M-U Rig Count Realigns @ 33; National Rig Count Drops 1 @ 587
Three weeks ago, MDN told you about a developing story of rig realignment in the Marcellus/Utica (see Rig Bloodbath Continues – Pennsylvania Loses 7 Rigs in 3 Weeks). As we reported, Pennsylvania was losing rigs, bleeding rigs, like crazy—four rigs gone in two weeks’ time. And West Virginia was gaining those lost rigs. Two weeks ago, the Baker Hughes rig count showed the M-U maintaining 33 active rigs, with no further shifts taking place between PA and WV (see M-U Rig Count Stabilizes @ 33; National Rig Count Drops 2 @ 588). Last week was the third week in a row there were no changes in the counts for the three M-U states, indicating to us that the count has realigned and that, for now, there is less drilling in PA (than before) and more drilling in WV (than before). Ohio is maintaining. Read More “M-U Rig Count Realigns @ 33; National Rig Count Drops 1 @ 587”
According to Pennsylvania regulation 25 Pa. Code § 78a.122(b)(6)(iv), a drilling company must provide a list of the chemicals intentionally added to the stimulation [fracking] fluid by name and chemical abstract service (CAS) number in a Completion Report. The PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) says three drillers, including EQT, Range Resources, and Greylock Energy, failed to file the proper paperwork for one or more wells.
For years, MDN has told you that the very first Marcellus well to be drilled and fracked was done by Range Resources Corporation in Washington County, PA. Beyond that, we didn’t know much. Thanks to an article appearing in the Washington Observer-Reporter, we now know the full story—or at least a lot more of the story—including the name of that very first Marcellus well. 
Venture Global’s Calcasieu Pass LNG export facility received Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) authorization to place the final three liquefaction blocks (7-9) into service in November 2023 (see 
As we often say, we’re suckers for a good railroad story. There’s something magical about the clickety-clack of trains heading cross country. Shortline railroads play an important role in the Marcellus/Utica by transporting machinery, materials for drilling, and sand. But today’s story is not about shortlines but long-haul railroads. Here’s a fascinating fact: U.S. rail freight transported nearly 1.8 million metric tons of materials in 2023, with energy products, including coal, oil, and natural gas, being the most common. The number two most common product hauled (not even close) is agricultural products. 
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