William

Three weeks after the launch of the Center for Sustainable Shale Development (CSSD) and its proposed certification process, many oil and natural gas producers are in the dark about the initiative and taking a “wait and see” approach to participating.

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).

One of the seven Pennsylvania municipalities that sued over the legality of Act 13, the state’s omnibus Marcellus Shale law, is now considering changes to its local drilling ordinance to comply with the measure, a move intended to help it collect more than half a million dollars in impact fee revenue.

Aside from those that have leased lands for development, Pennsylvania school districts do not seem to be benefiting much financially from Marcellus Shale activity, according to a recent report from Pennsylvania State University.

EOG Resources Inc. said William R. (Bill) Thomas has been promoted to president and Gary L. Thomas has been promoted to COO. The men will report to CEO Mark Papa until June 2013, when Papa will retire and be succeeded by Bill Thomas. “Although I will continue in my role as day-to-day hands-on chairman and CEO through 2012, I plan to gradually turn over my responsibilities to Bill Thomas six months before I retire,” Papa said. “I am very comfortable transitioning my leadership role to Bill and our very experienced, long-tenured and exceptionally talented team.” Bill Thomas formerly was senior vice president of exploration and has worked for EOG for 32 years. Gary Thomas, formerly senior executive vice president of operations, has been an EOG employee for 33 years. “I consider a key responsibility of an effective chairman is managing a seamless executive transition,” said Papa. “I certainly intend to accomplish that goal. Bill and Gary both exhibit what I characterize as ‘EOG DNA.’ Reflecting EOG’s corporate culture, they are innovative, share a great sense of urgency and are dedicated to working together to make EOG an even more successful company in the future.”

Louis Dreyfus Highbridge Energy (LDH) has appointed William C. Reed II as co-chairman of its board of directors following the resignation of Jacques Veyrat. Reed is also CEO and president of LDH. Highbridge Capital Management co-founder Glenn Dubin will continue as co-chairman of LDH, the company said. In addition, Christopher Caperton, managing director and general counsel of the Louis Dreyfus Group, has been appointed to the LDH board of directors. Stamford, CT-based LDH is the merchant energy joint venture of the Louis Dreyfus Group and of the multi-strategy hedge fund of Highbridge Capital Management.

Louis Dreyfus Highbridge Energy (LDH) has appointed William C. Reed II as co-chairman of its board of directors following the resignation of Jacques Veyrat. Reed is also CEO and president of LDH. Highbridge Capital Management co-founder Glenn Dubin will continue as co-chairman of LDH, the company said. In addition, Christopher Caperton, managing director and general counsel of the Louis Dreyfus Group, has been appointed to the LDH board of directors. Stamford, CT-based LDH is the merchant energy joint venture of the Louis Dreyfus Group and of the multi-strategy hedge fund of Highbridge Capital Management.

If recently announced drilling programs are any indication, 2011 could be the biggest year to date for Utica Shale exploration.

With the final report of the National Commission on the BP Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling due in just a few weeks, co-chair William K. Reilly is advising oil and gas industry CEOs to create an autonomous, industry-managed safety institute, as the nuclear power industry did with the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) following the Three Mile Island accident in 1979.