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SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 635
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, and Pitts Energy 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 Senate of the State of Texas,
79th 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.
Harris
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on April 18, 2005.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate