Eagle Ford Shale generated more than $25B in revenue for South Texas in 2011
Illustration: Pioneer Natural Resources

Illustration: Pioneer Natural Resources
(May 9, 2012) -- Development of oil and natural gas in the Eagle Ford Shale contributed $25 billion in total economic output to the region in 2011, according to a study released today by the Center for Community and Business Research at The University of Texas at San Antonio Institute for Economic Development.
"The Eagle Ford Shale has proven to be one of the most important economic engines in the state," said Thomas Tunstall, director of the UTSA Center for Community and Business Research and the study's principal investigator. "In 2011 alone, the play generated over $25 billion in revenue, supported 47,000 full-time jobs in the area and provided $257 million in local government revenue."
The study also concluded that in 2011 shale development:
- Paid $3.1 billion in salaries and benefits to workers,
- Provided more than $12.6 billion in gross regional product,
- Added more than $358 million in state revenues including $120.4 million in severance taxes
- And spurred a triple-digit sales tax revenue increase in various local counties.
"We view the Eagle Ford activity as an economic opportunity of a lifetime," said Mario Hernandez, president of the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation. "The key goal is the increase in investment and jobs. And if the communities will partner with the private companies that are creating these jobs, it can be a win-win for everybody."
The increased revenue from the Eagle Ford Shale is rebuilding local communities. New schools and new hospitals are being built, and new training programs have been launched to maximize hiring from the local workforce. The study projects the creation of approximately 117,000 full-time jobs by 2021.
"The residents and local leadership of South Texas have taken a proactive and collaborative approach to this new economic opportunity, which we hope demonstrates how communities can embrace, invest and manage this new influx of revenues to ensure long-term regional prosperity," said Leodoro Martinez, executive director for the Middle Rio Grande Development Council and Chairman of the Eagle Ford Consortium."
"Through the Eagle Ford Consortium, Eagle Ford Task Force and other community-industry collaborations, Eagle Ford leaders and residents are working together to develop training programs, enhance local employment opportunities and forge solutions to community issues that maximize the benefits and manage the effects from increased development activity.
The Eagle Ford Shale is a 50-mile-wide by 400-mile-long formation that runs from the southern portion of Texas to the east. The formation produces natural gas, condensate, oil and natural gas liquids with margins more favorable than other shale plays. The study assessed the economic impact of the Eagle Ford Shale on the 14 counties currently producing oil and natural gas from the formation, as well as the six surrounding counties indirectly involved in its development.
The UTSA Institute for Economic Development Center for Community and Business Research conducts primary research on community and business development in South Texas and the Border Region. For more information, visit the IED Center for Community and Business Research website.
>> Download UTSA's Eagle Ford Shale study.
Events
The UTSA University Career Center invites you to attend the STEM Career Expo from 2 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feburary 1. Meet, connect and recruit UTSA students and alumni.
H-E-B Student Union BallroomThe UTSA University Career Center invites you to attend the All Majors Career Expo from 2 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feburary 8. Meet, connect and recruit UTSA students.
H-E-B Student Union BallroomTo coincide with the annual observance of Black History Month, the UTSA Institute of Texan Cultures will unveil new content in the African American Texans exhibit including the "Fabric of a People" quilt and the "You Take It From Here" oral history project.
UTSA Institute of Texan CulturesTexan fiber artist Taylor Barnes will share her experiences: where she was introduced to the personal and oral histories that influenced her artistic practice, as well as the significance of quilting and textile art in Black American history. A Q&A session will follow.
Virtual eventPresented by the African American Quilt Circle of San Antonio, attendees will learn basic sewing and quilting skills. RSVP required.
UTSA Institute of Texan CulturesMembers of the African American Quilt Circle of San Antonio will be at the JPL to discuss their works in the new ITC exhibition "Fabric of a People." Chat about the heritage of African American story quilts or ask questions about quilting.
John Peace Library, GroupSpot BUTSA and 13 of the leading Hispanic Serving Institutions will come together to provide students and alumni an opportunity to network and interview with more than 250 companies from around the country.
Handshake (Virtual Fair Platform)