As one of the Nation's most abundant and in-demand energy sources, natural gas has also been one of the most debated fuel sources in state legislatures in 2013 legislative session. Driven by enhanced recovery techniques that increase the cost effectiveness of developing stranded and unconventional reserves, gross domestic withdrawals and production hit record levels in 2012. Correspondingly, prices have fallen from a high of over $14 in 2008 to $4 per MMBtu in 2013. the replacement of utility coal-fired generation with natural gas in recent years is a transition driven by cost competitiveness and heightened concerns over current and future emissions standards.
