Natural Gas

gas stationThe most common theory about how natural gas was created holds that it was formed from the underground decomposition of organic matter (dead plants and animals). During the decomposition process, much of the carbon and hydrogen in the organic matter was converted to methane, the major component of natural gas. Large volumes of methane were subsequently trapped in the subsurface of the earth where the right geological conditions occurred at the right times. Such a place is called a reservoir.

Proved reserves of natural gas are estimated quantities that analyses of geological and engineering data have demonstrated to be economically recoverable in future years from known reservoirs. The natural gas placed by man in underground storage is not included in proved reserves. It is not necessary that production, gathering, or transportation facilities actually be installed or operative for a reservoir to be considered proved. It is assumed that production will be initiated, if and when economically justified.

Please go to the U.S. Department of Energy and the Energy Information Administration natural gas websites for complete and detailed information.​

Human Trafficking GET HELP

National Human Trafficking Hotline - 24/7 Confidential

1-888-373-7888 233733 More Information on human trafficking in Maryland

Customer Service Promise

The State of Maryland pledges to provide constituents, businesses, customers, and stakeholders with friendly and courteous, timely and responsive, accurate and consistent, accessible and convenient, and truthful and transparent services.

Take Our Survey

Help Stop Fraud in State Government

The Maryland General Assembly’s Office of Legislative Audits operates a toll-free fraud hotline to receive allegations of fraud and/or abuse of State government resources. Information reported to the hotline in the past has helped to eliminate certain fraudulent activities and protect State resources.

More Information