NY, PA & NJ:

"How to Terminate a Gas Land Lease in New York State" (eHow)- http://www.ehow.com/how_7567617_terminate-lease-new-york-state.html

"Is Safe Drilling Possible?: "..."We need better casing standards," Allstadt emphasized. Casing integrity is vital to protecting groundwater from drilling contamination -- something the Pennsylvania Dept. of Environmental Protection has noted in their newest regulations. In addition to improving the quality of cement, Allstadt pointed out that drillers must check the casings prior to fracking...Allstadt doesn't believe drilling can be made as safe as airline travel -- there's just too little regulatory oversight for that, he says -- he believes the industry can make it safer. But that will only happen if people push much harder for protective regulations...Allstadt spoke at the "Real Impacts of Gas Drilling" forum held Tuesday, November 16 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Elmira..." " (The Marcellus Effect)- http://marcelluseffect.blogspot.com/2010/11/is-safe-drilling-possible.html

"Seismic Surveying: "...Seismic surveying plays an important role in natural gas development. This article will help to have a better understanding of the need for seismic testing...So why all the seismic activity in PA? Energy companies with large Marcellus acreage are looking at the best places to exploit the shale and retrieve the natural gas at the lowest cost to produce...Do seismic companies need landowner permission to conduct seismic testing? Companies leasing the gas rights may have the right to do the seismic testing as part of a signed lease agreement..." " (Penn State Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research via Penn State Cooperative Extension) (PA)- http://extension.psu.edu/naturalgas/news/2010/11/seismic-surveying

"Drilling Moratorium Being Pushed In Assembly: "...Lawmakers and environmental advocates are hopeful a temporary moratorium on natural gas drilling will be approved as lame-duck session of the state Assembly convenes in Albany this week...If the moratorium bill is approved, drilling in the area would be halted until May 15..." " (Politics on the Hudson/Democrat and Chronicle)- http://polhudson.lohudblogs.com/2010/11/28/drilling-moratorium-being-pushed-in-assembly/ & http://blogs.democratandchronicle.com/voteup/2010/11/28/drilling-moratorium-being-pushed-in-assembly/

"A letter to the editor from Dimmock PA: "...I have lived on the Meshoppen Creek Road in Dimock for 15 years. I likely have increased levels of methane in my well as a result of natural gas drilling around the vicinity of my home...One family on Carter Road has brown water. Brown water is a result of soluble iron coming out of solution and making the water look brown. Although your clothes may be rather dingy after washing them, iron is good for you and not hazardous to drink (it's in your vitamins)...I hope the new governor will take a fresh look at the science and leave the emotion out of the decision to run a water line..." " (Letter to editor (Submitted to GANNET by a member of Joint Landowners Coalition of New York), GANNETT NEW YORK NETWORK/The Rocket Courier) (PA)- http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20101128/VIEWPOINTS03/11280310 , http://www.stargazette.com/article/20101128/VIEWPOINTS03/11280310 & http://www.theithacajournal.com/article/20101128/VIEWPOINTS03/11280310 , , http://74.95.82.237:591/rconline/FMPro?-db=rconline.fp5&-format=record_detail.html&-lay=allfields&Category=Letters&IsCurrent=Y&-recid=12636459&-find=

"Nothing can be 100% safe -- not even drilling: "...Has anyone driven a car lately? There are accidents every day....Remember that "weight broke the wagon." But "wait" will break New York..." " (Letter to editor, GANNETT NEW YORK NETWORK) (NY)- http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20101128/VIEWPOINTS03/11280308 , http://www.theithacajournal.com/article/20101128/VIEWPOINTS03/11280308 & http://www.stargazette.com/article/20101128/VIEWPOINTS03/11280308

"Fracking in NY State: Q&A with Kevin Cahill: "...New York State Assemblyman Kevin Cahill answers questions from the audience following a sold-out screening of "Gasland" on Nov. 2, 2010, at the Rosendale Theatre. Included are his responses to: • Are all NY state legislators in the pockets of the gas industry? • How can corporations be made financially responsible for damages caused by hydraulic fracturing for natural gas ("fracking")? • What's the latest on Assemblyman Steve Englebright's call for a longer-term moratorium on fracking? • Why, even with regulation, can't we fully rely on the DEC? • How realistic is a permanent ban on fracking in NY?..." " (Video, Huson Valley Progressive Coalition) (NY)- http://www.hudsonvalleyprogressives.org/?p=2046

