[thackney]

The huge supply and resulting low prices have begun to act as a deterrent to future energy exploration and production.

That is putting it mildly. Five years ago the number of drilling rigs chasing Natural Gas was 1,586; now it 386.

North America Rotary Rig Count (Jan 2000 - Current)
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/External.File?item=UGFyZW50SUQ9MTk3NzI0fENoaWxkSUQ9LTF8VHlwZT0z&t=1

[okie01]

Would it not be true that the natural gas export restrictions might also lead Dow's international competitors in the petrochemical industry to build plants in the USA so as to take advantage of the low price of their major raw material?

It would be more efficient for them to produce product here and ship it home than make it there.