Delaying

Protesters and critics still have a voice but they have been stripped of power to stall or kill Canadian oil and gas projects with delaying tactics, confirms the pioneer foray into new regulatory review and approval procedures.

If left unaddressed, pipeline shortfalls will put Canada’s oil industry at risk and will have “substantial negative impact” on the country’s economy, according to a report issued by the Canada West Foundation (CWF).

Indications from a meeting on Monday of the Marcellus Shale Safe Drilling Initiative Advisory Commission in Annapolis are that Maryland will continue to chart a cautious course for the exploitation of its unconventional energy resources, said commission member and Republican State Sen. George Edwards, who represents three counties in western Maryland.

A citizens group opposed to gas drilling within the city of Dallas is rounding up supporters to attend a City Plan Commission meeting Thursday at which commissioners are expected to reconsider a previous denial of permits to drill that are being sought by Trinity East Energy LLC.

EnCana Corp. is delaying its plans to split into two independent energy companies because of the volatility in the global financial markets.

Damage to several natural gas gathering and offshore systems in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) and restricted access to roads because of flooding onshore is delaying the return to full production following Hurricane Ike, federal officials said Thursday. The Minerals Management Service (MMS), which earlier this week reported 28 offshore platforms had been destroyed, revised the number upward to 48.

In clarifications to proposed regulations on oil and gas drilling, Colorado regulators have suggested delaying timing restrictions on drilling activity until 2010 if operators consult with the Colorado Division of Wildlife or develop comprehensive drilling plans to protect wildlife. The oil and gas industry, which is fighting the rules changes with an advertising campaign, seems unimpressed by the clarifications, and at least one environmental group fears the change would create a hole in oversight.

In clarifications to proposed regulations on oil and gas drilling, Colorado regulators have suggested delaying timing restrictions on drilling activity until 2010 if operators consult with the Colorado Division of Wildlife or develop comprehensive drilling plans to protect wildlife. The oil and gas industry, which is fighting the rules changes with an advertising campaign, seems unimpressed by the clarifications, and at least one environmental group fears the change would create a hole in oversight.

Southern Natural Gas reported Thursday that inclement weather was delaying its investigation of a possible leak in its 14-inch diameter Main Pass 107 line offshore Louisiana upstream of the Toca Compressor Station. Based on the latest forecast it will be Sunday or Monday at the earliest before the investigation can start, Southern said. It declared a force majeure and said the Main Pass 108 and Main Pass 118-Hunt Petroleum (AEC) points have been shut in until further notice.