(Event) "Hydrofracking: Impacts on Hunters Fishermen and Outdoorsmen (and snowmobilers, cross country skiers and all outdoors-lovers): Wednesday December 8th 6:30 pm Lake Como Inn() 1307 East Lake Road Map Cortland, NY 13045 (315) 496-2149...Join Chris for a presentation on the Marcellus Shale Gas Play covering history of how gas is formed and extracted, impacts, ways industry strive to protect the environment and problems they experience, and how people react . Chris Burger owns Horizon Enterprises: Resource Management Consultant Co...Degrees in Chemical Engineering, Social Psychology, and Economics...Binghamton Regional Sustainability Coalition, Co-founder and Chair...Broome County Government Gas Drilling Education Committee...Center for Civic Engagement...NYS Sierra Club Gas Task Force...NYS Council of Churches Public Policy Commission...Southern Tier East Regional Development Strategy Committee...Sponsor: Tri-County Skaneateles Lake Pure Water Association....For more info and future events in the Skaneateles Lake watershed -- http://fivetownwatershed.wordpress.com ..." " (GDACC)- http://gdacc.wordpress.com/2010/11/28/lake-como-hydrofracking-impacts-on-hunters-fishermen-outdoorsmen-wed-nov-8/

(Event) "Impacts of Gas Drilling, Trumansburg High School Aud.: "...December 8 (6:30 pm) at the Trumansburg High School In a continuing effort to assess presumed consequences of "fracking," local residents, politicians and environmental groups will stage a free Public Educational Forum entitled, "Impacts of Gas Drilling with High Volume Hydrofracturing" on Dec. 8, 6:30 p.m. at Trumansburg High School (off route 96). The Forum will feature a faculty addressing diverse aspects of this complex problem:..." " (Shaleshock Action Alliance) (NY)- http://shaleshock.org/2010/11/impacts-of-gas-drilling-with-high-volume-hydrofracturing-trumansburg-high-school-aud/

"Paterson has full agenda for session; attendance unclear: "...Some groups are pushing for other bills to be on the to-do list, such as a moratorium on state permits for the practice of hydraulic fracturing -- a technique for extracting natural gas -- in the Marcellus Shale until May 15. The Senate previously passed the legislation. The natural-gas industry opposes the ban. Environmental Advocates spokeswoman Erica Ringewald said hydrofracking opponents are hopeful the legislation will be on the agenda, particularly given comments Paterson made Wednesday. The governor said on WAMC radio in Albany that anti-hydrofracking advocates "have raised enough of an argument to thwart us going forward at this time."..." " (GANNETT NEW YORK NETWORK) (NY)- http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20101126/NEWS01/11260324 , http://www.stargazette.com/article/20101126/NEWS01/11260324 , http://www.theithacajournal.com/article/20101126/NEWS01/11260324 , http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/article/20101128/NEWS/11280383 & http://www.wgrztv.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=97213&catid=13

"Assembly bill on hydrofracking would harm New York businesses" (Letter from Brad Gill Executive director, Independent Oil & Gas Association of New York)- http://blog.syracuse.com/opinion/2010/11/letter-writers_sound_off_on_hy.html

"Doctor's comments on fracking includes flawed scientific details: "...The energy from hydrofracking cannot, from first principles, push these dense saline waters or frac fluids vertically upwards through rock thousands of feet, even through pre-existing fractures. And, wherever the Marcellus has been fracked, sensitive geophysical data confirm that the micro-fractures do not form thousands of feet above the formation..." " (Letter from Donald Siegel, Department of Earth Sciences, Syracuse University) (NY)- http://blog.syracuse.com/opinion/2010/11/letter-writers_sound_off_on_hy.html (See also- http://cnyskeptics.org/2010/10/november-2010/ , http://www.friendsofnaturalgasny.com/?s=siegel & http://www.energyindepth.org/tag/donald-siegel/ )

"Way too many ‘coulds,' ‘maybes' to allow fracking in community: "...He further insults our intelligence by claiming environmental benefits. Really? Do the most basic of research and see the horrendous damage this does to our environment. You only need to go south, just across the border into Pennsylvania to see exactly what hydrofracking has done.." " (Letter to editor, The Post-Standard) (NY)- http://blog.syracuse.com/opinion/2010/11/letter-writers_sound_off_on_hy.html

"We mustn't turn beautiful Upstate N.Y. into industrial wasteland: "...William Cristofaro sings the praises of gas drilling for economic and environmental benefits. Perhaps his engineering company would benefit, but most of us would not and, instead, might pay higher taxes to repair the damage to water, roads and human health. Rural communities that embrace large-scale drilling could be worse off economically after the initial boom..." " (Letter to editor, The Post-Standard) (NY)- http://blog.syracuse.com/opinion/2010/11/letter-writers_sound_off_on_hy.html

