Marcellus Drilling News

Hydraulic Fracturing | Industrywide Issues | Regulation

EPA IG Report Says EPA Can Keep its Finger in the Fracking Pie
July 24, 2015July 24, 2015

In June the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a report detailing the findings of their four-year study that found no harmful effects on water supplies from fracking (see EPA Draft Report Says Fracking Doesn’t Pollute Groundwater Supplies). That doesn’t stop the EPA from using whatever toehold they can to regulate fracking–an activity that Constitutionally belongs to the states. Recently the EPA’s Office of Inspector General released a report (full copy below) saying, in essence, “we lost the public argument that we should regulate fracking, but here’s a couple of ways we can keep our finger in the fracking pie”…
Read More “EPA IG Report Says EPA Can Keep its Finger in the Fracking Pie”
Economic Impact | Industrywide Issues | Ohio | Statewide OH | Utica Shale

New Reality in the Utica: Producers Hurting, Midstreamers Flush
July 24, 2015July 24, 2015

According to the president of the Ohio Oil and Gas Association (OOGA) David Hill, oil and gas producers–the ones who find, drill for and pump out of the ground oil and gas, are hurting bad and “concerned” about the future. On the other hand, if you’re in the midstream (pipelines) part of the industry, things are humming along. Welcome to the new reality in the Marcellus/Utica…
Read More “New Reality in the Utica: Producers Hurting, Midstreamers Flush”
Energy Services | Industrywide Issues | Luzerne County | PennEast Pipeline | Pennsylvania | Pipelines | Statewide PA

PennEast Pipeline Offers Spirited Defense, Counters False Claims
July 24, 2015July 24, 2015

How do you break through the ongoing misinformation pumped out by mainstream media and lying environmental organizations like the Sierra Club and THE Delaware Riverkeeper when it comes to the necessity, wholesomeness and righteousness of pipeline projects like the PennEast Pipeline planned to run from the Wilkes-Barre, PA area to the Trenton, NJ area? Peter Terranova, chairman of the PennEast Pipeline Board of Managers, is taking his message about the PennEast directly to the citizens by publishing a guest viewpoint in Wilkes-Barre’s The Citizens’ Voice newspaper. In his column Terranova lays out the case for the PennEast–and addresses some of the lies being spread by ne’er-do-well “environmental” organizations…
Read More “PennEast Pipeline Offers Spirited Defense, Counters False Claims”
Columbia Pipeline Group | Energy Services | Pennsylvania | Washington County

Columbia Midstream Donates $20K to Washington County, PA Fire Dept
July 24, 2015July 24, 2015

Columbia Midstream, an affiliate of Columbia Pipeline Group, Inc., presented a $20,000 grant to the West Finley Volunteer Fire Company on Tuesday to aid the funding of a new fire truck for the township. The check presentation took place at the West Finley (Washington County), PA fire station, where Steve Emery, West Finley Fire Chief, accepted the check on behalf of the fire company…
Read More “Columbia Midstream Donates $20K to Washington County, PA Fire Dept”
Best of the Rest

Marcellus & Utica Shale Story Links: Fri, Jul 24, 2015
July 24, 2015July 24, 2015

The “best of the rest” – stories that caught MDN’s eye that you may be interested in reading:
Read More “Marcellus & Utica Shale Story Links: Fri, Jul 24, 2015”
Allegany County | Hydraulic Fracturing | Industrywide Issues | Litigation | New York | Regulation | Statewide NY

1st Lawsuit Filed Against NY Cuomo Frack Ban – in Allegany County
July 23, 2015July 22, 2015

An Allegany County, NY attorney quietly filed a lawsuit–two months ago–against the New York Dept. of Environmental Conservation (DEC) over their infamous frack ban. It is the first such lawsuit that we are aware of to be filed against the DEC since the frack ban was officially declared (see It’s Official: Cuomo Bans Economic Opportunity & Prosperity in NY). The beauty of the Allengany attorney’s lawsuit is that it uses the DEC’s own words against them. The DEC, according to the lawsuit, admits in their own documentation that fracking for shale gas and oil is a “viable and acceptable” method for capturing natural gas. Those words may come back to haunt the DEC. This clever attorney is suing on his own behalf, for the right to drill and frack on his own property. He filed the lawsuit in a relatively low court, called (ironically) Supreme Court–one step up from county court in NY. Here’s the details on what we hope is the beginning of the end of the infamous Andrew Cuomo frack ban in NY…
Read More “1st Lawsuit Filed Against NY Cuomo Frack Ban – in Allegany County”
Industrywide Issues | Pennsylvania | Pipelines | Regulation | Statewide PA

No Work Gets Done at Inaugural PA Pipeline Task Force Meeting
July 23, 2015July 22, 2015

