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Canadian political leaders are refusing to let project delays and shaky markets lower high expectations for rapid development of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports from unconventional drilling in northern British Columbia (BC).

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. has added a high-tech laser scanning device to its safety tool box for its pipeline systems. EXAscan, which is produced by Creaform in Quebec, may be placed a few inches above a section of pipe to produce 3-D views. It is said to be accurate within 40 microns (0.0016 of an inch) to detect potential corrosion, dents or warping. PG&E is able to capture information electronically for an entire pipeline section within minutes, a spokesperson said.

Just before a 30-day public comment period in New York on proposed rules governing high-volume hydraulic fracturing (HVHF) was set to expire on Friday, three influential state lawmakers called for the comment period to be suspended, citing a lost state report on the practice that surfaced earlier this month. They also quickly convened a public hearing on the matter on Thursday and heard testimony from fracking supporters and opponents.

A trio of New York legislators opposed to high-volume hydraulic fracturing (HVHF) held court over a lengthy public hearing Thursday on rules that would govern the practice, but officials with the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) were not in attendance.

Just days before a 30-day public comment period in New York on proposed rules governing high-volume hydraulic fracturing (HVHF) expires, three influential state lawmakers are calling for the comment period to be suspended, citing a lost state report on the practice that surfaced earlier this month.

North Dakota is “turning the corner” on the volumes of natural gas flared despite the relatively high percent of associated gas that is still being burned at the wellhead, state officials recently told NGI.

The New York Department of Health (DOH) conducted a draft assessment of high-volume hydraulic fracturing (HVHF) in early 2012 and concluded that, with appropriate regulation, the practice could be performed safely in the state, according to reports.

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) says it has received more than 800 responses so far on proposed rules governing high-volume hydraulic fracturing (HVHF), as the final 11 days of a 30-day public comment period tick away.

Supporters of oil and natural gas exploration in New York are in disagreement with the state regulators over just how much of the state would be open to high-volume hydraulic fracturing (HVHF), while an environmental group called the latest proposal “meaningless.” However, a pair of attorneys with extensive knowledge of New York’s regulatory, business and geological climates said they believe unconventional drilling permits will be issued soon.