Risen

The number of Americans who give current political leaders poor marks on energy and climate leadership has risen dramatically in recent years, according to an opinion survey conducted by Opinion Research Corporation for the Newton, MA-based Civil Society Institute (CSI). A majority of those responding to the survey said they support a five-year moratorium on new coal-fired plants.

Unit operating costs in the oil- and natural gas-rich Permian Basin of Texas have risen significantly since 2004, with the average operating costs for gas fields up 45% to $1.35/Mcf, according to a study by Ziff Energy Group. Oilfield costs over the period climbed 34% to $10.42/bbl.

Worldwide offshore oil production has risen by just over a third since 1991 and will continue to rise at about the same rate, reaching 35 million b/d in 2011. However, offshore natural gas production more than doubled between 1991 and 2006 to 867 billion cubic meters (30.6 Tcf), and gas is forecast to almost double again by 2011, Douglas-Westwood Ltd. stated in a new report.

Worldwide offshore oil production has risen by just over a third since 1991 and will continue to rise at about the same rate, reaching 35 million b/d in 2011. However, offshore natural gas production more than doubled between 1991 and 2006 to 867 billion cubic meters (30.6 Tcf), and gas is forecast to almost double again by 2011, Douglas-Westwood Ltd. stated in a new report.

The Williams Cos. reported Thursday that its total proved, probable and possible domestic reserves have risen 21% to 8.5 Tcfe from a previous estimate of 7 Tcfe.

Burlington Resources Inc. CEO Bobby Shackouls said Tuesday the company’s long-term project inventory had risen to 7 Tcfe of potential, with at least five years of drilling and development work at current activity levels. The company’s “growth goal” is 3-8% this year, which “could extend into 2006,” he said.

Burlington Resources Inc. CEO Bobby Shackouls said Tuesday the company’s long-term project inventory had risen to 7 Tcfe of potential, with at least five years of drilling and development work at current activity levels. The company “growth goal” is 3-8% this year, which “could extend into 2006,” he said.

The New York Mercantile Exchange Friday announced the departure of Nachamah Jacobovits, who had risen through her 15 years service with Nymex to the post of senior vice president of corporate communications in 2002. Jacobovits joined the Exchange in 1989. In her most recent capacity, Jacobovits was responsible for media relations; advertising; branding and corporate image; sports sponsorships; the Exchange website; editorial services, including speeches and publications; production of print and audio-visual materials; and all other forms of dissemination of public information. Exchange Chairman Mitchell Steinhause said, “Nachamah has made many valuable contributions to the Exchange in her 15-and-a-half years and has been responsible for growing the company’s brand on an international scale. Her exceptional talent and tireless efforts have raised the awareness of the Exchange’s many successes in both its business and charitable endeavors. We wish her the best of luck as she pursues new career opportunities.”

Average temperature in the Arctic have risen at almost twice the rate as the rest of the world in the past few decades, according to the latest Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (ACIA). Most of the environmental and societal impacts would be considered negative, but the independent group acknowledged that reduced sea ice likely would increase marine access and expand offshore oil and natural gas extraction.