Pennsylvania Marcellus output may top 2.5 Bcf/d in 2011 (double yoy)

Natural gas production from the Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania is
expected to more than double in 2011 to 2.5 Bcf/d from 1 Bcf/d in 2010,
the Pennsylvania State University's College of Earth and Mineral Sciences said
in a study Tuesday.

"Over the next two years, this growth is expected to increase rapidly --
providing the Commonwealth with a steady supply of affordable, clean-burning
energy, and creating the potential for a wholesale transformation of the
energy landscape," the study said.

"Our survey also found that companies plan to increase their investment
spending to $8.8 billion for 2010 and to over $11 billion in 2011," the study
said. "This evidence confirms that the Pennsylvania Marcellus industry is
poised for a substantial take-off in development."

The increased economic activity could generate almost $1.8 billion in
additional state and local tax revenues during 2010 and 2011, the study noted.

Employment in the state could expand by more than 88,000 jobs during 2010
and over 111,000 jobs during 2011.

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