"Sustainable energy creating sustainable jobs is better idea: "...Maybe we should be developing truly sustainable energy sources that create truly sustainable jobs..." " (Letter to editor, The Post-Standard) (NY)- http://blog.syracuse.com/opinion/2010/11/letter-writers_sound_off_on_hy.html

"11-year-old calls for long-term moratorium, stronger regulations: "...Dear Andrew Cuomo, Joanie Mahoney and New York state legislators:...I am 11 years old...I am calling for a temporary two-year moratorium till the EPA study is done and after that a 200-year moratorium and greater gas and oil regulations. We live in a special place..." " (Letter to editor, The Post-Standard) (NY)- http://blog.syracuse.com/opinion/2010/11/letter-writers_sound_off_on_hy.html

"Gas explosions can happen here too/Regulators target dangers underground: "..."We have no evidence that [they're] unsafe. We have no evidence that they're not meeting the requirements of integrity management" plans required by federal law, said James Giuliano, director of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities division of reliability and security, about interstate pipelines running through New Jersey. "But we want to have that dialogue, because if there's a consequence, it's local."..." " (NJ)- http://www.northjersey.com/news/business/business_news/110927334_Gas_explosions_can_happen_here_too.html & http://www.northjersey.com/news/bergen/110927334_Gas_explosions_can_happen_here_too.html

(Event) "Screening of anti-fracking film ‘Gasland' Dec. 8: "...GENEVA...It will be shown Dec. 8 at the Smith Opera House..."Gasland is a fairy tale,'' said James Smith, spokesman for IOGA. "The filmmaker take irresponsible liberties with history and the public record. He misrepresents the laws governing drilling and the processes involved in natural gas exploration, and he reiterates myths that have long been discredited,'' Smith said...Fox has issued a detailed rebuttal to the accusations. After the movie is shown, there will be a panel discussion featuring: John Halfman, professor of geoscience and chairman of the Environmental Studies program at Hobart and William Smith Colleges and research scientist at the Finger Lakes Institute...Jack Ossont, president of The Committee to Preserve the Finger Lakes, which has taken a strong stance against hydrofracking...Edwin Przybylowicz, retired senior vice president and director of research for Kodak, member of the Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association board of directors and chairman of the association's Marcellus Shale Committee. There will be questions from the audience, moderated by Cianciotto. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for informal discussions with local environmental groups sponsoring the movie..." " (Finger Lakes Times) (NY)- http://www.fltimes.com/articles/2010/11/28/news/doc4cf1ca9f69c6b510431584.txt

"DEC challenging EPA's authority over Chesapeake cleanup plan: "...The Department of Environmental Conservation is challenging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's authority to force New York and other headwater states to participate in its plan to clean up the Chesapeake Bay watershed. New York has been at odds for months with the EPA regarding a draft, called the Total Maximum Daily Load plan, that would require headwater states to adopt the TMDL, a "pollution diet" that places strict nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment output limits on each state..." " (GANNETT NEW YORK NETWORK) (NY)- http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20101128/NEWS01/11280328 , http://www.theithacajournal.com/article/20101128/NEWS01/11280328 & http://www.stargazette.com/article/20101128/NEWS01/11280328

"Natural Gas Matters (November 21st 2010): "...This is show dated November 21st 2010. This talk show is dedicated to answering questions and helping Land Owners with their issues related to the Natural Gas Industry in Pennsylvania. The show airs live weekly on Sunday morning on Newstalk FM 104.7 in Pittsburgh PA and is hosted by Jason Miller and Chris Whinery..." " (Audio, WPGB via Archive.org) (PA)- http://www.archive.org/details/NaturalGasMattersnovember21st2010

"Can Natural Gas Companies Become Good Citizens?: "...When accused of creating environmental health hazards, gas companies simply tell homeowners, "Prove it." But, wait. Shouldn't the burden of proof that they have done no harm really belong on the gas companies?..." " (From a member of Town of Colden Environmental Planning Board, The Post-Journal) (NY)- http://betav2.post-journal.com/page/content.detail/id/575690/Can-Natural-Gas-Companies-Become-Good-Citizens-.html?nav=5071

"Call to Action - Move the FRAC Act: "...The Lancaster County Democratic Committee does not currently have a policy position on Marcellus Shale or the fracking process. However, there is concern among county Democrats about regulation of the fracking process and the taxation of extracting natural gas from Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale region. We are also concerned about regulations that would prohibit individual townships from regulating the spreading of discharge water from the fracking process on our county's farmland. We support Rep. Mike Sturla's efforts examine regulation of the Marcellus Shale industry in Pennsylvania..." " (Lancaster County Democratic Committee) (PA)- http://www.lancasterdems.com/news10-11-28_marcellus.htm

