Which of the following most logically completes the argument? Veridonia was once a leading exporter of natural gas, but in recent years, economic downturns and stringent regulations have hindered investment in new gas extraction sites. As a result, Veridonia's gas exports have consistently declined as existing sites have become exhausted. With Veridonia's economy showing signs of recovery and regulations becoming less stringent, it is expected that new extraction sites will be developed quickly.

However, it would be premature to conclude that this rapid development will lead to increased gas exports, because __________.