Beginning March 31, Ohio oil and natural gas producers will be required to report to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), what country supplied their casing, tubing, drill pipe, drill couplings and steel collars. The first report would cover products used between April 2015 and December 2015. The requirement was passed with SB 315 in 2012. Ohio Oil and Gas Association Executive Vice President Shawn Bennett said, however, that ODNR has made clear that if operators are unable to identify the country of origin, they would not be required to report.

After receiving multiple requests, the Interior Department‘s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has extended until April 22 the public comment period for proposed rules governing flaring and venting of associated natural gas on public and tribal lands. The rules were first unveiled in January (see Shale Daily, Jan. 22). Under the proposed rules, operators would be required to deploy equipment and processes to limit the amount of flared gas at oil wells, and to periodically inspect their wells for leaks. They would also be required to limit venting from storage tanks. The rules also clarify when operators owe the government royalties, and give the BLM the option of setting certain royalty rates higher than 12.5%.