Adopting

In a case with a significant potential impact in several states, an Ohio appeals court on Tuesday ruled that a municipality in Summit County exceeded its authority when it ordered a Utica Shale driller to stop operations, dealing a blow to local ordinances, or “home rule” laws.

The Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) later this month plans to consider adopting water quality regulations that would apply to all natural gas development projects in the basin, including the construction and operation of all gas wells, regardless of the target geologic formation, whether a well is for production or exploration, or whether high-volume or low-volume hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is being considered.

Texas oil and gas operators are adopting the the Railroad Commission of Texas’ (RRC) latest electronic reporting system, having filed more than 1,000 well completion reports online through the commission’s website since the system was launched statewide in April.

The new White House website says President Obama plans to eliminate oil imports within the next decade by, among other things, adopting a “use-it-or-lose-it” approach to existing oil and natural gas leases.

FERC Commissioner Nora Brownell last week made the case for why it would make sense for the Commission to avoid adopting a one-size-fits-all approach to the crafting of a policy on incentives designed to boost investments in the nation’s transmission infrastructure.

Major natural gas producers have petitioned FERC to issue a rule adopting national hydrocarbon dew point (HDP) and interchangeability specifications for natural gas being delivered throughout the national pipeline system, as well as for non-discriminatory application of the specifications in the tariffs of all interstate gas pipelines.

Mexican President Vicente Fox remains adamant about adopting energy reforms, expressing concern last week about the country’s growing importation of natural gas.

Mexican President Vicente Fox remains adamant about adopting energy reforms, expressing concern this week about the country’s growing importation of natural gas.

The American Gas Association is seeking to get its two cents’worth in on the conduct of affiliated marketers by adopting eightprinciples intended to guide state officials in policymaking. “AGAbelieves that state officials already have ample authority toreview relationships between natural gas utilities and theiraffiliates,” said Miriam Swydan Erickson, AGA senior director ofgovernment relations. “The new AGA principles are intended toassist state regulators considering additional rules.”