James Mann: Stag Energy Weighs in on Shale Gas Debate

NEW YORK, NY, August 20, 2012

In 2012, economists and energy experts alike have responded with vigorous enthusiasm to America's ever-burgeoning supply of natural gas, taken mostly from the nation's ample shale gas reserves. For most industry insiders and energy experts, the shale gas and oil boom has proven to be a windfall for the nation's energy economy, and a cause for true optimism. A few minority voices offer a more measured assessment, however, including Bernstein Research analyst Bob Brackett. Brackett recently opined that the deterioration of certain shale oil and gas wells suggests that America's natural gas supply may not be as abundant as once suspected. This debate has won the attention of James Mann, of Stag Energy. Mann has responded to Brackett's analysis with a new statement to the press.

According to Brackett, "Something is rotten in the State of Montana." In a note to his clients, Brackett observes that Montana's oil production has decreased by 38 percent since its 2006 peak. The Financial Post article on Brackett's commentary suggests that Montana's shale oil and gas production has "flamed out pretty quickly." The article speculates as to whether the same thing might happen in other shale-rich areas of the United States.

According to the press statement from James Mann of Stag Energy, however, there are many factors in play--including technology. Because technology is constantly improving, Mann says that even shale reserves thought to be past their productive lives may come to produce once more. "Let us not forget that technology is ever advancing," days the Stag Energy executive. "Oil and gas wells that were drilled years ago were recently considered stripper wells. New technologies have opened the door for these old stripper wells to be re-entered or re-worked, and what were stripper wells are once again very productive wells."

James Mann also makes the important point that technological advancements are what led to the shale oil and gas boom in the first place. "Years ago shale formations were overlooked but today using modern technology shale formations are the hottest thing going," he says, in the Stag Energy press statement.

James Mann is the Operations Manager of Stag Energy, a Texas-based, general-service oil company. Stag delivers a range of services to oil production and exploration companies, among them construction services, well maintenance, equipment rental, and even contract personnel. Stag Energy maintains a client list that includes many of the top names in the energy business, including EOG Resource and BHP Billiton.

Brackett tells the Financial Post that oil and gas production will likely grow in the coming years, but that "the world will not find itself awash in oil."

ABOUT:

James Mann and Stag Energy provide a comprehensive suite of services to oil companies throughout the United States. The firm is devoted to the highest standards of quality and of service in all of its offerings, which include site construction, equipment rental and repair, contract personnel, and more. Stag Energy's client list includes some of the most prestigious and prolific oil companies in the entire United States.