Data

ExxonMobil Corp., Chevron Corp., BP plc and super independent ConocoPhillips are expected to lead all other exploration and production (E&P) spenders in the United States this year, with capital expenditures (capex) on average about 5% higher than in 2012, according to a survey by Barclays Capital. Last year’s No. 2 spender, Chesapeake Energy Corp., dropped to No. 5 after cutting its exploration plans.

A coalition of nine environmental groups in West Virginia have asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to require that operators add tracers to fluids used in hydraulic fracturing (fracking) at Marcellus Shale oil and gas wells drilled near the Monongahela National Forest.

Data just coming in from 2011 shows that investment in U.S. shale oil and gas drilling nearly doubled over 2010 levels, which vaulted shale plays to account for nearly one-quarter of all wells drilled in the United States, according to the American Petroleum Institute (API).

Driven by abundance north of the border and growing need to the south, U.S. exports of natural gas to Mexico hit their highest level since export data collection began in 1973, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said. Meanwhile, cross-border pipeline export capacity from the United States is expected to grow significantly.

Driven by abundance north of the border and growing need to the south, U.S. exports of natural gas to Mexico hit their highest level since export data collection began in 1973, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said. Meanwhile, cross-border pipeline export capacity from the United States is expected to grow significantly.

Natural gas production in the Lower 48 was 72.70 Bcf/d in December, down 1.1% (0.83 Bcf/d) compared with the previous month but up almost 1% (0.62 Bcf/d) over December 2011, according to the most recent data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Natural gas production in the Lower 48 was 72.70 Bcf/d in December, down 1.1% (0.83 Bcf/d) compared with the previous month but up almost 1% (0.62 Bcf/d) over December 2011, according to the most recent data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Allegheny County Airport Authority (ACAA) board members Friday unanimously approved a deal with Consol Energy Inc. for Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling rights at Pittsburgh International Airport. The arrangement could be worth $500 million over the next 20 years.

Marathon Oil Corp. production targets are being raised sharply for its growing plays in the Eagle Ford and Bakken Shales, while the targeted sale of assets continues, as evidenced by a $170 million sale of a gas processing interest in Louisiana, CEO Clarence Cazalot said during a 4Q2012 conference call with financial analysts.