Priority

British Columbia’s Liberal government has kept an election promise to elevate liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to a top priority by creating a ministry dedicated to developing the trade and giving the job to a senior cabinet member.

Calling them a common sense approach that will complement state efforts, U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) officials Thursday unveiled revised draft rules for hydraulic fracturing (fracking) on all federal and Indian lands. The draft rules will now go through a 30-day public comment period.

Armed with fresh benefits forecasts, Canadian domestic industry is reviving a generations-old crusade for a priority spot on energy policy agendas dominated by government support for export pipeline projects. Provincial and federal authorities are being told that enough current refining and petrochemical development opportunities have been identified in Alberta alone to add about C$6.4 billion to Canada’s annual gross domestic product and create 18,600 jobs.

Armed with fresh benefits forecasts, Canadian domestic industry is reviving a generations-old crusade for a priority spot on energy policy agendas dominated by government support for export pipeline projects.

Ray LaHood, who made pipeline safety a priority during his four years with the Obama administration, will resign as secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOT) when his successor is confirmed.

Forest Oil Corp. has agreed to sell all of its South Texas properties — excluding those in the Eagle Ford Shale — for proceeds of $325 million after tax as part of its ongoing deleveraging plan, the company said Thursday.

NuStar Energy LP is buying Eagle Ford Shale crude oil pipeline, gathering and storage, and natural gas liquids (NGL) assets for $425 million from TexStar Midstream Services LP. The deal is part of NuStar’s transition to a fee-based pipeline and storage business and away from margin-based refining and marketing.

NuStar Logistics LP, an affiliate of NuStar Energy LP, is holding a binding open season for firm priority space to transport crude petroleum from the Niobrara Shale near Platteville and Watkins, CO, to Wichita Falls, TX.

Natural gas production in West Virginia is continuing on an upward swing dating back to 2003, thanks in part to development in the Marcellus Shale, a report released this month by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) said.