Marcellus

A series of precautions, some of which are already being used, can help reduce environmental and health risks associated with horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing (fracking), according to a study by researchers at West Virginia University (WVU).

Natural gas production in the Appalachian Basin, where the Utica Shale was once thought to be wetter and the Marcellus Shale continues to defy expectations, is projected to reach 34 Bcf/d by 2035, according to a revised estimate released Thursday by ICF International.

Energy Transfer Partners LP (ETP) has secured capacity commitments from some leading Appalachian gas producers for its planned 2.2 Bcf/d pipeline to carry Marcellus and Utica shale gas from area processing plants to multiple markets. With an open season under way, the project could grow to 3.25 Bcf/d, ETP said.

For the second time in less than a year, a bill that would require unconventional oil and gas drillers to report production data on a monthly basis has been introduced in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

For some time now, Rockies Express Pipeline LLC (REX) has heard the call from the Appalachian Basin: “Go West, Rockies pipeline.” REX recently filed with FERC for a project that would do just that, enabling Appalachian producers to access Midwest markets.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has fined Carrizo Oil & Gas Inc. $192,044 for two separate incidents that occurred in the northeast part of the state last year.

Although New England faces a host of natural gas transmission and storage challenges, many projects are in various stages of development in the region, according to a panel of energy industry executives.

A high-profile bill — written to shield royalty owners in Pennsylvania from post-production costs, but which has languished under the weight of special interests since April — will receive no further consideration until state lawmakers begin the fall legislative session.

Pennsylvania’s top oil and gas trade groups have sent a letter to Republican and Democratic leaders in both chambers of the state legislature, urging against the passage of a new severance tax on the industry.