"Nockamixon officials deserve credit: "...On Nov. 11, the Intelligencer published an ill-informed letter from Tom Linzey, the executive director of the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund. The letter baselessly attacks Nockamixon Township officials and the Delaware Riverkeeper, who achieved a significant victory over Arbor Resources, which was seeking to develop gas drilling in the Township...Linzey also incorrectly states the status of the law, wrongly asserting that state laws prohibit the township from adopting any local laws interfering with gas company operations. In fact, as Nockamixon's supervisors helped establish, municipalities can regulate gas drilling through the exercise of their zoning authority..." " (The Intelligencer) (PA)- http://www.phillyburbs.com/opinions/opinion_details/article/363/2010/november/28/nockamixon-officials-deserve-credit.html

"Gas drillers not demurred by early Luzerne County results/Neighbor's luck may spread across border: "...The decision of Encana Oil & Gas USA Inc. to abandon its exploratory natural gas wells in Luzerne County isn't affecting three other gas companies' plans to drill a few miles across the border in Columbia County. That might be good news for Luzerne County landowners as some geology experts believe the fringes of the county could have more potential than Encana's initial results seemed to indicate..." " (Times-Shamrock Communications) (PA)- http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/gas-drilling/gas-drillers-not-demurred-by-early-luzerne-county-results-1.1070018 , http://citizensvoice.com/news/neighbor-s-luck-may-spread-across-border-1.1069984 & http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/4699773

"Natural gas drillers try to ease fears: Firm hires politicial operative to deal with public concerns: "...Information both good and bad swirls around the Marcellus Shale drilling companies. Everything is questioned -- from their motives to their operations. It's the bad information that frustrates Brian Grove the most. He's senior director of corporate development at Chesapeake Energy, and a resident of Tunkhannock in Wyoming County. Grove was a former top executive in Pennsylvania state government, most recently chief of staff to state Sen. Lisa Baker, R-20. He's also worked in the administrations of Govs. Tom Ridge and Mark Schweiker. Part of Grove's job now is to work with residents and community groups, serving as a liaison between Chesapeake and local governments..." " (The Daily Item) (PA)- http://dailyitem.com/0100_news/x161017112/Drillers-try-to-ease-fears & http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/4699899

(Event) "Green Party plans fundraising dinner: "...The Green Party of York County will hold a fundraising dinner in downtown York Thursday, Dec. 2, at 6 p.m. The event, "Clean Air, Water and Soil: Protecting Nature, Protecting ComMunities," will be held at Culinary Creations, 33 N. Beaver St. The evening will include a showing of the documentary film "Gasland," that highlights the environmental impacts of natural gas fracking in the Marcellus Shale region. Special guest, Ben Price, Projects Director of the Community and Environmental Legal Defense Fund, will speak. He coordinates community organizing across Pennsylvania where over 100 communities have adopted Legal Defense Fund-drafted laws. He is currently serving as adviser to Pittsburgh City Council members, assisted in drafting Pittsburgh's Protection from Natural Gas Drilling Ordinance, and is working with other communities in Pennsylvania and New York to adopt community-rights ordinances that subordinate corporate privileges to human and civil rights. A spaghetti dinner will be served beginning at 6 p.m. that will include salad, dessert and beverages for a donation of $25. For reservations,..." " (The Evening Sun) (PA)- http://www.eveningsun.com/localnews/ci_16724957 & http://www.yorkgreenparty.org/?p=103

"Region's land needs guards with courage Kevin Blaum In the Arena: "...Yet, not one public official stands in their way. New York has not allowed fracking in the Empire State. Nor has the Delaware River Basin Commission permitted it within its vast purview. And Pittsburgh recently banned it from the Steel City. Yet, in Luzerne County, Chemical People are in the driver's seat..." " (The Times Leader) (PA)- http://www.timesleader.com/opinion/columnists/blaum/Region_rsquo_s_land_needs_guards_with_courage_Kevin_Blaum_In_the_Arena_11-28-2010.html

"Pennsylvania hunters should be careful of natural gas wells, drillers: "...The oil and gas group also wants hunters to know that using a storage tank as a tree stand is a no-no..." " (The Express-Times) (PA)- http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/news/index.ssf?/base/news-1/129092072320220.xml&coll=3

