In Arkansas, there is some excitement since the first natural gas drilling rig in the state since the end of 2015 has gone up in the Fayetteville Shale play.
KUAR radio, a National Public Radio affiliate in Little Rock reports the rig is believed to be operated by Houston-based Southwestern Energy. The company reported last summer it wanted to return to exploration in the Fayetteville Shale as part of its $500 million capital program. Southwestern Energy said in July it planned to drill 7 to 10 wells and complete 36 to 39 wells in the second half of 2016.