Marcellus & Utica Shale Story Links: Tue, Jun 5, 2012

The “best of the rest” – stories that caught MDN’s eye that you may be interested in reading:

Exxon, Shell see U.S.-led gas boom boosting global growth
FuelFix
Experts say Marcellus Shale natural gas production is expected to keep rising in 2012, yet landowners may find that signing lease deals isn’t as easy as in years past.

Clean Water Action Report: Few Penalties for Violating Gas Drilling Rules
Patch.com
Clean Water Action recently released a report examining the enforcement actions taken in 2011 by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection against Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling companies whose operations violated the law.

Scientist delves into impact of drilling on birds
The Times-Tribune
Dr. Stratford is catching birds and taking blood samples to determine whether they have been affected by the surface water contaminants created by gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale region.

Chesapeake Appears To Be Taking An Aggressive Approach To Fixing Debt Concerns
Seeking Alpha
It is a good day for Chesapeake Energy shareholders. The company’s Board of Directors did the right thing and listened to what large shareholders Southeastern Asset Management and Carl Icahn had to say.

Fmr. Pa. Gov. Ed Rendell in the Philadelphia Inquirer: Embrace the natural-gas
NorthcentralPa.com
States, cities, and local municipalities are feeling the burden of high gasoline prices across the nation. Just like you, mayors and city managers feel the pain at the pump each time they refuel one of their fleet or public transportation vehicles on traditional gasoline or diesel fuel.

DEP seeks input on alternative-fuels grants
Philly.com
In another development on the alternative-fuels front, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection says it is looking for suggestions on how to dole out $20 million in grants to help municipal and commercial vehicle fleet owners convert to compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas.