Conservation

A diverse set of federal and state stakeholders has completed a new conservation plan for Utah that is designed to protect more than 90% of greater sage grouse habitat through a combination of incentives and “reasonable” regulations, Gov. Gary Herbert said last week.

Officials with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) will participate in an online forum this week to discuss potential Marcellus Shale gas drilling in the Loyalsock State Forest.

The Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (AOGCC) is weighing stricter regulations for hydraulic fracturing (fracking) that, among other things, would require expanded notification of landowners before fracking begins and disclosure of chemicals used in frack fluids.

Renewables may be the darling in some political and conservation sectors, but it’s the oil and natural gas industry’s investment in technology that will ensure it remains the dominant player in the global energy markets for decades to come, according to a new report published by the Manhattan Institute.

Renewables may be the darling in some political and conservation sectors, but it’s the oil and natural gas industry’s investment in technology that will ensure it remains the dominant player in the global energy markets for decades to come, according to a new report published by the Manhattan Institute.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) plans to hold an invitation-only meeting on Thursday to discuss a request by two energy companies to access their mineral rights under the Loyalsock State Forest.

In a stunning setback for shale development in the Empire State, the New York State Assembly voted 95-40 on Wednesday to enact a two-year moratorium on high-volume hydraulic fracturing (HVHF). The bill, A5424, now moves to the state Senate.

Hoping to head off threats of a state moratorium on hydraulic fracturing (fracking), Illinois leaders, the exploration and production (E&P) industry and conservation groups on Thursday firmed a mutual agreement on a bipartisan bill (HB 2615) that establishes rules for unconventional drilling using stimulation techniques.

Over some industry opposition, the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) Monday approved final setback requirements for oil and natural gas wells. Industry representatives criticized the action as “going too far,” and potentially hurting the state’s economy.