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U.S. natural gas prices would need to rebound to $5.50/MMBtu or higher, or coal-to-gas switching “is here to stay,” according to a report by Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co. Inc. (TPH).

Operators have the tools today to tap into unconventional natural gas and oil reservoirs at a more efficient and more productive pace but the technologic advances have only scratched the rock’s surface, a Schlumberger Ltd. executive said earlier this month.

If recently announced drilling programs are any indication, 2011 could be the biggest year to date for Utica Shale exploration.

Major producers Thursday defended themselves against Senate Democrats’ claims that they don’t need the billions of dollars of federal tax breaks that they currently receive (see Daily GPI, May 12; May 4).

Enterprise Products Partners LP (EPD) earned record profits in the first quarter as rig counts grew in liquids-rich shales and low natural gas prices spurred petrochemical demand. The company continues to see opportunities “to serve our customers, both producers and consumers,” COO Jim Teague said during a conference call Tuesday.

Responding to concerns expressed by citizens, the government of Nova Scotia has begun a year-long review of environmental issues associated with hydraulic fracturing (hydrofracking).

Faced with pricing uncertainty, anticipated decrease in U.S. demand and a shifting regulatory landscape, Canadian gas companies will need to look beyond the United States if they are to retain market share and remain competitive, according to Ernst & Young.

Faced with pricing uncertainty, anticipated decrease in U.S. demand and a shifting regulatory landscape, Canadian gas companies will need to look beyond the United States if they are to retain market share and remain competitive, according to Ernst & Young.

With West Virginia’s Marcellus Shale industry still in its infancy and state regulators saying they need additional staff and funding to adapt to the burgeoning drilling business, more than a dozen candidates are seeking to be elected later this year to a 14-month term as governor of the Mountain State.