News Releases: Grand Canyon, Minerals, Oil and Gas
Summary
USGS published four national news releases covering Grand Canyon geology, U.S. mineral production trends, and oil and gas resource assessments. New research links prehistoric lake spillover events to the formation of the modern Colorado River system. U.S. mineral production value increased year-over-year, driven by precious metals prices. A USGS assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Woodford and Barnett shales estimates 28.3 trillion cubic feet of gas and 1.6 billion barrels of oil in New Mexico and Texas. USGS also announced support for 13 states in a joint initiative to characterize and inventory critical minerals from mine waste.
“28.3 trillion cubic feet of gas, 1.6 billion barrels of oil estimated in New Mexico, Texas”
About this source
GovPing monitors US USGS News for new energy regulatory changes. Every update since tracking began is archived, classified, and available as free RSS or email alerts — 3 changes logged to date.
What changed
The USGS published four national news releases covering geology, mineral production, and oil and gas resource assessments. These releases are informational scientific communications and do not create regulatory obligations or compliance requirements. The most specific quantitative finding is an assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in the Woodford and Barnett shales, estimating 28.3 trillion cubic feet of gas and 1.6 billion barrels of oil in New Mexico and Texas. The mineral production release indicates rising values driven by precious metals prices. The Grand Canyon release presents new research on prehistoric lake contributions to canyon formation. USGS also announced a joint initiative supporting 13 states in critical minerals inventory work.
Affected parties seeking to understand domestic oil, gas, and mineral resource estimates should consult the full USGS assessment documents linked from this news release page. Energy companies and investors with interests in New Mexico and Texas shale formations may find the Woodford and Barnett resource estimates relevant for investment planning. No compliance deadlines, penalties, or mandatory actions are associated with this informational release.
Archived snapshot
Apr 23, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
News Releases
Prehistoric lake contributed to the birth of the Grand Canyon
Lake spillover events helped form today’s Colorado River system
Value of U.S. mineral production rose last year, driven by precious metals prices
USGS releases assessment of undiscovered oil and gas resources in Woodford and Barnett shales
28.3 trillion cubic feet of gas, 1.6 billion barrels of oil estimated in New Mexico, Texas
USGS supports 13 states in joint work on critical minerals in mine waste
States get boost to characterize and inventory minerals from former and active mines
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