Diesel

Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) Commissioner David Porter, founder of the state’s Eagle Ford Task Force, wants more excess natural gas to be used for power generation at drilling sites instead of being flared.

The U.S. oil and natural gas rig count will fall through 2013, with a “glaring change” to the forecast for wet gas drilling, according to Raymond James & Associates Inc. A “meaningful rebound” won’t occur until the second half of 2014 and through 2015, analysts said Monday.

A coalition of 17 House lawmakers led by Rep. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) has called on the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) to conduct an environmental impact study (EIS) on new shale gas drilling in the basin or face legal action.

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is being examined as an alternative fuel to diesel for locomotive engines by a collaboration of Canadian National Railway (CN), Westport Innovations and Gaz Metro Transportation Solutions (GMTS). They are seeking to develop a prototype LNG engine for locomotives by 2013. The project has obtained a $2.4 million grant from the Canadian government-backed Sustainable Development Technology Canada, a nonprofit that finances development of clean technologies. The project initially will concentrate on an LNG system for locomotives, both in plant and field settings. GMTS will provide LNG and fuel supply logistical expertise while CN will provide the locomotive expertise, the partners said.

The New York Mercantile Exchange (Nymex) opened a new 90-minute trading session on Friday for 32 new over-the-counter energy contracts, including multiple natural gas basis contracts and some new 400 MWh power contracts based on delivery in New York. Nymex said it also is providing clearing services for the new contracts.

The New York Mercantile Exchange (Nymex) plans to open a new 90-minute trading session on Friday for 32 new over-the-counter energy contracts, including multiple natural gas basis contracts and some new 400 MWh power contracts based on delivery in New York. Nymex said it also will provide clearing services for the new contracts.