Arkansas Energy Facts
Below are several facts about the Fayetteville Shale and the Arkansas oil and natural gas industry.
- Arkansas is the nation’s 7th largest producer of marketed natural gas. (Source: AIPRO)
- America’s oil and natural gas industry supports 9.2 million jobs throughout the economy and 7.5% of GDP. (Source: API)
- The Arkansas oil and natural gas industry supports over 46,000 jobs and, with pro-development policies, could create more than 94,000 jobs by 2030. (Source: API)
- The average salary of employees in the oil and natural gas industry was $64,000 as of 2008 — almost $30,000 above the average state wage. (SOURCE: AIPRO)
- In 2008 (most recent figures available), there was $2.3 billion of economic activity specifically related to the Fayetteville Shale, which generated 9,682 Arkansas jobs. (Source: University of Arkansas)
- The Arkansas state general fund has received more than $5.25 million from severance taxes related to the Fayetteville Shale since March of 2008. (Source: Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce)
- Millions of dollars in royalty income have been distributed to thousands of Arkansas citizens, putting more money in the pockets taxpaying citizens and further boosting the state economy. (Source: AIPRO)
- Severance taxes from the Fayetteville Shale development have also generated significant revenue. (Source: Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce):
- $70 million for the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department from March 2008 through June 2011
- $2 million in fees for the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality from 2009 through 2010
- $16 million in fees for the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission from 2009 through 2010
- $30 million for county and municipal governments between 2008 and June 2011
