Expressing “alarm” that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is not registering all swap dealers that are active in energy markets, six prominent West Coast senators said they are “increasingly concerned” that the $8 billion annual de minimis threshold exemption in the agency’s Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act rules may allow the vast majority of the energy swap market to fly under the regulator’s radar.
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Western Senators: Energy Swaps Fly Under CFTC Radar Screen
Expressing “alarm” that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is not registering all swap dealers that are active in energy markets, six prominent senators from the West Coast said they were “increasingly concerned” that the $8 billion annual de minimis threshold exemption in the agency’s Dodd-Frank rules may allow the vast majority of the energy swap market to fly under the regulator’s radar.
Industry Brief
A report developed by the Eagle Ford Shale Task Force released Tuesday outlines the history and facts of the booming South Texas oil and gas play in 155 pages. The report addresses topics such as workforce development, infrastructure (pipelines, roads and housing), regulations, water quality, economic benefits, flaring and air emissions, as well as issues affecting landowners, mineral owners and royalty owners. The task force was formed by Railroad Commission of Texas Commissioner David Porter in 2011 (see Shale Daily, July 29, 2011). “In 2011, the Eagle Ford Shale supported almost 50,000 full-time jobs in 20 counties and contributed over $25 billion dollars to the South Texas economy,” the report said. “From 2011 to 2013, daily hydrocarbon liquid production, including natural gas liquids, increased from 100,000 to 700,000 b/d. These developments have made South Texas one of the most prominent energy-producing regions in the United States.”
Top Ohio Republicans Take Aim at Severance Tax Proposal
Two prominent Ohio Republicans — state House Speaker William Batchelder (R-Media) and Treasurer Josh Mandel — told supporters of the oil and natural gas industry that they oppose Gov. John Kasich’s proposal to levy new severance taxes on hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and natural gas liquids (NGL).
Two Shippers Take All of Tennessee MPP Project Capacity
El Paso Corp.’s Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co. (TGP) has struck two long-term contracts for service on its MPP project, which is intended to improve takeaway capacity from the Marcellus Shale through expansion of TGP’s 300 Line in Pennsylvania.
People
Former BP plc CEO Tony Hayward, as well as former exploration chief Andy Inglis, have scored prominent positions in two energy firms. Vallares plc, an energy fund vehicle backed by Hayward and a group of high-profile investors, raised US$2.2 billion in an initial public offering, which is one-third more than the original target. Vallares, to be based in London, is sponsored by Hayward and financiers Nathaniel Rothschild, Tom Daniel and Julian Metherell, who is the former UK CEO for Goldman Sachs Group Inc. The company plans to buy an emerging-market energy firm or an energy asset with an enterprise value of US$4.85-12.9 billion, the sponsors said. Inglis has been tapped to run Petrofac plc’s new integrated energy services (IES) division.
Former BP Execs Secure Top Spots in New Energy Endeavors
Former BP plc CEO Tony Hayward, as well as former exploration chief Andy Inglis, have scored prominent positions in two energy firms.
Many Areas Chilly, and Most Prices Up as a Result
Rising prices grew even more prominent in the market Wednesday as enough regions are starting to feel enough early-autumn chill to prompt noticeable heating load. It isn’t much yet, as overnight lows in the 40s and 50s remain the most common temperature depths, but abetted by a prior-day gain of 1.6 cents by November futures it was sufficient to drive most points higher by generally small amounts.
Enviro Group Seeks to Overturn RCRA Suspension for Oil, Gas
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), a prominent environmental group, has filed a petition with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) asking it to reopen its 1988 determination that the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) was not appropriate for regulating oil and natural gas drilling fluids and produced waters.
Enviro Group Seeks to Overturn RCRA Suspension for Oil, Gas
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), a prominent environmental group, filed a petition with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) earlier this month asking it to reopen its 1988 determination that the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) was not appropriate for regulating oil and natural gas drilling fluids and produced waters.