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Ohio’s laws addressing old leases and conservation issues could pose some unique challenges to proponents of energy development in the state’s portions of the Marcellus and Utica shales, two attorneys with the law firm Steptoe & Johnson LLP said during a presentation Wednesday.

The cash market overall was lower on average by a couple of pennies Tuesday with most market areas showing quotes on either side of unchanged. California points weakened as a customer imbalance was redressed. Eastern points were mostly unchanged, and Gulf points eased. At the close of futures trading June had risen 9.8 cents to $2.707 and July had gained 8.7 cents to $2.776. June crude oil fell 91 cents to $91.66/bbl.

Strong growth in the total marketed production of natural gas last year — an estimated increase of 4.8 Bcf/d (7.9%) compared with 2010 — was driven in large part by increases in shale gas production, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA).

It was a tale of two markets Tuesday as cash prices were content to trade within about a two-cent range on either side of unchanged and futures traders covered short positions at the end of the session.

For the most part physical gas Wednesday traded a couple of pennies on either side of unchanged. Average prices were flat, but Northeast points were soft, and Southern California prices took a hit following forecasts of cooler weather. Futures traders were pleased with the day’s nearly double-digit advance, and at the close May had risen 9.3 cents to $2.068 and June had gained 10.7 cents to $2.170. June crude oil added 57 cents to $104.12/bbl.

The Texas Supreme Court may soon decide on a request to revisit a 2011 opinion on the use of eminent domain that some industry representatives say could stymie the efforts of companies trying to build oil and gas pipelines to service growing production in the state’s shale plays.

After more than three years, Pennsylvania lawmakers have passed an impact fee on gas drilling. The bill awaits Gov. Tom Corbett’s signature.

A coalition of landowners in Wayne County, PA says it has “run out of patience” with the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC), and is urging the organization to either enact natural gas regulations or step aside and let the states do so.

The Marcellus Shale is the eastern United States’ new natural gas supply source of choice, and Williams is in the process of developing a new pipeline to connect supply with market via Williams’ existing Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line (Transco).