Statements

ExxonMobil Corp.’s shareholders once again will see a resolution on their proxy statements that would force the largest U.S. natural gas producer to issue a report about the financial impact from regulatory and community impacts associated with hydraulic fracturing (fracking) within its drilling operations.

A former Helmerich & Payne Inc. (H&P) drilling manager has been charged with making false statements to the Department of Interior’s Office of Inspector General regarding a key safety device on a Gulf of Mexico drilling rig. Donald Hudson, 49, of Walnut Grove, MS, was employed by H&P as the drilling rig manager for Rig 206 from Oct. 14, 2009 until May 27, 2010. Rig 206’s blowout preventer (BOP), like other BOP systems, has to be pressure tested at regular intervals prior to continued drilling operations, and results of the tests, including any problems or irregularities, also are to be recorded. On March 30, 2011 Hudson allegedly lied to investigators about instructing the rig’s crew to falsify BOP testing results, according to U.S. Attorney Jim Letten, who oversees the Eastern District of Louisiana. Testimony by other crew members revealed that Hudson had told the crew to close valves on the BOP choke manifold to prevent leaks, said Letten. In May 2011 H&P indicated in a regulatory filing that it suspended operations on an offshore rig after an employee reported possible “testing irregularities” and said “certain employees” were fired. No environmental or other harm occurred and the BOP system ultimately was repaired, Letten noted. If Hudson is found guilty, he faces up to five years in prison, as well as a fine of up to $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release following a prison term.

Southern Union Co. has begun distributing proxy statements in preparation for a special meeting of shareholders Dec. 9 to vote on the company’s proposed acquisition by Energy Transfer Equity LP (ETE) (see Daily GPI, Aug. 8; July 20). Shareholders of record as of Oct. 11 may vote in person at the meeting in New York City or by proxy. Approval of the merger agreement requires a simple majority of Southern Union’s outstanding shares of common stock. Shareholders who directly or indirectly own 13.4% of the company’s stock already have voted in favor of the agreement. Southern Union’s board of directors also has unanimously recommended the merger’s approval.

Natural gas buyers consider reliability, honesty and dependability, along with competitive pricing and accuracy of invoices and statements, to be the most important issues when they work with marketers, according to Mastio’s Natural Gas Marketer Customer Value & Loyalty Study for 2009.

Natural gas buyers consider reliability, honesty and dependability, along with competitive pricing and accuracy of invoices and statements, to be the most important issues when they work with marketers, according to Mastio’s Natural Gas Marketer Customer Value & Loyalty Study for 2009.

Natural gas buyers consider reliability, honesty and dependability, along with competitive pricing and accuracy of invoices and statements, to be the most important issues when they work with marketers, according to Mastio’s Natural Gas Marketer Customer Value & Loyalty Study for 2009.

Opening statements were heard in U.S. District Court in Houston last Wednesday in the trial of three former El Paso Corp. natural gas traders accused of attempted market manipulation through false reporting to price index publishers.

Opening statements were heard in U.S. District Court in Houston Wednesday in the trial of three former El Paso Corp. natural gas traders accused of attempted market manipulation through false reporting to price index publishers.

More than 80 energy, environmental and other organizations last week announced commitments and public statements in support of a national action plan for energy efficiency that includes several recommendations for helping states and utilities overcome policy, regulatory and other barriers that limit investment in energy efficiency.