A report developed by the Eagle Ford Shale Task Force released Tuesday outlines the history and facts of the booming South Texas oil and gas play in 155 pages. The report addresses topics such as workforce development, infrastructure (pipelines, roads and housing), regulations, water quality, economic benefits, flaring and air emissions, as well as issues affecting landowners, mineral owners and royalty owners. The task force was formed by Railroad Commission of Texas Commissioner David Porter in 2011 (see Shale Daily, July 29, 2011). “In 2011, the Eagle Ford Shale supported almost 50,000 full-time jobs in 20 counties and contributed over $25 billion dollars to the South Texas economy,” the report said. “From 2011 to 2013, daily hydrocarbon liquid production, including natural gas liquids, increased from 100,000 to 700,000 b/d. These developments have made South Texas one of the most prominent energy-producing regions in the United States.”
Facts
Articles from Facts
New York AG: Another Suit Possible Over Delaware River Basin Drilling
Just days after a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed last year by New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, the official hinted that he could file another lawsuit if natural gas drilling moves forward in the Delaware River Basin.
USGS Provides Methane Baseline for New York Water Wells
Naturally occurring methane in New York water wells could serve as a baseline to measure the quality of the water supply if and when natural gas drilling is expanded and high-volume hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is allowed, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said in a new report. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is expected to announce any day a decision about whether to allow more gas drilling to proceed.
Pennsylvania Reports Higher NatGas Production Despite Data Flaws
Reports posted by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) indicate that the state saw substantial growth in natural gas production during the first half of 2012, perhaps more than 82%, although production totals from some operators are missing from the latest report and the reporting criteria had changed.
Cash Flat to Higher as Futures Virtually Unchanged
Much of the physical natural gas market recorded small upticks for a second straight day despite the facts that summer heat is waning and the levels of natural gas in storage are more than comfortable. While most regions did report gains, pockets of declines were prevalent on Tuesday for Wednesday delivery in the Northeast and the Rockies, while a number of points were flat. September futures put in a quiet day Tuesday with a $2.775 close, one-tenth of a penny lower than Monday’s finish.
Researcher: Moves to Ban Fracking Are Premature
Not all the facts are in on the risks of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) well stimulation, so curtailing the practice would be a rush to judgment, according to a new report from the National Regulatory Research Institute (NRRI).
Duke Researchers Returning to Pennsylvania Water Wells
Researchers from Duke University plan to return to Pennsylvania next week to conduct additional testing of residential water wells in the northeastern part of the state, including wells that are not currently near any Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling.
Auburn, NY, Votes to Ban Accepting Wastewater
The City Council of Auburn, NY, voted Thursday to stop accepting wastewater generated from hydraulic fracturing (fracking) at natural gas wells, ending more than a decade of the practice and eliminating a major source of revenue for the city.
Cornell Professor Challenges Shale ‘Myths’
Universities should be working to answer outstanding questions about shale development, but until they do the practice should proceed cautiously, if it proceeds at all, a Cornell University professor told students in Pittsburgh on Friday.
Cabot’s Motion to Dismiss Dimock Lawsuit Denied
A federal judge in Pennsylvania has denied a motion by Cabot Oil & Gas Corp. to dismiss a case brought by Dimock Township, PA, residents who claim that their health and property has been harmed by the producer’s natural gas activities.
