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

After a short-lived lull in late fall, North Dakota’s oil and natural gas production set new records at the end of last year, and the issuance of new drilling permits in January surged, the state’s Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) reported Friday.

During oral arguments last Thursday, two out of three appellate court judges appeared to challenge FERC’s claim of authority to prosecute alleged manipulation in the natural gas futures market.

Energy productivity could double with significant macro environmental and economic benefits through stepped-up efficiency programs during the next two decades, according to a report by a national nonpartisan commission headed by Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) and National Grid U.S. President Tom King.

During oral arguments Thursday, two out of three appellate court judges appeared to challenge FERC’s claim of authority to prosecute alleged manipulation in the natural gas futures market.

Energy productivity could double with significant macro environmental and economic benefits through stepped-up efficiency programs during the next two decades, according to a report by a national nonpartisan commission headed by Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) and National Grid U.S. President Tom King.

Antero Resources announced Monday that its proved reserves had increased 73% in one year by the end of 2012, while its proved, probable and possible (3P) reserves had increased 94% and its natural gas liquids (NGL) reserves increased by 170% during the same time frame, all thanks to discoveries in the Marcellus and Utica shale plays.

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.

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports could cut residents and businesses oil-based energy bills in Hawaii substantially during the next 20 years, according to a University of Hawaii study. Potential savings were classified as “huge,” given gas-indexed pricing, but the report also acknowledged that LNG exports carry various risks, given sources, oil-gas price differences over time and the state’s level of energy demand reduction in future years.