The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has allowed itself “to be co-opted by industry interests on the issue of hydraulic fracturing [fracking] for shale gas,” and does not speak for local communities on the issue, representatives of 67 grassroots organizations said Wednesday.
Campaign
Articles from Campaign
Marcellus Changing Game For Some Producers; Some Still Lag
The Marcellus Shale today is the largest U.S. natural gas production region, with output of more than 7 Bcf/d, which has led to a “significant, positive” impact on early movers, but some operators continue to underperform share-wise in the play, according to IHS Inc.
Pennsylvania’s New Auditor General to Probe DEP Over Shale
Pennsylvania’s new auditor general, Eugene DePasquale, will conduct a performance audit of the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) water testing and waste disposal programs to assess their effectiveness in regulating shale gas development.
Industry Briefs
The American Petroleum Institute (API) has launched a television and print ad campaign in Washington, DC, and in several states to drive home the importance of a favorable tax code in developing domestic domestic oil and natural gas and creating jobs. “Taxes on the industry are a key energy issue, and, as our Election Day polling showed, voters are skeptical about targeting the industry for higher taxes. To encourage members of Congress who are part of that conversation with voters, we’re launching new television and print advertising inside the [Washington, DC] beltway and in selected states,” said Khary Cauthen, API senior director of federal relations. Both the print and television ads will run for two weeks in the DC area, as well as New Mexico, North Carolina, Virginia, Arkansas, Alaska, Colorado and Louisiana. President Obama has proposed eliminating $4 billion annually in tax breaks for oil and gas producers. “Raising our taxes is not the answer. We already are taxed at a higher rate than [many] other industries,” an API spokesman said.
API Ad Campaign Opposes Higher Oil, Gas Taxes
The American Petroleum Institute (API) launched a television and print ad campaign on Wednesday in Washington, DC, and in several states to drive home the importance of a favorable tax code in developing domestic domestic oil and natural gas and creating jobs.
Ohio Groups Want Local Drilling Rules Reinstated
A coalition of grassroots organizations in Ohio has started a campaign to restore local governments’ ability to regulate oil and natural gas drilling, a “home rule” power that could potentially be used by opponents of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) to ban the practice in their communities.
Ohio Groups Would Reinstate Local Rules for Oil/Gas Drilling
A coalition of grassroots organizations in Ohio has started a campaign to restore local governments’ ability to regulate oil and natural gas drilling, a “home rule” power that could potentially be used by opponents of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) to ban the practice in their communities.
Obama Touts Safety of Gas Development During Ohio Visit
In a campaign speech in Cincinnati, OH, President Obama expressed full support for the development of natural gas and acknowledged that “a lot of folks” in the industry are engaging in hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in a safe manner. He dismissed claims that his administration — namely the Interior Department and Environmental Protection Agency — is blocking oil and natural gas development.
Obama Talks Up Gas Development During Campaign Swing in Ohio
In a campaign speech in Cincinnati, OH, President Obama expressed full support for the development of natural gas and acknowledged that “a lot of folks” in the industry are engaging in hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in a safe manner. He dismissed claims that his administration — namely the Interior Department and Environmental Protection Agency — is blocking oil and natural gas development.
Economist Backs Arkansas Severance Tax Hike
Former natural gas industry executive Sheffield Nelson has enlisted the aid of economist Charles Venus in his campaign to raise the severance tax that Arkansas levies on natural gas production. Raising the tax to 7% would mean an additional $155 million per year for state coffers, the equivalent of less than a day and a half of profits for ExxonMobil Corp., Venus said recently.