Absolutely

The Marcellus Shale industry shouldn’t discount new regulations outright, according to the head of one major midstream player.

Oil and natural gas producers and environmental groups routinely have been at odds with each other over the practice of hydraulic fracturing (fracking), but they are now working together to draft a framework for regulation.

Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell on Thursday said the promised natural gas severance tax for Marcellus Shale production “clearly is dead,” blaming the General Assembly’s GOP members for refusing to “negotiate in good faith.”

Talk about your flat markets (please). Many points saw absolutely no change from the previous day on Thursday or were only 2-3 cents either higher or lower. Wednesday’s futures decline of 2 cents apparently had little impact on cash numbers, as did cool to moderately warm condition in most areas.

Talk about your flat markets (please). Many points saw absolutely no change from the previous day on Thursday or were only 2-3 cents either higher or lower. Wednesday’s futures decline of 2 cents apparently had little impact on cash numbers, as did cool to moderately warm condition in most areas.

“Terrific” may not be the first word that comes to mind when describing the economy in 2009, but for investors in natural gas and oil stocks, last year was absolutely divine, with nearly 85% of the stocks in the global market delivering positive returns, according to a report issued last week by energy research firm IHS Herold.

“Terrific” may not be the first word that comes to mind when describing the economy in 2009, but for investors in natural gas and oil stocks, last year was absolutely divine, with nearly 85% of the stocks in the global market delivering positive returns, according to a report issued Monday by energy research firm IHS Herold.

Devon Energy Corp. is cutting back on its natural gas drilling until prices begin to rebound, CEO Larry Nichols said Wednesday.

To absolutely no one’s surprise, cash prices fell at all points but one Thursday. Nearly all were 30 cents or more, with a few Rockies points seeing dollar-plus plunges. The reasons were obvious: receding cooling load in some regions, prior-day screen weakness and the extra loss of industrial load that accompanies a long holiday weekend.