Gas from the New Albany Shale was produced in western Kentucky prior to 1890. Old fields have been abandoned with little record of production history. Current exploration for gas in the New Albany Shale began in 1976. Three fields have been discovered, and development has been progressing steadily spurred by the increase in gas price. Drilling and completion techniques have varied. Sale of natural gas has been limited to availability of local markets, and proximity to existing natural gas pipelines. Leasing of exploration acreage is continuing and plans for future drilling to develop the New Albany Shale as a reservoir and source for natural gas appear to be excellent in western Kentucky.

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