In May, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf announced the formation of the Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force (PITF)–an effort to “promote unprecedented collaboration of stakeholders to facilitate the development of a world-class pipeline infrastructure system” (see Disaster on the Horizon: PA Gov Wolf Creates Pipeline Task Force). Last week we told you who Wolf appointed to the 42-member committee–one-third of them report to him in one fashion or another (working for the state government), and over one-half of the members work for either local, state or federal government (see PA Gov Wolf Packs Pipeline Task Force with His Own Minions). In other words, Wolf packed the so-called task force with people who don’t know a darned thing about the private sector and how to run a business. Yes, it is a train wreck waiting to happen. Wolf and his minion DEP Sec. John Quigley intends to slow down the pace of pipeline construction in the state just when it needs to speed up. Such are the consequences of voting for the wrong candidate. Yesterday the PITF held it’s first official meeting with Quigley chairing it. Interestingly, there was talk from Quigley about midstreamers getting a “social license”…
Read More “No Work Gets Done at Inaugural PA Pipeline Task Force Meeting”
Energy Services | Industrywide Issues | Litigation | MarkWest Energy | Pennsylvania | Pipelines | Washington County

MarkWest Energy Takes Cecil, PA Back to Court over Compressor Stn
July 23, 2015July 22, 2015

As we noted in June, after more than four years of resisting, Cecil Township, PA–under court order–finally approved a compressor station proposed by MarkWest Energy (see Cecil Twp Approves MarkWest Compressor, with Poison Pill Conditions). We also noted that Cecil pulled a fast one with their so-called approval. The reason they got away with violating the court ordered deadline was because they were supposedly bargaining in good faith with MarkWest–nailing down final details both sides could live with. But it wasn’t good faith on the part of Cecil. At the last minute, Cecil tacked on 26 “conditions” making it all but sure that MarkWest would not agree to the plan. And sure enough, MarkWest has had to take Cecil, one of seven selfish towns that sued to overturn the Act 13 law, back to court yet again. Perhaps the judge should just remove the town supervisors this time since they habitually refuse to obey the law?…
Read More “MarkWest Energy Takes Cecil, PA Back to Court over Compressor Stn”
Anti-Drilling/Fossil Fuel | Crime | Industrywide Issues | Lancaster County | Pennsylvania | Pipelines

Wrath of Kann: Lancaster Anti-Driller Guilty of Disorderly Conduct
July 23, 2015July 22, 2015

Back in April MDN told you about a loud mouthed anti-drilling protester in Lancaster County, PA who was arrested and removed from a public meeting for disorderly conduct. That is, she wouldn’t shut her mouth. So the officials running the meeting removed her (see Wrath of Kann: Lancaster Anti-Driller Arrested/Ejected from Mtg). The meeting was an educational forum about home rule and what role the town can and should play when it comes to regulating things like pipelines. Audience members were permitted to ask questions only, but that didn’t sit well with a local anti-driller who refused to ask questions and instead pontificated. The audience was clearly agitated with her (watch the video below) so police present at the meeting arrested and removed her. A judge has found her guilty as charged…
Read More “Wrath of Kann: Lancaster Anti-Driller Guilty of Disorderly Conduct”
Anti-Drilling/Fossil Fuel | Energy Services | Industrywide Issues | PennEast Pipeline

Minor Speed Bumps for PennEast Pipeline in NJ
July 23, 2015July 22, 2015

New Jersey residents who are somewhat ignorant, being stoked with fear by Big Green groups like the NJ chapter of the Sierra Club and THE Delaware Riverkeeper, are not allowing access to surveyors of the PennEast Pipeline. Because of it, the NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection refuses to issue permits for the pipeline stating they don’t have enough information to make a determination–because PennEast can’t provide it because irrational residents are not allowing them on their property because their fears are being fed by Big Green/Sierra Clubbers/Riverkeeper. So anti-fossil fuelers are claiming victory and believe they have vanquished the evil pipleine. PennEast is saying (yawn) knock yourselves out. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will make the decision anyway and your silly little protests will ultimately mean nothing…
Read More “Minor Speed Bumps for PennEast Pipeline in NJ”
Anti-Drilling/Fossil Fuel | Industrywide Issues | Ohio | Statewide OH

PA’s CELDF Unmasked as Troublemakers in Ohio Utica Shale
July 23, 2015August 14, 2015

Energy in Depth is out with a dynamite expose that rips the face off the Pennsylvania-based anti-drilling organization behind much of the anti-drilling mischief happening in Ohio. The Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund (CELDF) seeks to ban fracking and anything to do with it, like pipelines, in every community with a sympathetic (and undiscerning) ear. CELDF founder, Thomas Linzey, is a real piece of work. EID’s expose shines the light on the unapologetic Linzey and his outrageous assertions–like instead of humans having rights he thinks nature should have rights. In fact, the potty-mouthed Linzey says, on camera (watch the video) that there should be a ballot initiative that bans all finance companies in New York City from funding new projects “that exasperate climate change.” Talk about a Cuckoo Bird. The worst part is Linzey’s arrogance and smugness–he really believes this stuff, and he believes he’s better (and smarter) than you and me. He’s on a mission to tear apart this country and our Constitution from the inside out to further his radical environmental agenda. Here, read and listen for yourself…
Read More “PA’s CELDF Unmasked as Troublemakers in Ohio Utica Shale”
Best of the Rest

