Feds say natural gas production to soar by 2035 (AP)

CHARLESTON, W.Va. ? The Energy Information Administration predicts U.S. natural gas production will nearly triple by 2035.

A report released Monday says the 5 trillion cubic feet produced in 2010 accounted for 23 percent of total dry gas production. By 2035, production could hit 13.6 trillion cubic feet and account for 49 percent.

The report predicts the U.S. will be a gas exporter by 2021 as foreign markets increase use and offer higher prices. It also says the percentage of gas-generated electricity will rise slightly, from 24 percent to 27 percent.

As expected, the report also scales back size estimates of the Marcellus shale field reserves, from 410 trillion cubic feet to 141 trillion cubic feet.

Those deposits underlie Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New York and several other states.

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Online:

EIA: http://bit.ly/zc4xDA

Source: http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/energy/*http%3A//news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20120123/ap_on_bi_ge/us_gas_production_west_virginia

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