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CNX Pays $180K for Erosion, Sedimentation at SWPA Well Sites

The Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Protection (DEP) says CNX Resources failed to prevent soil erosion at seven of the company’s well pad sites in Washington and Greene counties in 2017/2018. The failure, says DEP, resulted in the release of soil and sediment, including a few cases of sediment-laden water being released into nearby streams. CNX corrected the violations and has struck a deal with DEP regarding compensation. Instead of paying a fine to the DEP, CNX will pay $180,000 to restore a trout stream in a Washington County park.
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China Resumes U.S. LNG Imports, NatGas Price Inches Higher

There’s at least a partial truce in the ongoing tariff war between the U.S. and China. President Trump began slapping tariffs on certain Chinese imports in retaliation for China’s longstanding policy of ripping off U.S. intellectual property, stealing our trade secrets, and in some cases blocking our goods and services from selling in their country. We’ve had a grossly unfair trade situation with China taking advantage of the U.S. for decades (under weak presidents). Trump had the you-know-whats to put a stop to it. The so-called trade war escalated and China slapped tariffs on certain commodities we used to sell there–including LNG (natural gas). We haven’t sold an LNG cargo to China in over a year. Until now. China is suddenly waiving their 25% tariff on U.S. LNG. Four U.S. LNG cargoes are steaming to the Orient right now.
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Marcellus Companies $tep Up to Help During COVID-19 Crisis

Companies in the Marcellus/Utica shale industry have stepped up and given money, and in some cases retooled manufacturing operations, in order to help communities, first responders and medical professionals respond to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Companies like ExxonMobil, Range Resources, Cabot Oil & Gas, EQT, Alta Resources, Chevron, Greylock Energy, Olympus Energy, Penn E&R, Southwestern Energy and others. We are gratified and proud of the industry where we hang our hat.
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“Lower for Longer” Not Only for NatGas, but Oil & Petchem Too

If you’ve read MDN for any length of time you know we’ve preached the gospel of “lower for longer”–that natural gas prices will remain low, quite low, for a long period of time. How low? Likely in the $2/Mcf range (or just under, or just over). Gone are the days of $3 and $4 gas–at least for a period of years. Although that may have now changed with the double shock of too much oil and the coronavirus destroying demand, which affects natural gas prices. How? Less oil drilling in American shale means less associated gas produced by oil drilling. Less supply equals higher prices. But let’s not go down that rabbit trail right now. We spotted a couple of articles by analysts who predict the current oil price crash will have a profound and long-term effect not only on the oil industry but also on the petrochemical industry–the downstream recipient and user of oil (and gas).
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Calling Out API & Big Oil as Enemies of Independent Shale Cos.

The gloves are off. Today we’re calling out the American Petroleum Institute and the Big Oil supermajors that control the API for their selfishness and shortsightedness. Apparently the supermajors have long wanted American shale and the plethora of smaller independents to just go away–so they (Big Oil) could once again control the world market for oil. The result of that philosophy, whether intentional or not, will be to allow foreign countries like Saudi Arabia and Russia to buy up OUR American shale companies, for themselves (see U.S. in Danger of Losing Our Shale Oil Industry to Other Countries). The API hides under the covering of “don’t interfere in free markets” in advising President Trump to not do anything to help American shale. That’s bunkum.
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U.S. in Danger of Losing Our Shale Oil Industry to Other Countries

America is in danger of losing ownership of our shale oil companies to bad actors including Saudi Arabia, Russia and other foreign countries. Those countries are actively, aggressively, purposely waging a price war against us, trying to drive American shale companies into bankruptcy. Why? So they can turn around and buy up our companies and once again control the world market for oil. It is a *hostile* action. President Trump, please don’t let it happen!
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Enverus Finds Bright Spot in the “Dark Side of the Boom”

Enverus, a leading oil and gas SaaS and data analytics company, has just released its latest FundamentalEdge report called, “The Dark Side of the Boom.” The report focuses on the new global supply and demand outlook since the failure of OPEC+ to reach an agreement on temporary production cuts resulting in an all-out price war. It also takes into account the effects on world energy demand as a result of the coronavirus. The report covers not only the crude oil situation but also natural gas, NGLs, rig count changes and more. What “overlooked bright spots” does Enervus find in a sea of bad news?
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Shale Energy Stories of Interest: Wed, Apr 8, 2020

MARCELLUS/UTICA REGION: Even facing a pandemic, NY State remains in the grip of green movement; Nearly 650 MW of New York City peaking capacity will retire to comply with tighter regulations; Congresswoman Miller urges support for oil and gas industry during COVID-19 response; OTHER U.S. REGIONS: Court revives Michigan anti-fracking effort; NATIONAL: U.S. natural gas output expected to fall by most ever next year; U.S. oil rig count seen plunging 65% in record time, eclipsing recent downturns; Shale drillers warming to a once-unthinkable idea: a cap on oil; U.S. to again become net importer of crude oil amid COVID-19 pandemic, EIA says; Cost structure threatens the survival of many U.S. crude oil producers; Led by Harold Hamm, America’s oil frackers are slashing output; INTERNATIONAL: Japan, Singapore lockdowns to stifle Asian gas, power demand further; U.S. energy secretary hopeful Saudi, Russia to end oil row this week.
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