"Drilling sites present obstacles for hunters: "..."Operations continue normally during hunting season," said Brian Grove, senior director for Corporate Development at Chesapeake. "Our drilling sites are well marked, occupied by a 130-foot-tall drilling rig, and have activity around the clock."..." " (The Citizens Voice) (PA)- http://citizensvoice.com/news/drilling-sites-present-obstacles-for-hunters-1.1069994

"Hunters, gas drilling industry to share the land: "...Sportmen may find deer patterns were disrupted..."Gas drilling and royalties will help maintain the forests and public lands now and in the future," Mohr said. "The money coming in from that should see that it is maintained in perpetuity -- there's no reason they can't afford to upkeep our state parks anymore, if they use this money wisely."..." " (Centre Daily Times) (PA)- http://www.centredaily.com/2010/11/28/2365488/hunters-industry-to-share-the.html

"Moon Lake to be open on limited basis/County seeks outside help for Moon Lake Park: "...Last year and earlier this year, county officials explored the possibility of allowing a company to use lake water from the park for natural gas drilling, but drilling companies lost interest..." " (Times-Shamrock Communications) (PA)- http://standardspeaker.com/news/moon-lake-to-be-open-on-limited-basis-1.1069996 . http://citizensvoice.com/news/county-seeks-outside-help-for-moon-lake-park-1.1070027 & http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/4699768

"Drill for gas right beside strip club: "..."It should not be anywhere near a waterway,'' Councilman Bill Peduto said. Fracking ponds can spill and seep, and he fears the damage that might be caused by a flood, a 50-year rain or even melting snow..." " (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) (PA)- http://www.pittsburghpostgazette.com/pg/10332/1106334-155.stm

"Appoint commission for Marcellus shale (11/28/10): "...Pennsylvania is a poor state. The Marcellus deposit is a once in a millennium opportunity to turn around our economy. We need an independent commission, not politicians, to oversee the Marcellus shale to protect our future..." " (Letter to editor, Reading Eagle) (PA)- http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=267449

"Lawmakers: Economy, spending on agenda: "...Lawmakers said they also plan to work on pension reform, education, getting a budget passed by June 30, electric competition and gas pipeline safety...Along those lines, Republican state Rep. Bob Godshall of Hatfield said he will focus on gas pipeline safety. "With the expansion of natural gas drilling within the commonwealth, it is critical that gas pipelines are subject to safety inspections and that violations are enforced and swiftly remedied," he said..." " (Bucks County Courier Times) (PA)- http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/courier_times/courier_times_news_details/article/28/2010/november/26/lawmakers-economy-spending-on-agenda.html

"Area lawmakers offer legislation wish lists: "...Rep. Dante Santoni Jr., a Reading Democrat: "I am severely disappointed the Legislature was unable to enact a fair extraction tax on Marcellus shale...I am concerned for Pennsylvanians because they are going to be asked to sacrifice more and more while out-of-state business executives rake in profits from our resources."..." " (Reading Eagle) (PA)- http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=267807

"Chance of clouds: "..New Jersey has been making significant strides in harnessing fossil fuel alternatives...The United States is poised at the point of moving forward with alternative energy or regressing to reliance on fossil fuels. The right choice will make all the difference to this nation's future..." " (NJ)- http://www.nj.com/opinion/times/editorials/index.ssf?/base/news-1/1290840337228120.xml&coll=5

"Peak Oil in Pennsylvania: "...Here I pass along a few items on the early history of the oil industry that I found interesting. The first commercial oil well was completed in Pennsylvania in 1859..." " (Wall Street Pit)- http://wallstreetpit.com/51540-peak-oil-in-pennsylvania

National & International:

"11/28/2010 Natural Gas Daily Report" (The Carbon Capture Report)- http://gas.carboncapturereport.org/cgi-bin//dailyreport?DATE=2010-11-28 

"Macquarie Energy and Freeport LNG Expansion, L.P. to Jointly Develop U.S. LNG Export Project: "...The proposed liquefaction facility will be capable of liquefying up to 1.4 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of natural gas and will create a world-class bi-directional import/export LNG terminal...Worldwide growth in both LNG demand and supply is forecasted to continue, with the rate of demand outpacing supply. The majority of the demand growth is expected to be driven by Asia...Freeport LNG expects to file for an export license with the Department of Energy in December and shortly thereafter start the approval process with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)..." " (Press Release) (Macquarie)- http://www.macquarie.com/us/about_macquarie/media_centre/20101122.html

