Outlining

Pennsylvania Interfaith Power and Light released a position paper on Marcellus Shale drilling Sunday, outlining changes that need to be made before drilling could be viewed as acceptable through a moral compass. The organization said it would support shale drilling if it replaced coal and other fossil fuels quickly, if the state enacted a drilling tax and if overall community and environmental impacts were reduced. A copy of the document is available at www.paipl.org.

An administrative law judge (ALJ) at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has released a proposed decision outlining the procedures for eliminating current restrictions on the operating pressures of major natural gas transmission pipelines operated by Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) in the wake of last year’s San Bruno pipe rupture and explosion. The ALJ also denied a recommendation by PG&E for raising future pipe pressures.

The Arkansas Public Policy Panel (APPP) released a report last week outlining what it perceives are the potential risks over natural gas development in the Fayetteville Shale play, and listing recommendations to minimize those risks.

Encana Corp. and China National Petroleum Corp. (CNPC) late Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), or heads of agreement, outlining a framework for the two companies to negotiate a potential joint venture investment to develop Encana’s natural gas plays in northeast British Columbia.

The American Petroleum Institute (API) Monday published a new guidance document outlining current best-industry practices for the proper drilling and cementing of wells that are being hydraulically fractured. The document, “Hydraulic Fracturing Operations — Well Construction and Integrity Guideline,” is designed to ensure that shallow ground water aquifers and the environment are protected throughout the drilling, completion and production phases of a well’s life, according to API. “The guidance document helps supplement and support existing state regulations to ensure that development of our nation’s abundant natural gas resources is safe and effective,” said API Upstream Director Doug Morris. A free .pdf of the guidance document is available at www.api.org/Publications/epstandards/. A hard copy may be purchased for $40 from www.api.org/publications or by calling IHS at (800) 854-7179.

Gazprom Marketing & Trading USA Inc., a subsidiary of Russian natural gas producer OAO Gazprom, has signed a letter of intent outlining terms under which it will become an equity partner in the Rabaska liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal and contract for all of the terminal’s capacity.

Gazprom Marketing & Trading USA Inc., a subsidiary of Russian natural gas producer OAO Gazprom, has signed a letter of intent outlining terms under which it will become an equity partner in the Rabaska liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal and contract for all of the terminal’s capacity.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) last week approved the recommendations of its staff outlining a natural gas riser safety policy. All Ohio natural gas distribution companies (LDC) are to begin implementing the guidelines immediately.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) Wednesday approved the recommendations of its staff outlining a natural gas riser safety policy. All Ohio natural gas distribution companies (LDC) are to begin implementing the guidelines immediately.