Priorities

Infrastructure, water and housing upgrades remain priorities in western North Dakota to keep up with the continuing robust growth in oil and gas development, according to a report released Tuesday by Gov. Jack Dalrymple.

Infrastructure, water and housing upgrades remain priorities in western North Dakota to keep up with the continuing robust growth in oil and gas development, according to a report released Tuesday by Gov. Jack Dalrymple.

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) singled out “energy extraction activities” as one of the agency’s top national enforcement priorities for 2011 to 2013, according to the Washington, DC, law firm of Steptoe & Johnson. The EPA has not had much of an appetite for a producer technique known as hydraulic fracturing — in which fluids injected at high pressure are used to stimulate the production of natural gas from shales — but it did not single out the technique, according to the law firm. The EPA said an “unprecedented acceleration of oil and gas leasing and development” has prompted air pollution concerns, particularly in the West. In addition to oil and gas, the agency said it also will focus on New Source Review compliance among major emitters of air pollution, especially the coal-fired utility, cement, glass and acid sectors. The EPA has not yet developed the specifics of its enforcement strategy for the energy extraction industries, but will be doing so in the near future. In the meantime, increased inspections and enforcement for noncompliance are likely, according to Steptoe & Johnson.

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Friday singled out “energy extraction activities” as one of the agency’s top national enforcement priorities for 2011 to 2013, according to the Washington, DC, law firm of Steptoe & Johnson.

The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Friday singled out “energy extraction activities” as one of the agency’s top national enforcement priorities for 2011 to 2013, according to the Washington, DC, law firm of Steptoe & Johnson.

Economic strife and the consequent downturn in gas demand, particularly for power generation, and growing domestic production have flipped the priorities of the gas industry, at least for the time being, according to analysts at Barclays Capital.

Economic strife and the consequent downturn in gas demand, particularly for power generation, and growing domestic production have flipped the priorities of the gas industry, at least for the time being, according to analysts at Barclays Capital.

Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said expanding the Energy Information Administration (EIA) will be one of the key priorities of the upcoming Congress.

Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, says expanding the Energy Information Administration (EIA) will be one of the key priorities of the upcoming Congress.