- The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts U.S. natural gas production will reach record highs of 120.8 Bcf/d in 2026 and 122.3 Bcf/d in 2027, with 69% of growth coming from the Appalachia, Haynesville and Permian regions.
- Haynesville is expected to post the largest gains, supported by rising gas prices projected to increase from $3.52/MMBtu in 2025 to $4.38/MMBtu in 2027, along with strong demand from LNG export terminals and Gulf Coast industries.
- Permian output growth will be driven largely by associated gas from oil drilling, with rising gas-to-oil ratios offsetting declining crude oil prices.
- Appalachian production is set for modest increases after the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the Mountain Valley Pipeline, easing prior capacity constraints.
- Despite a temporary 3% weather-related production dip, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) says output has reached record levels, calling the current period an “unprecedented era of energy dominance.”
(Natural News)—The latest Short-Term Energy Outlook from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has revealed that U.S. natural gas production is expected to climb to record levels over the next two years, driven largely by growth in three major shale regions.
According to the agency, marketed natural gas production will increase 2% to average 120.8 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) in 2026, before rising again to a record 122.3 Bcf/d in 2027. About 69% of the projected growth through 2027 is expected to come from the Appalachia, Haynesville and Permian regions, which remain the backbone of U.S. natural gas output.
The Haynesville region in eastern Texas and Louisiana is forecast to post some of the strongest gains, with production rising by 1.2 Bcf/d in 2026 and another 1.6 Bcf/d in 2027. The EIA attributes that growth to relatively elevated natural gas prices, which are expected to climb from $3.52 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) in 2025 to $4.31/MMBtu in 2026 and $4.38/MMBtu in 2027.
Higher prices are expected to keep drilling economical despite deeper and more expensive well development. The region’s proximity to liquefied natural gas export terminals and industrial consumers along the Gulf Coast is also drawing investment.
In the Permian Basin of western Texas and southeastern New Mexico, production is projected to increase by 1.4 Bcf/d in 2026 and 0.6 Bcf/d in 2027. Much of the region’s gas output is “associated gas” produced during oil drilling. Although West Texas Intermediate crude prices are forecast to decline from $65 per barrel in 2025 to $53 in 2026 and $49 in 2027, rising gas-to-oil ratios are expected to offset lower oil-directed drilling activity and support continued natural gas growth.
The Appalachian Basin in the Northeast, which has accounted for roughly 32% of lower 48 production annually since 2016, is also expected to contribute modest gains. Growth in the region has slowed in recent years due to pipeline constraints. However, after the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission authorized the Mountain Valley Pipeline to begin operations in June 2024, additional takeaway capacity is expected to support production increases of 0.3 Bcf/d in 2026 and 0.5 Bcf/d in 2027.
DOE touts U.S. “energy dominance”
Natural gas, as per BrightU.AI’s Enoch, is a fossil fuel primarily composed of methane, a highly flammable gas extracted from the Earth through drilling. It is a versatile energy source, used for electricity generation, heating and industrial processes. But despite its widespread use, natural gas is a finite resource.
In another February 2026 report, the EIA disclosed that U.S. natural gas production slipped 3% from December to January due to frigid winter weather. However, federal energy officials said the decline was temporary and expect output to rebound in the coming months.
The EIA said that extreme cold conditions disrupted production at the start of the year. But looking ahead, the EIA projects production will accelerate in the second half of 2026 as new pipeline capacity comes online in the Permian Basin and producers ramp up drilling in response to higher natural gas prices during the first half of the year.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) said in a Jan. 19 fact sheet that U.S. natural gas production has reached record levels. The department expects output to average 109 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) this year, marking a new all-time high.
In a separate Jan. 20 statement, the DOE described the current period as an “unprecedented era of energy dominance,” crediting administration policies for boosting domestic oil and gas production. The department said the U.S. now produces as much natural gas as Russia, Iran and China combined, at roughly 108 Bcf/d.
Watch Gary Franchi of Next News Network discuss whether the Democrats’ ban on gas stoves is aimed at protecting the air or stripping liberties.
