Marcellus & Utica Shale Story Links: Thu, May 3, 2012

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

Moving into Niles
Tribune-Chronicle
The Cafaro Co. is banking on strong demand for hotel space – something expected to increase as oil and gas shale workers move into the area – to draw customers when the Residence Inn by Marriott opens late next year at the Eastwood Mall.

Ohio’s future oil, gas tax picture debated
Zanesville Times Recorder
Ohio state officials and the oil and gas industry are painting radically different pictures as they lobby lawmakers to support or oppose Gov. John Kasich’s proposal to raise the state severance tax and reduce personal income taxes.

Proposed federal fracking rules draw fire at Colorado hearing
Denver Post
A proposal for federal regulations on the use of hydraulic fracturing in oil and gas development on federal land drew fire from Colorado, Utah and Wyoming officials at a congressional hearing in Denver on Wednesday.

Possible drilling raises concern
Altoona Mirror
Residents on the Blair/Cambria county border around the village of Coupon say they have concerns about a developing effort to begin Marcellus Shale drilling in Logan Township.

In fracking fight, protests may be having an impact
PressConnects.com
In front of the bright lights of television cameras and a handful of microphones and recorders, a coalition of groups and lawmakers opposed to hydraulic fracturing for natural gas stood next to six boxes packed with petitions supporting a statewide ban on the technique.

Kasich touts climate belief but won’t ‘apologize’ for coal
The Hill
Ohio Gov. John Kasich acknowledged Thursday that his belief in climate change cuts against the GOP grain these days, but don’t look for him to embrace Environmental Protection Agency regulations any time soon.

Why McClendon’s Demotion At Chesapeake Energy Is Bearish
Seeking Alpha
Shares in Chesapeake Energy jumped nearly 10% yesterday on news that founder and CEO Aubrey McClendon would lose his title of chairman amid a probe by the SEC into his dealings with the company.

Access for personal gain
Tyler Star News
We are experiencing an influx of traffic throughout the county, as private enterprises compete to lease property and mineral rights for the purpose of drilling into pockets of oil and natural gas found deep in ancient shale formations.

Work progresses on well near Utica, OH
Mount Vernon News
Trucks roll in and out of Devon Energy Corp.’s well site northwest of the village of Utica as drilling continues on the first Utica shale well in Knox County.