Encouraged

Seneca Resources Corp., the exploration and production subsidiary of National Fuel Gas Co., said Tuesday that six recently completed wells targeting the Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania are among the most productive ever drilled in the play, according to initial test results.

Riding high on record profits and continuing efficiencies, the contract drilling sector nevertheless faces uncertainties during the first half of next year that require patience and flexibility, said the CEO of Tulsa-based Helmerich & Payne Inc. (HP).

With the clock running out on an A45 cents/share takeover offer from Aurora Oil & Gas Ltd., directors of Eureka Energy, are being coy, advising investors to sit tight until its June 15 expiration “as there is the potential for important developments.” Indeed, it was reported that privately held Lonestar Resources Inc. had made a competing offer that would be considered over the weekend.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has withdrawn the “imminent and substantial endangerment order” that it issued against Range Resources Corp. in December 2010 for alleged methane contamination of water wells in North Texas.

Natural gas industry stakeholders were encouraged to get up to speed and involved in the complicated and long implementation process now under way on the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act during a panel discussion at the LDC Gas Forum: Rockies & West meeting Tuesday in Los Angeles.

National Oilwell Varco Inc. (NOV), the largest U.S. oilfield equipment manufacturer, on Tuesday posted higher than expected quarterly profits, in part on rig technology orders, which jumped 26% in the period.

Range Resources Corp. expects capital spending to be flat from 2011 to 2012 as the company becomes more efficient in the Marcellus Shale and completes its sale of assets in the Barnett Shale, but to rise in 2013 as the company increases drilling.

Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal Wednesday said he was encouraged by the deal that Plains Exploration & Production (PXP) reached with two interest groups to retire nearly half of the independent producer’s gas drilling lease acreage in the Wyoming Range.

The American Gas Association (AGA), which represents natural gas utilities, said it was encouraged by the deal that President Obama and congressional Republicans have reached to extend the Bush-era tax cuts, including a reduction in the maximum dividend tax rate to 15% for an additional two years.