"Shell Seeks to Sell Texas Gas Fields: "...The most likely buyer for the natural-gas assets is an energy-focused private-equity firm or Master Limited Partnership...Shell isn't the only large oil company looking to sell its U.S. gas assets...In October, China's Cnooc Ltd. bought a 33.3% stake in Chesapeake Energy Corp.'s Eagle Ford shale oil and gas acreage in south Texas for about $1.1 billion..." " (The Wall Street Journal)- http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703785704575643091879751782.html?ru=MKTW&mod=MKTW

"Oil Field Accident -- Lawsuit Funding: "...Back in 2007, Leland Taylor, aged 47 at the time, sustained career-ending injuries in an oil field accident. He was working as a flow back hand for Nadel & Gussman LLC which is an oil and gas drilling company. On Aug. 29, the victim was monitoring the flow back hand in Rusk County when increased flow pressre caused a component of the assembly to detach and hit him....If you're looking for lawsuit cash advance, look no further than Solid Funding..." " (Solid Funding)- http://solidfunding.com/news/lawsuit-funding/oil-field-accident-%E2%80%93-lawsuit-funding/#more-486

"GRITtv: How 'Natural' Is Natural Gas?: "...Will natural gas solve our energy problems? The oil and gas industry has been making their case that natural gas is a clean alternative to fossil fuels, that it will reduce our dependency on foreign oil, and create jobs. What the industry doesn?t mention is the highly controversial practice required to extract the oil known as hydraulic fracturing. Today, filmmaker Josh Fox, Earth Justice Senior Attorney Deborah Goldberg, Sabrina Artel, Host and Producer of Trailertalk, and Natural Resources Defense Council Attorney Kate Sinding on why hydraulic fracturing poses a real threat to water supplies in the United States and the New York city watershed in particular..." " (GRITtv)- http://blip.tv/file/2381538

"Natural Gas Impeding Renewable Energy Growth" (SmartGrid)- http://smart-grid.tmcnet.com/topics/smart-grid-fa/articles/121316-natural-gas-impeding-renewable-energy-growth.htm

"Critical overreach: On balance, habitat rule for bears isn't worth it: "...When considering the federal government's decision to label almost 200,000 square miles of Arctic Ocean and North Slope coastline as "critical habitat" for polar bears, understand this: It does little to help the bears. At the same time, it could have an enormous price tag. The cost would be borne by Alaskans, taxpayers nationwide and a variety of commercial enterprises that will pass on the expense to their customers...The threat is climate warming, which has melted the sea ice habitat used by several polar bear subgroups within the circumpolar population..." " (Alaska)- http://newsminer.com/view/full_story/10467404/article-Critical-overreach--On-balance--habitat-rule-for-bears-isn%E2%80%99t-worth-it-?instance=home_opinion_editorial

"New Doc Digs into Gas Business Controversy: "...Adlesic is the executive producer of Josh Fox's new investigative documentary film,"GasLand," about the natural gas industry's effects on the environment, particularly with regard to the controversial practice of hydrofacturing rocks in order to yield more product. There are, the producer said, large local implications to the issue. "New York is the only state that's held out in a 35-state drilling campaign," Adlesic told an intimate audience Monday night at a SoHo House screening that's part of the React to Film series. "The rest of the country is looking to New York [to see] what they should do."..." " (NBC New York)- http://www.nbcnewyork.com/blogs/niteside/Gasland-film-screening-at-soho-house106512719-106525389.html

"2011 Oscar documentary shortlist: Surprises and snubs: "...The best and most surprising picks were two little movies that made their own big impacts this past year: "GasLand," in which filmmaker Josh Fox tackles the environmental and health risks of natural gas drilling, was a hit at D.C.'s Environmental Film Festival when it screened here last March. Fox has since taken his movie on the road, showing the film in communities where the energy industry is trying to acquire natural gas leases, and in some cases dissuading people from signing their rights away. He's also screened "GasLand" in Washington, at the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Justice and Congress. "The thing that was most important to me was to get on the road with the film and get it out in front of people," Fox says, adding that he began screening the film as a work in progress. "Basically, I've been touring with the movie for a year and a half. It's been exhausting, but also the most rewarding thing I've ever done in my life." Fox estimates that up to 60,000 people have seen "GasLand" in small community screenings. His do-it-yourself road show offers proof that nonfiction films have the potential to change the political conversation and (literal) topography, even without the munificence of such well-funded provocateurs as Participant Media ..." " (The Washington Post)- http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/28/AR2010112803633.html

