Shale Daily

In a move that may raise environmentalists’ criticism of the Heinz Endowments, Robert Vagt, the outgoing president of the Pittsburgh-based philanthropic organization, will step down next week to become chairman of Rice Energy Inc., an independent operator focused exclusively on the Appalachian Basin.

Produced volumes of U.S. shale gas will be bigger than conventional gas resources ever were or will be, BP plc’s chief economist said Wednesday.

While he said Colorado has some of the strictest standards in the nation for oil and natural gas development, Gov. John Hickenlooper pledged to toughen the state’s protections for air and water, working with lawmakers, the energy industry and environmental groups.

The Independent Petroleum Association of Americahas elected David R. Hill to serve as the organization’s next regional director in Ohio. Hill serves as vice president of the Ohio Oil and Gas Association and owns the oilfield services company David R. Hill Inc., which is located in the state. Hill will replace Jerry James, president of Ohio-based Artex Oil Co.

Officials in Potter County, PA, want the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to require that public water suppliers are notified when a permit is issued for oil and gas drilling in delineated water supply recharge areas.

An Ohio company has approached the City of Marietta, OH, to see if the municipality is interested in leasing 35 city-owned acres for oil and gas drilling targeting the Marcellus and Utica shales.

In the wake of two derailments involving tank cars loaded with crude oil, and concern over an expected increase in crude oil shipments by rail, Canadian regulators have proposed tougher construction standards for tank cars and additional certifications.

Binghamton, NY, officials won’t pursue a court fight over the city’s ban on unconventional drilling, but the mayor vowed Tuesday that no natural gas drilling would ever be allowed within the city limits.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) continues to move forward slowly with a set of proposed regulatory updates for the state’s oil and gas drillers with a series of public hearings scheduled throughout this month.