NXPN...These same analysts need look no further than our current national production figures. A key factor that supports the cutback of reserves is the widely stated government reports showing U.S. natural gas production to drop 1.1 percent to 57.93 billion cubic feet a day this year from 2008 production as lower prices prompt drillers to idle rigs. This production estimate is down from an estimate of 57.98 billion in the May Energy Department's monthly Short-Term Energy Outlook.