Marcellus & Utica Shale Story Links: Mon, Mar 18, 2013

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

New York

Lots of talk, little movement as fracking debate drags on
Poughkeepsie Journal
In mid-February, state Health Commissioner Nirav Shah signaled he would complete his review of hydraulic fracturing and shale-gas drilling in the “next few weeks.” The month that followed has served as a microcosm of the 41/2-year debate over fracking in New York: Lots of talk, little movement and no final decision.

Guest Viewpoint: Unelected Kennedy has too much sway over gas decision
Press & Sun-Bulletin
Ask not what your state can do for you; ask what you can do for your state. That echo from President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address contains the advice that his nephew, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., should have given to Gov. Andrew Cuomo about natural gas development in New York.

The Empire Energy Forum Strikes Back for Natural Gas
Energy in Depth – NMI
There was an Empire Energy Forum held in Oneonta, New York, Friday.  The PowerPoint presentations were extremely informative and the audience left encouraged that common sense and facts could strike back against the hyperbole from the other side and bring natural gas development to New York, finally.

If Not Natural Gas, Then What’s the Solution in Elmira?
Energy in Depth – NMI
New York’s unemployment data was released this week and, unsurprising for many, the number of people unable to find work in Upstate New York is on the rise. On the heels of this news opponents of natural gas in Elmira, where the unemployment rate is a staggering 10.5 percent, asked the City Council to oppose development. Did they offer any alternative solutions for economic revival? Of course not.

Ohio

Cambridge Chamber opposes governor’s plan to tax gas and oil industry
The Daily & Jeffersonian
Cambridge Area Chamber of Commerce President Jo Sexton released the following statement regarding Ohio Gov. John Kasich’s proposal to impose a severance tax on the gas and oil industry…

Mineral leases don’t mean big spending in the Valley
Tribune Chronicle
Despite the infusion last fall of more than $200 million into the pockets of local landowners, Trumbull and Mahoning county shoppers remained thrifty, according to sales tax figures recently released for October and November purchases.

Ohio EPA to hold hearings on building ATEX pipeline in Ohio
Akron Beacon Journal
From the Ohio EPA: Ohio EPA is reviewing an application to extend an underground pipeline across Jefferson, Harrison, Tuscarawas, Coshocton, Muskingum, Licking, Fairfield, Pickaway, Fayette, Greene, Clinton, Warren and Butler counties.

Pennsylvania

Montrose Area High School converting to gas
Independent Weekender
The Montrose Area High School building will soon convert to natural gas, and an agreement with Leatherstocking was approved at the school board meeting on Monday.

Pennsylvania Representative Introduces Legislation to Require Pipeline Impact Disclosure in Easements
ShaleEnergyLawBlog
On March 11, 2013, Pennsylvania State Representative Mike Reese introduced legislation that would require a new disclosure statement in easements for certain natural gas pipelines.

West Virginia

Italian Company To Build Weirton Plant; 150 Jobs Expected At Full Operation
WCHS-TV
Weirton, Brooke County , West Virginia An Italian company plans to build a $9 million plant in Weirton that is expected to create 41 jobs in the initial phase and up to 150 when fully operational.

National

California Gov. Jerry Brown Rejects Activists’ ‘Ideological Bandwagon’
Energy in Depth
California Governor Jerry Brown, a prominent environmentalist, said on Wednesday the state should consider the use of “fracking” technology to develop its massive shale oil reserves and reduce reliance on imported oil.

GASFRAC Energy Services’ CEO Discusses Q4 2012 Results
Seeking Alpha
Earnings Call Transcript – First off, I should note that in late Q3, early Q4 of 2012, the company underwent a through operating review.

U.S.’ natural gas glut fuels debate over exporting
The Bulletin
Sen. Wyden expresses concern that exports will inflate cost.

Tenn. university proposes fracking on its own land
Ithaca Journal
The University of Tennessee wants to allow hydraulic fracturing to extract natural gas on a state-owned tract of rolling woodland, raising the hackles of environmentalists who question its stated goal of raising funds to research the environmental impact of such drilling.

Japan’s Bid to Enter Trade Talks Opens Route For U.S. LNG
Bloomberg
Japan’s bid to join negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement may make it easier for the nation to import U.S. liquefied natural gas, a prospect that is raising the hackles of environmental groups.