As Kentucky prepares for what could be a sharp increase in unconventional oil and gas exploration, with interest growing in the Rogersville Shale, the state has passed new legislation, is working to update its regulations and is installing a network of seismic and groundwater monitoring equipment.
Kentucky
Articles from Kentucky
Kentucky Power Plan to Buy 50% Stake in WV Plant OK’d
The proposal is “the least costly option” to replace generating capacity lost when a coal-fired plant in Kentucky closes.
Kentucky Utilities Choose Gas, Solar Over Coal
The decision comes after a competitive bidding process for the coal-dominated utilities.
Eminent Domain Question in Kentucky Dogs Bluegrass Pipeline
The proposed Bluegrass Pipeline lacks the authority to impose eminent domain through Kentucky to build a natural gas liquids (NGL) pipeline, the state’s top environmental regulator said last week.
Fish Kill in Kentucky Linked to Natural Gas Chemicals Spill
Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) fluids spilled in 2007 from natural gas wells are believed to be the cause of “widespread death or distress” of an aquatic species in a small Appalachian creek in Kentucky, based on a joint study by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).
Industry Brief
Magnum Hunter Resources Inc. is in talks with three parties for the potential sale of Eagle Ford Shale assets as part of plans this year to sell $400-500 million of assets. An announcement is expected soon, according to the company. During a recent conference call, CEO Gary Evans said all three Eagle Ford bidders have made offers in the same price range. Two are offering all cash and one is offering cash and equity, he said. “So from our perspective, it doesn’t really matter who ends up with it. But we do feel like we will have an announcement on that in short order,” he said.The company also is considering selling assets in the Pearsall Shale as well, and assets in the Williston Basin and potentially in Kentucky, Evans said.
State Geologist Says Some North Carolina Gas Supply Estimates Too Optimistic
North Carolina’s assistant state geologist said estimates put forth by supporters of natural gas development in the Tar Heel State are overly optimistic and actual reserves are probably much lower.
Range Boasts Record Production Without Barnett
Following a trend among the major players in the Marcellus Shale, Range Resources Corp. is reporting record production rates after averaging 625 MMcfe/d across its portfolio in the fourth quarter.
EQT Cautiously Optimistic About New Technique
EQT Corp. recently announced early results of a new completion technique in the Marcellus Shale that it said could increase production more than 50%.
FERC OKs Duke Plan to Ship Gas to Indiana Power Plant
FERC has granted Duke Energy Indiana certificates authorizing the company to construct and operate a pipeline across the border from Kentucky to Indiana to move natural gas to a coal-fired plant that Duke previously agreed to convert to gas-fired boilers.