"Technology and Money Have Dragged Modern Culture to Cliff of Extinction: "...But don't all these concerns disappear when the New York Times says "There Will Be Fuel" (Nov. 16, 2010)? The article attempts to soothe consumers and investors with "the nation has gas reserves for 100-plus years." This statement and the mention of some oil discoveries are meant to let the proponents of endless growth confidently bid adieu peak oil. There are several problems with the rosy scenario..." " (Atlantic Free Press)- http://www.atlanticfreepress.com/news/1/13910-technology-and-money-have-dragged-modern-culture-to-cliff-of-extinction-.html

(Event) "Natural gas: friend or foe of sustainability?: "....Is natural gas a "bridge" to a clean energy future? Or is it a detour? That's the topic of a free webinar that I will moderate on Tuesday, November 30, with natural-gas experts Geoff Styles and David Hone at The Energy Collective..." " (Marc Gunther)- http://www.marcgunther.com/2010/11/28/natural-gas-friend-or-foe-of-sustainability/

"Fracking: "...Follow SydesJokes/JokeHacker on Twitter..." " (Video, YouTube) (Canada)- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFsjeV207X8

"Jamaica is open for business -- Marks: "...JAMAICA'S Ambassador to the United States Audrey Marks has told members of the business sector in New Jersey that Jamaica is ready and open for business with a wide range of opportunities for investment...Marks pointed to a number of investment projects that are either underway or in the finals stages of planning, including...conversion to Liquefied Natural Gas..." " (Jamaica & NJ)- http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/business/Jamaica-is-open-for-business---Marks_8189867

"CITY OF WEST FRANKFORT v. FULLOP: "...THE CITY OF WEST FRANKFORT, Appellant, v. HENRY FULLOP et al., d/b/a The Eastern Petroleum Company, Appellees...Opinion filed September 23, 1955...The plaintiff, City of West Frankfort, which operates a municipal water system supplied from Lake West Frankfort, owned by the city and located some eight miles east of the city limits, enacted an ordinance declaring a certain area around the lake a drainage area, reciting a prohibition of oil and gas well operations there as necessary to protect the public water supply, and prohibiting both drilling and operating of oil and gas wells in the area...The issues raised by the pleadings and on this appeal may be summarized as follows: First, did the city have statutory authority to enact the ordinance? In this regard, did any statutory authority exist, and if so, what is its nature and extent? Second, is the ordinance, as an exercise of said authority, valid as against the constitutional provisions that "No person shall be deprived of * * * property, without due process of law" (Ill. Const., art. II, sec. 2,) and that "Private property shall not be taken or damaged for [ 6 Ill.2d 612 ] public use without just compensation" (Art. II, sec. 13.)? This involves a question of whether the ordinance, both on its face and as applied to the facts here, is a reasonable exercise of the police power. Third, did the trial court err in allowing a motion to dismiss the complaint for injunction? To answer this, it must be decided if injunctive relief was proper on the allegations of the complaint and the evidence adduced in support thereof by the plaintiff....Viewed in general perspective, it appears from the evidence that the means adopted in the ordinance (the prohibition of oil and gas well drilling and operations within the lake drainage area) may be properly within the scope of the authority granted, (the prevention of pollution to the water supply,) and there may be a reasonable relationship between the two. For the evidence, summarized further, shows a definite causal relationship between oil well drilling and/or production and pollution or injury to a water supply, at least potentially...The plaintiff's evidence tended to prove the following facts: The defendants' well sites, about 7 miles from the city and 1.5 and 1.7 miles respectively from the lake water level, were only 70 feet and 100 feet respectively from the main tributary of the lake's creek source, and above it at 3 to 5 per cent grades. (The defendants admit in their pleadings that they applied for a drilling permit and intend to drill at these sites.) While drilling oil wells is a limited hazard, operation is always a potential hazard, and there is salt water contamination in drilling operations. And while not all wells produce salt water, it is the normal discharge in the area. There is no satisfactory way to dispose of salt water from wells, and evaporation pits often do not work. Even from nonproducing wells in the area, [ 6 Ill.2d 616 ] salt water runs out of the pits right into the lake. Photographs of pits in the area show breaks and run-off flows. Salt content of such run-off water is as high as 85,000 to 90,000 parts per million, far in excess of the 250 parts maximum for public safety. One gallon of salt water would pollute 600 gallons of fresh water..." " (Leagle) (Illinois)- http://www.leagle.com/xmlResult.aspx?xmldoc=19556156Ill2d609_1546.xml&docbase=CSLWAR1-1950-1985

