Steadfast

Although pipelines and producers are often at odds on major issues before FERC, the groups are “steadfast in our mutual support for reforms” to promote the construction of interstate natural gas pipeline mainline expansions, certain storage facilities and takeaway facilities for liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminals, top officials of the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) and the Natural Gas Supply Association (NGSA) said in a joint letter to FERC Tuesday.

Since its reintroduction to the north country in 1995, Apache Corp. continues on its steadfast course of absorbing Canadian real estate at a fever pitch. Almost a month after Phillips Petroleum put its Canadian assets in the Zama area of northwest Alberta on the market, the company reported that it has entered into a definitive agreement in which Apache will acquire the oil and gas assets for $490 million. The properties included have proved reserves of 71.6 million boe, of which 59% is natural gas (see NGI, Nov. 27).

Since its reintroduction to the north country in 1995, ApacheCorp. continues on its steadfast course of absorbing Canadian realestate at a fever pitch. Almost a month after Phillips Petroleumput its Canadian assets in the Zama area of northwest Alberta onthe market, the company reported that it has entered into adefinitive agreement in which Apache will acquire the oil and gasassets for $490 million. The properties included have provedreserves of 71.6 million boe, of which 59% is natural gas (seeDaily GPI, Nov. 21).

Oneok said last week that it remained steadfast in its desire tomerge with Southwest Gas, even in the face of a recommendation bythe Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) staff to delay thetransaction. The Oklahoma-based company said the ACC staff decisionwas swayed by a “spurned suitor” and although no names arementioned, Southern Union Co. is the likeliest candidate for thespoiler role. Southern Union is bound by court order not to discussthe merger.

Oneok said yesterday that it remained steadfast in its desire tomerge with Southwest Gas, even in the face of a recommendation bythe Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) staff to delay thetransaction. The Oklahoma-based company said the ACC staff decisionwas swayed by a “spurned suitor” and although no names arementioned, Southern Union Co. is the likeliest candidate for thespoiler role. The ACC did not return NGI’s calls before press time,and Southern Union is bound by court order not to discuss themerger.

The Pennsylvania Gas Deregulation bill, which was introduced tothe state legislature last week, will meet steadfast oppositionduring the upcoming Senate Consumer Protection committee hearing onMarch 23. The hearing will be the first time the bill goes up fordebate.