Preliminary

Texas crude oil and natural gas production statistics continue to reflect producers’ preference for oil over less-lucrative natural gas.

Production of Texas oil and natural gas during November was higher than year-ago levels, based on preliminary data from the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC). While crude oil output was up from October’s level, Natural gas production declined.

Texas natural gas production during July was up about 7% from the July 2012 level, and oil production was up about 30%, according to preliminary data from the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC).

An attorney representing D&L Energy Inc. says the company will vigorously pursue its appeal before the Ohio Oil and Gas Commission, calling the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ (ODNR) decision to shut down the company “a gross violation of due process.”

Geisinger Health System has been awarded a $1 million grant from the Degenstein Foundation to help complete a study on the health impacts from Marcellus Shale gas drilling, a report eagerly anticipated by officials in at least two states.

Santa Fe Petroleum Inc. announced Thursday that it had acquired additional leased acres in North Central Texas for oil and natural gas drilling, expanding its position in the Barnett Shale.

The San Francisco-based Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit in a California Superior Court Thursday, seeking to get the state to enforce existing laws governing hydraulic fracturing (fracking) when it is used in oil and natural gas production. The nonprofit conservation organization alleged that the state is shirking its responsibility.

Preliminary draft rules for hydraulic fracturing (fracking) were unveiled Tuesday by California’s state oil and natural gas drilling regulators who indicated the development process will take at least all of next year.

Royal Dutch Shell plc on Wednesday said it has completed its preliminary drilling program for this year in Alaska’s offshore.