Marcellus & Utica Shale Story Links: Fri, Jan 4, 2013
The “best of the rest” – stories that caught MDN’s eye that you may be interested in reading:
New York
Southern Tier panelists discuss hydrofracking
Elmira Star-Gazette
During a panel discussion Thursday morning at the Gannett Central New York Production Facility, four experts on the controversial natural gas drilling technique, commonly known as hydrofracking, explained that important deadlines are looming in coming weeks and should provide a much clearer picture on the industry’s fate in the state.
Fracking is safe: secret state report
New York Post
Supporters of natural-gas drilling say a year-old draft state Health Department report that’s been kept under wraps – but that was leaked this week – proves what they’ve said all along: that properly regulated fracking in upstate New York would be safe.
Another Voice: Fracking holds the promise of cheaper, cleaner fuel
Buffalo News
The media is filled with stories about hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, mostly coming from environmental groups fearing for the safety of our air and water. There are many reasons why embracing this new technology is good for our natural environment and our economy.
Ohio
Trial set for local business owner
Marietta Times
A New Matamoras business owner accused of dumping well wastewater into a Monroe County stream is set to stand trial in Feb. 11.
Six Ohio Utica shale tidbits
Akron Beacon Journal
A few Utica shale notes that did not make it into the Jan. 1 story on Utica shale development in Ohio in 2012-2013…
Fracking effects not seen locally
Springfield News-Sun
The aquifer supplying Springfield’s water is shielded from any possible effects of fracking in northeast Ohio’s Utica shale, according to a local expert.
Pennsylvania
Marcellus Shale hangouts
Pittsburgh Business Times
Ask Marcellus companies the secret to getting business in the industry, and they’ll tell you variations on the theme of networking. It’s meeting people, shaking hands, listening to what they need and offering it to them. You can try cold-calling, but if you want to bump into some rig supervisors or eavesdrop on a couple of shale executives, here are a few spots to do it…
Cumberland County mulls use of $400K in Marcellus shale funding
PennLive.com
Director of Planning Kirk Stoner on Thursday recommended using the money from the state’s Marcellus Shale Legacy fund to rejuvenate the Land Partnerships Grant Program or boost the Farmland Preservation Program.
An Energy Lifeline: Fracking a Game-Changer for U.S. Economy
US News & World Report
Driving along the narrow roads of southwest Pennsylvania through the hamlet of West Middletown, you can’t miss the legacy the declining coal industry has left behind.
National
Natural Gas Trumps Gasoline
Seeking Alpha
Increased U.S. natural gas and oil production as a result of improved horizontal drilling and fracking technologies have analysts predicting American energy independence in the near future and the U.S. overtaking Saudi Arabia as the world’s largest oil producer.
Republicans shake up Senate energy panel team
The Hill
Senate Republicans are shuffling their Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee slate, adding a pair of freshmen to the panel and a welcoming back Sen. Lamar Alexander (Tenn.) for another stint.
Don’t Frack Our “Promised Land”
Sierra Club
Promised Land, a compelling new movie about natural gas fracking and the costs a community must bear, opens nationwide January 4. [MDN Note: Try not to retch when you read this review.]
Matt Damon called ‘liar’ by pro-fracking filmmaker
Politico
Fracking fans have a new target: Matt Damon. Phelim McAleer is launching a one-man campaign to call Damon out about the film.