H.R. No. 1221



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Since 1999, the Barnett Shale has produced more than 
a trillion cubic feet of natural gas and it is estimated that it 
holds 30 trillion more, making it the largest producing natural gas 
field in the State of Texas and the hottest gas play in the country; 
and
	WHEREAS, A blanket marine shale deposit of thick black rock 
located at a depth of 7,000 to 9,000 feet, the Barnett Shale was 
formed from organic deposits 325 million years ago and ranges in 
thickness from 50 to 1,000 feet; it is present over most of north 
Texas, covering parts of 15 north-central Texas counties; the core 
area of the shale is centered in Tarrant County, with extensions 
into Wise, Denton, Johnson, and Parker Counties; and
	WHEREAS, Although the limestone is unusually rich in raw 
materials, exploration of the shale has been limited until 
recently, when new technologies and drilling innovations have 
allowed recovery of the gas locked inside; a process called 
fracturing enables producers to literally crack open the shale to 
release the natural gas sealed within, and independent companies 
such as Devon, XTO, EOG Resources, Chesapeake Energy, Burlington 
Resources, Chief Energy, Quicksilver Energy, Pitts Energy, and many 
others are taking advantage of these new techniques to explore the 
shale's vast reserves; between 1992 and 2003, the number of wells 
has increased from fewer than 100 to nearly 2,500, and in Tarrant 
County alone, some 326 wells were reported active in 2003, with a 
valuation of more than $300 million; and
	WHEREAS, The Barnett Shale is one of the Lone Star State's 
most important natural resources, and its value is particularly 
apparent in light of the critical need for new natural gas resources 
to meet the future energy needs of our country; now, therefore, be 
it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby recognize April 20, 2005, as Barnett Shale Day 
at the State Capitol in acknowledgment of the most significant 
gas-producing area in the nation today.

                                                                           Geren

                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 1221 was adopted by the House on April 
20, 2005, by a non-record vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House