Why Natural Gas?

Natural gas is a clean burning and domestically produced energy. Over the next few years, the current administration has committed itself to reducing American carbon generation and reducing our energy dependence. Natural gas is a clean alternative to coal for power generation. In addition, natural gas has strong potential as a transportation fuel. First, there is not a technology gap. Natural gas cars are already being manufactured in a scaleable manner. Second, the availability of natural gas fuel stations is steadily increasing as utility companies see an opportunity to expand their business.

Why Hayden Harper Energy?

Michael Fox, one of the principals, was raised in West Virginia in a third-generation owned and operated oil and gas supply business with continuous exposure to the natural gas industry and its producers. These relationships and the Fox family’s impeccable reputation in the region will give Hayden Harper Energy access to relationships in a very tight network of natural gas producers.

Gerry Merriam was a founding member of Linn Energy. He retired from Linn in 2006 and currently serves as President of Hayden Harper Energy.

Why Appalachia?

The Appalachian Basin is the birthplace of the nation’s natural gas production and home to some of America’s oldest wells. The Appalachian basin is the largest onshore basin in the United States in terms of area, and much of the proven reserves remain relatively undeveloped. The Appalachian basin is probably the most extensively drilled and mature hydrocarbon basins in the world. This does not mean that the oil and natural gas resources have been exhausted. The basin is mature, yet still has a youthful potential. After more than a century of production, equal or greater quantities of resources are waiting to be tapped.

Why Now?

There is a significant opportunity to capitalize on distressed oil and gas assets during this economic downturn. With the decline in prices we are able to purchase assets for a much lower basis than when energy prices are high. The decline in asset prices as well as a complete restructuring of available credit has generated a steep decline in active drilling. This drop off in drilling could ultimately lead to a shortage in supply when the economy begins to recover causing a sharp recovery of natural gas prices. In addition the Obama administration has made it a priority to lighten our carbon footprint and the fastest and most efficient alternative is to turn more of the power plants into natural gas, replacing dirty coal.