Richard Nemec began writing for NGI in 1995 and has 30 years experience in the energy industry. He holds BA from the University of Southern California, Los Angeles; and a MA in journalism from Northwestern University, Evanston, IL; and completed MBA courses at Northwestern's Evening Graduate School of Management.
Archive / Author
SubscribeRich Nemec
Articles from Rich Nemec
Proposed California Drill Bans Don’t Faze Oxy CEO
The recent proliferation of local government proposals to curb or ban oil/natural gas activity, including hydraulic fracturing (fracking), is not immediately ringing any alarm bells in the newly relocated Houston executive offices of Occidental Petroleum Corp. (Oxy) as it works to spin off its multi-billion-dollar California operations into a separate company.
May 7, 2014
Shale Gas Revolution Hailed for Boosting Both Gas- and Electric-Powered Vehicles
The fossil fuel industry was both damned and praised, but most everyone agreed Tuesday on the opening day of the Alternative Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Long Beach, CA, that the U.S. shale gas revolution has helped stimulate alternative transportation fuels.
May 7, 2014
Oil Rail Shipments to California Doubled in 1Q2014
Rail crude oil shipments to California were up sharply compared to the same period last year, according to statistics kept by the California Energy Commission (CEC).
May 6, 2014
Sempra Wants to Harmonize REX into Gas Symphony
With its 25% interest and upcoming expansions, the Rockies Express (REX) pipeline could make sweet music for Sempra Energy senior executives who are hoping to transform the pipeline’s expanding assets into value added for their U.S. midstream gas infrastructure and liquefied natural gas (LNG) export projects.
May 6, 2014
Recent Pipe Report Shows PG&E Recordkeeping Still Lags
While recording a 1Q2014 $40 million charge after nearly $3 billion in safety-related natural gas pipeline work, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) also reported Thursday that a recent house consultant’s report shows the utility’s use of pipe records needs improvements.
May 6, 2014
145 Quakes in Oklahoma Since January, U.S./State Jointly Report
Concluding there could be a tie to oil and natural gas production activity, U.S. and Oklahoma Geological Survey officials jointly reported Monday that 145 3.0-magnitude or stronger earthquakes have occurred in the state so far this year.
May 6, 2014
Mum’s the Word in Wyoming: No More Verbal Permits
The Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (WOGCC) has decided to stop issuing verbal drilling permits, meaning oil/natural gas operators will no longer have an option of attaining expedited permits to drill. The new approach is for an interim period.
May 5, 2014
Sempra Sees ‘Momentum’ in Cameron, Mexico Gas Projects
Favorable regulatory actions on both sides of the U.S.-Mexican border have increased the bullishness of Sempra Energy’s senior executives looking to cash in on billions of dollars of infrastructure projects. Recent U.S. decisions on liquefied natural gas (LNG) export plans and Mexico’s recent outline for up to $600 billion of energy projects has Sempra top brass salivating.
May 5, 2014
Oxy to Grow U.S. Unconventional Plays; Focus on Permian Basin
With plans to spin off its California operations by the end of this year, Occidental Petroleum Corp. (Oxy) senior executives on Monday outlined plans to step up the company’s U.S. unconventional plays elsewhere with a focus on its 2 million acres in the Permian Basin.
May 5, 2014
NW Natural Keeps Eye on California Storage Market
With profits steady and local economic growth picking up, Portland, OR-based NW Natural senior officials said Friday they remain bullish about the California natural gas storage market longer term. They spoke during a conference call reporting essentially flat 1Q2014 profits.
May 5, 2014