U.S. propane exports have increased every year since 2007
U.S. propane exports averaged a record 1.8 million barrels per day (b/d) in 2024, the most since we began collecting this data in 1973. U.S. propane exports increased for each of the last 17 years, with growth driven by higher demand in East Asia, mainly China, and a widening propane price differential between U.S. and global benchmarks.
U.S. natural gas–directed rigs decreased for second consecutive year in 2024
The number of rigs deployed to drill for natural gas in the United States decreased over the last two years. U.S. natural gas–directed rigs decreased 32% (50 rigs) between December 2022 and December 2024. This decline has been concentrated in the natural gas–rich Haynesville and Appalachia regions, where the combined natural gas rig count declined by 34% during 2023 (43 rigs) and by 24% during 2024 (21 rigs). The decline in drilling rigs coincides with record–low natural gas prices for most of 2024 and the wider adoption of advanced drilling and completion technologies.
U.S. natural gas-directed rigs decreased for second consecutive year in 2024
The number of rigs deployed to drill for natural gas in the United States decreased over the last two years. U.S. natural gas-directed rigs decreased 32% (50 rigs) between December 2022 and December 2024. This decline has been concentrated in the natural gas-rich Haynesville and Appalachia regions, where the combined natural gas rig count declined by 34% during 2023 (43 rigs) and by 24% during 2024 (21 rigs). The decline in drilling rigs coincides with record-low natural gas prices for most of 2024 and the wider adoption of advanced drilling and completion technologies.
2024 SC FAASTeam Aircraft Maintenace Technician of the Year
2024 SC FAASTeam Aircraft Maintenace Technician of the Year is Jacob Doster. Congratulations Jacob for all you do for Aviation Safety!
2024 SC FAASTeam Designated Mechanic Examiner of the Year
The 2024 SC FAASTeam Designated Mechanic Examiner of the Year is James Crocker. Congratulations and great work!
Volcano Watch — Happy New Year, Hawaiian Style
Volcano Watch is a weekly article and activity update written by U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists and affiliates. Passing showers on the morning of December 29 at Kīlauea summit produced a rainbow (known in Hawaiian as an "Ānuenue") visible near the active lava fountaining in the southwest part of the caldera. USGS photo by M. Patrick. The eruption is currently in its third episode, with pauses and resumptions of eruptive activity correlating with the level of pressurization within the magma chambers beneath the summit region of Kīlauea. Two important instruments for monitoring the level of pressurization are the
New Year Will Bring New Beginning to 2023 Tornado Survivors
New Year Will Bring New Beginning to 2023 Tornado Survivors MADISON, Miss. — Thanks to a unique new partnership between Boss Lady Economic Planning and Development and BankPlus, families recovering from the March 2023 storms, straight-line winds and tornadoes will have a permanent home when they welcome in 2025. Through the collaboration, disaster survivors who were renters and homeowners in Carroll, Humphreys, Monroe, Panola and Sharkey counties will have their current FEMA temporary mobile housing units donated to them--making some homeowners for the first time. A news conference recognizing the new partnership and donations will be held Tuesday, December 31, 2024
2024 SC FAASTeam Designated Pilot Examiner of the Year
The South Carolina Flight Standards District Office wishes to congratulate Brett Zukowski on being named the SC 2024 Designated Pilot Examiner of the Year. Thanks for your commitment to aviation safety and the continuous support of the SC FSDO FAASTeam. Well done, Brett. James L Cline, FPM (803) 451-2661 james.l.cline@faa.gov
2024 SC Certificated Flight Instructor of the Year – District Honoree
The South Carolina Flight Standards District Office wishes to congratulate District Honoree William Leo Shank on being named the SC 2024 Certificated Flight Instructor of the Year. Well done, William. James L Cline, FPM (803) 451-2661 james.l.cline@faa.gov
2024 SC FAASTeam Representative of the Year – District Honoree
The South Carolina Flight Standards District Office wishes to congratulate Honoree Jay Emrie Seward on being named the 2024 SC FAASTeam Representative of the Year. Well done, Jay! James L. Cline, FPM (803) 451-2661 james.l.cline@faa.gov