In 2013 Colorado’s Coal bed methane and natural gas production declined by 5.8%, from 1.7 billion Mcf to 1.6 billion Mcf. The 2013 level of production is similar to 2009. Twenty-six of Colorado’s 38 counties that produce gas posted declines last year.
Three counties account for 81.3% of total production: Garfield, La Plata and Weld.
In 1999 production in Garfield County was 56.9 million Mcf. It rose to 700.1 million Mcf in 2012, but dropped off to 649.3 million Mcf in 2013.
La Plata County has been a leader in production since 1999. In 2003 production peaked at 473.4 million Mcf and has declined gradually since. In 2013 it has fallen to 356.5 Mcf.
Weld County has experienced steady growth between 1999 and 2013, rising from 127.7 million Mcf to 271.8 million Mcf. Unlike Weld and La Plata counties, Weld County showed solid growth in 2013.
The combined total of the other 35 counties has grown gradually from 1999 to 2013, from 145.1 million Mcf in 1999 to 355.3 Mcf in 2013.
Colorado has 26 counties where there is no gas production.
©Copyright 2011 by CBER.