To make matters worse, each crew often has only one experienced worker. This situation raises real concerns about safety and efficiency in the oil patch. Texas consistently has been a leading producer of natural gas in the nation. From 1936 to 1998, Texas produced 274 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Of the lower 48 states, we are number one in on-shore natural gas production, and we produce about a third of all natural gas in the United States.
New wells are essential to the health of the national economy.
Without new wells, the gas production will continue to decline. The need for a strong oil and gas labor force is an essential part to the development of the United States energy industry. I strongly support the Texas Engineering Extension Service in their efforts to help provide a trained and skilled energy labor force. Recent data from the Texas Workforce Commission continues to show virtually no increase in oil and gas extraction employment since May 1999. With your ability to train over 1100 workers per year, the training center will provide the skilled labor that would greatly help the industry.