Marcellus & Utica Shale Story Links: Thu, Jul 23, 2015
July 23, 2015July 22, 2015

The “best of the rest” – stories that caught MDN’s eye that you may be interested in reading:
Read More “Marcellus & Utica Shale Story Links: Thu, Jul 23, 2015”
CNX Resources | CONSOL Energy | Energy Companies | Industrywide Issues | M&A

CONSOL’s #1 Stockholder Says Spin Off CNX Gas…or Sell It
July 22, 2015July 22, 2015

The plot thickens. Last week MDN was the first, and until now the only, source reporting on rumors that CONSOL Energy may sell it’s CNX Gas division (see Rumors Circulate that CONSOL May Sell Itself to Noble Energy). We were roundly criticized (privately) for our speculation and reportage of gossip heard round the water cooler–even though we made it clear it’s just rumor and speculation. We told you on Monday that rumors continue to persist (see CONSOL Energy/Noble Energy Rumors Continue to Swirl). Indeed, the rumors of a CNX sale DO continue to persist–but now it’s not just some obscure industry blog like MDN doing the speculating. Now it’s none other than CONSOL Energy’s #1 investor–corporate raider Mason Hawkins–the guy who owns 21% of CONSOL’s stock. Yes, the same Mason Hawkins who conspired with villainous corporate raider Carl Icahn to oust Aubrey McClendon from Chesapeake Energy and has since caused Chessy to sell off many of its assets. According to an SEC filing on July 20, Hawkins is actively talking to CONSOL and to potential buyers of the CNX Gas division. Hawkins is telling CONSOL to either spin off CNX Gas into its own company–or sell it…
Read More “CONSOL’s #1 Stockholder Says Spin Off CNX Gas…or Sell It”
Baker Hughes | Energy Services

Tough Times: Baker Hughes Net Income Drops 153% in 1 Year
July 22, 2015July 22, 2015

Yesterday MDN told you about the tough times in the oil patch for Halliburton, the second largest oilfield services company in the world (see Tough Times: Halliburton’s Net Income Drops 93% in 1 Year). Today, the “other shoe” drops. Halliburton, you may recall, is buying out the fifth largest oilfield services company in the world (and the third largest in the U.S.)–Baker Hughes (see Halliburton & Baker Hughes Announce a December Wedding Date). Baker Hughes released their second quarter financial and operating results yesterday and the picture is even bleaker than it was for Halliburton. Baker Hughes’ revenue for 2Q14 (a year ago) was $5.935 billion. Revenue for 2Q15 was $3.968 billion–a drop of 33% year over year. When you add in expenses of all types, the picture is apocalyptic: In 2Q14 Baker Hughes’ net income was $359 million. In 2Q15 it was minus $190 million, or $190M in the hole–which is a 153% drop year over year. Not pretty! The company predicts “unfavorable market conditions to continue across all segments” for the balance of 2015…
Read More “Tough Times: Baker Hughes Net Income Drops 153% in 1 Year”
Industrywide Issues | Pipelines

Mickey Mouse Loves Marcellus Shale Gas – More Gas Heading to FL
July 22, 2015July 22, 2015

Sit tight Florida: Marcellus Shale gas is on the way! That’s the message from Genscape and Tudor Pickering Holt & Co. When will Marcellus gas make its way to Florida? Actually, it already is. In fact, Mickey Mouse (i.e. Disney World) is already benefiting from cheap, abundant, clean-burning Marcellus Shale gas. But there’s plenty more on the way beginning later this year when both Kinder Morgan’s Tennessee Gas Pipeline system and Spectra Energy’s Ohio Pipeline Energy Network are completed and begin sending gas to the Sunshine State…
Read More “Mickey Mouse Loves Marcellus Shale Gas – More Gas Heading to FL”
Carroll County | Economic Impact | Electrical Generation | Industrywide Issues | Jobs | Ohio | Utica Shale

$800M Utica Gas-Fired Electric Plant Breaks Ground in Carroll Cnty
July 22, 2015July 22, 2015

Exactly two years ago this month MDN brought you news that Carroll County Energy in Carroll County, OH–a subsidiary of Advanced Power Services–would spend $800 million to build a new 700-megawatt natural gas electric generating plant in the county to be fed by Utica Shale gas (see New NatGas Powered Electric Plant Coming to Carroll County, OH). It took a while, but yesterday officials held the official ground-breaking ceremony for the plant. Over the next 30 months Advance will create some 700 “temporary” jobs to build the plant–and when it goes live, the plant will employ 25-30 permanent full-time employees…
Read More “$800M Utica Gas-Fired Electric Plant Breaks Ground in Carroll Cnty”