This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.
Sources include:
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Safeguarding Your American Dream: Discover the Power of America First Healthcare
In today’s economy, healthcare costs remain one of the biggest threats to financial stability and family security. Americans work hard to build a better life, yet rising medical expenses can quickly erode savings, force tough trade-offs, and even push families toward debt or bankruptcy. Medical bills continue to rank as the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States, with millions facing underinsurance or unexpected out-of-pocket burdens that no one plans for. Many turn to government-run marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act, hoping for relief, only to discover that what appears affordable on paper often delivers higher long-term costs, limited real protection, and coverage that may not align with personal values or family needs.
America First Healthcare stands out as a private insurance agency dedicated to helping conservatives and families secure better coverage and better rates through customized, values-aligned options. By conducting free insurance reviews, the agency uncovers hidden gaps in existing policies and connects clients with private alternatives that emphasize personal responsibility, small-government principles, and genuine affordability—often delivering up to 20% savings while providing stronger protection for the American Dream.
The allure of marketplace plans is easy to understand: open enrollment periods, premium tax credits for many households, and the promise of “comprehensive” benefits mandated by law. Yet recent data reveals a different reality, especially after the expiration of enhanced premium subsidies at the end of 2025. Enrollment for 2026 dropped by more than one million people compared to the prior year, with many shifting to lower-tier bronze plans to keep monthly premiums manageable.
These plans feature significantly higher deductibles—averaging around $7,500 nationally—and greater cost-sharing requirements. Families who once paid modest amounts after subsidies now face average premium increases of $65 or more per month, even as they accept plans that leave them responsible for thousands in upfront costs before meaningful coverage kicks in.
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Values alignment represents another growing concern. Government-influenced plans operate within a framework shaped by federal mandates and political priorities that may not reflect conservative principles of limited government, personal freedom, and ethical stewardship. Families who want to direct their healthcare dollars toward providers and benefits that honor traditional values sometimes find marketplace options feel misaligned, forcing a compromise between affordability and conviction.
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Founder Jordan Sarmiento’s own journey underscores the stakes. In 2021, a six-day hospitalization generated a $95,000 bill. Under a well-structured private “Conservative Care Coverage” plan, his out-of-pocket responsibility would have been just $500. That stark difference illustrates how thoughtful planning and private options can prevent a medical event from becoming a financial catastrophe.
Practical steps exist for anyone questioning their current coverage. Start with a no-obligation review of your existing policy to identify gaps—high deductibles, limited critical-care benefits, or escalating premiums. Compare total projected costs (premiums plus potential out-of-pocket expenses) rather than monthly premiums alone. Consider family health history, anticipated needs, and lifestyle priorities. Private agencies can present side-by-side options that include stronger wellness incentives, broader access, and plans built on shared values of self-reliance and freedom.
In an era when healthcare inflation continues to outpace general cost-of-living increases, relying solely on marketplace solutions carries growing risk. Families who proactively explore private alternatives frequently achieve meaningful savings while gaining peace of mind that their coverage truly works when needed most.
America First Healthcare makes this exploration straightforward through its free review process. Families and individuals receive personalized guidance to close coverage holes, reduce unnecessary expenses, and secure plans that align with conservative principles—protecting wallets, health, and the American Dream without government overreach. Many who complete a review discover they can enjoy better benefits for less, often saving up to 20% while gaining the customization and stability that marketplace plans struggle to deliver.
Ultimately, protecting your family’s future requires looking beyond the marketing of “affordable” government options. By understanding the long-term costs hidden in high deductibles, shifting coverage tiers, and values mismatches, Americans can make empowered choices. Private, values-driven insurance offers a smarter path—one that rewards diligence, supports wellness, and delivers real security. For those ready to move beyond the limitations of traditional marketplace plans, a simple review can reveal options designed to serve families, not bureaucracies. The American Dream thrives when individuals and families retain control over their healthcare decisions, and thoughtful private coverage plays a vital role in making that possible.
