Proven

Plains All American Pipeline LP (PAA) is buying three crude oil rail terminals in the Eagle Ford, Bakken and Niobrara producing regions, as well as various contractual arrangements, from U.S. Development Group (USD) for $500 million.

North American shale gas, particularly in the United States, has proven an energy cost-saving miracle for consumers who otherwise would be staring at prices three or four times higher, according to Toronto-based TD Group, the holding company for TD Bank.

North American shale gas, particularly in the United States, has proven an energy cost-saving miracle for consumers who otherwise would be staring at prices three or four times higher, according to reports released Thursday by Toronto-based TD Group, the holding company for TD Bank.

An official with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said a progress report on its study of the potential impacts of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) on drinking water should be issued before the end of the year, and the final report published in 2014.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court is hearing oral arguments this week in a controversial mineral rights case that could have enormous implications over ownership rights in the Marcellus Shale.

Already planted firmly on the side of states’ rights advocates in the debate about regulating hydraulic fracturing (fracking), Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead said Thursday he thinks the Republican Party platform and presidential candidate Mitt Romney recognize that the states must play a key role in the nation’s energy policy.

The shale rocks that are reconfiguring the North American energy landscape eventually will be unearthed around the world, albeit at a much slower pace, but the economic impacts will be gigantic, an ExxonMobil Corp. executive said Tuesday.

Southwestern Energy Co. has proven itself in the Fayetteville Shale and is now successfully poking holes in the Marcellus. However, it hasn’t been as adept at getting utility gas buyers to put pen to long-term supply contracts.

With activity heating up in several Permian Basin shale plays, Houston-based start-up Nuevo Midstream, LLC announced Wednesday it has secured a $65 million equity commitment to develop midstream infrastructure for natural gas producers in the Permian.