How Virginia Natural Gas Supports Southwest Virginia Communities

Natural gas has long been part of Southwest Virginia’s story. Across the coalfield region, energy development has helped support local jobs, county tax revenue, landowners, small businesses, public services, and the reliable energy needs of homes and industries across the Commonwealth.

For communities in Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, Wise, Lee, Scott, Tazewell, and surrounding areas, natural gas is more than a resource beneath the ground. It is part of a larger economic and community network that connects local workers, service companies, contractors, landowners, schools, emergency services, and public infrastructure.

Local Energy, Local Impact

Virginia’s natural gas production is closely tied to Southwest Virginia. According to Virginia Energy, the Commonwealth reported 74.9 billion cubic feet of natural gas production in 2025, with coalbed methane accounting for approximately 78% of that production. The estimated value of natural gas produced in Virginia in 2025 was approximately $273 million.

That activity supports a wide range of local economic benefits. Natural gas development creates demand for drilling support, site preparation, trucking, equipment maintenance, environmental services, engineering, legal services, office support, and many other local business needs. When energy companies operate in Southwest Virginia, the benefits often extend well beyond the well site.

Supporting Jobs and Small Businesses

Natural gas development provides direct and indirect employment opportunities throughout the region. These include jobs with producers, contractors, service companies, equipment suppliers, transportation providers, and professional service firms.

For many Southwest Virginia families, energy work has provided stable, skilled employment close to home. It has also helped support small businesses that provide materials, repairs, fuel, lodging, meals, and other services needed to keep operations moving.

A strong energy sector helps keep more dollars circulating locally. When companies invest in the region, they also support restaurants, stores, mechanics, contractors, and other businesses that are essential to rural communities.

Strengthening Local Tax Bases

Energy production also contributes to local revenue. These funds can help support schools, public safety, roads, county operations, and community services.

In rural communities where budgets are often tight, maintaining a strong and responsible natural gas industry can help provide important financial support for local governments. That revenue matters to the everyday services residents rely on.

Supporting Reliable Energy for Virginia

Natural gas plays an important role in Virginia’s broader energy system. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that natural gas is a major energy source for Virginia, and that the electric power sector was the largest natural gas consumer in the state in 2024.

As Virginia’s energy needs continue to grow, especially with increased demand from homes, businesses, manufacturing, and data centers, natural gas remains an important part of maintaining reliability and affordability. Locally produced energy helps strengthen the Commonwealth’s energy security while supporting the communities where that energy is developed.

Environmental Stewardship and Responsible Production

Modern natural gas development is also tied to environmental responsibility. Virginia Energy’s Gas and Oil program oversees requirements related to well permitting, worker safety, and environmental compliance at oil, natural gas, and coalbed methane well sites.

Coalbed methane production is especially important in Southwest Virginia. Capturing and producing methane from coal seams can help put a valuable energy resource to use while supporting safe and regulated energy development. In 2024, more than four-fifths of Virginia’s natural gas production came from coalbeds, and Virginia accounted for about one-tenth of the nation’s total coalbed methane production.

Responsible energy development means producing the resources Virginians need while following safety, environmental, and regulatory standards designed to protect workers, landowners, and communities.

Investing in the Region’s Future

The natural gas industry has a long history in Southwest Virginia, but its value is not limited to the past. Continued responsible development can help support future job opportunities, workforce training, infrastructure investment, and economic stability.

Energy companies and industry partners are often part of the communities where they operate. Their employees live here, raise families here, support local schools, volunteer with local organizations, and contribute to the region’s future.

Southwest Virginia has powered communities for generations. With responsible development, modern technology, and continued investment, Virginia natural gas can remain an important part of the region’s economy and the Commonwealth’s energy future.

A Continued Voice for Southwest Virginia Energy

The Virginia Oil & Gas Association supports responsible energy development that benefits Virginia workers, communities, businesses, and consumers. By working with producers, service companies, landowners, policymakers, and local leaders, VOGA helps ensure that Southwest Virginia’s energy voice remains part of the conversation.

Natural gas supports more than energy production. It supports families, jobs, local governments, small businesses, and the future of Southwest Virginia.