released Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) 2015 Oil and Gas Annual Report. In 2015, more than 4.6 Tcf of natural gas was produced in the Keystone State compared to about 1 Tcf in 2011. Currently, Pennsylvania is reported to be the second-largest supplier of natural gas in the nation.

“As our report shows, despite the reduction in the number of natural gas wells that were drilled in PA during 2015, the overall volume of natural gas produced continued to increase to a record level,” said acting DEP secretary Patrick McDonnell. “We will continue to work with all of our stakeholders to balance the needs of our new energy economy with the imperative that we protect our resources.”

The 2015 Oil and Gas Annual Report was created to provide information about DEP’s oil and gas permit- ting, inspection, and compliance programs. In addition, the annual report provides insights of ongoing data trends, outlines significant accomplishments, and provides a view of what to expect from DEP during the coming year.