"Arkansas's National Forest is Approved for 1,730 more Gas Wells...What are they thinking?: "...Please everyone...no matter what state or country you are from...Please let Judith Henry know the people do not approve of this plan and you demand a moratorium on new gas wells in the National Forest. This is public land that belongs to YOU...the PEOPLE!..." " (Arkansas)- http://a4gda.blogspot.com/2010/11/arkansass-ozark-national-forest-is.html

"Drilling fears: "...NORTH JACKSON -...Across the road, at 1920 North Newton Falls Road, dozens of trucks and tractor trailers have been carrying heavy metal scaffolding, hundreds of gallons of water and other liquids and equipment needed to dig down several hundred feet into the hard farmland in Milton Township. ''I didn't know what was happening," Happel said recently. "Then we had someone come by saying he wanted to test our water."...The Happels soon found drilling had begun on a gas well that would reach into the Marcellus Shale...Ohio Buckeye Energy LLC (an affiliate of Chesapeake Energy) applied on Sept. 22 for a permit to dig a vertical well..."As long as it is not extracting any materials, there are no setback requirements that the company has to adhere to," Opritza said...."I'm wondering if we should hire an outside water testing company that is not associated with the company to do testing to ensure the results," she said..." " (Ohio)- http://www.tribtoday.com/page/content.detail/id/550115/Drilling-fears.html?nav=5021

"Gas Well Committee: "...Highland Heights...As previously discussed, it appears that a majority of Council members prefer drilling in the park over arbitrating Bass Energy's breach of contract claim. To that end, a Gas Well Committee (GWC) has been formed. Their charge? To select drilling sites in the park. In an interesting twist, except for Councilman Scott Mills (who appears to be serving in his capacity as Council President), the rest of Council---including the majority who would rather drill than arbitrate---are steering clear of any direct personal involvement in the GWC. I call this an "interesting twist" because, after all, Council members were elected for the express purpose of representing Highland Heights residents in making important city decisions--not to pass the job off to an honorable but hand-selected, unelected group of delegates instead. Clearly Council members are hoping to use the GWC to provide them with a layer of political insulation---protection they need in light of residents' previously clearly expressed opinion (through their overwhelming approval of Charter § 14.07) that gas wells should be kept out of the park..." " (Ohio)- http://highlandheightsohiohappenings.blogspot.com/2010/11/updates-and-reader-comments.html

"Railroad quiet zones, drilling under Lake Erie: Whatever happened to?: "...Gov.-elect Kasich's opposition to drilling in Lake Erie and the ongoing federal drilling ban effectively end any discussion of future legislation on the issue, said Tom Stewart, executive vice president of the Ohio Oil and Gas Association, an industry trade group. "Politics is the art of the possible," Stewart said. "I don't see that as a viable issue."..." " (Ohio)- http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2010/11/railroad_quiet_zones_drilling.html#lake

"Gantzer Drill Pad Complete: "...Though there will be no drilling on the actual Highlands property, Ohio County Administrator Greg Stewart said Chesapeake will drill about 8,000 feet down into the ground on the Gantzer land. The company will then turn the well horizontally toward The Highlands on the north side of I-70 to drain gas from the county's land..." " (West Virginia)- http://www.news-register.net/page/content.detail/id/549241/Gantzer-Drill-Pad-Complete.html?nav=515

"Exploration - balance a must: "...Such efforts and others dealing with rig accountability and regular inspections must be taken seriously. Even after memories of the Gulf spill pale or Haynesville Shale hoopla dissipates, there will still be oil and gas wells, pipelines and other infrastructure crisscrossing Louisiana lands and waters. All need to be maintained and monitored with sufficient oversight to assure the safety of our citizenry and the integrity of our environment...." " (Louisiana)- http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20101128/OPINION03/11270314/Exploration-balance-a-must

"Huge release in DISH, Texas last night: "...Is everyone in DISH alright this morning? Did you find any asphyxiated animals last night? There was a huge release in DISH according to the TCEQ permanent monitor that only monitors 46 of the 187 air toxics. Too bad Mayor Tillman didn't have any private monitoring going on last night. Or did he? Ethane was measured at 423.23 ppb. Ethane is 1% to 6% methane so, if my calculations are correct, that's 42 ppm of methane releasing into the atmosphere. UPDATE: On the 26th there was an even higher release! At 9 PM, it was 678 ppb. Remember that Argyle and Flower Mound had several high releases in mid November with the highest measured at 96 ppm. According to a presentation at EARTHWORKS' Oil and Gas Accountability Project's 2010 People's Oil and Gas Summit by Cornell professor, Bob Howarth, methane has 105 times greater Global Warming potential than C02 when considered on a 20 year time frame...His conclusion from this study is that natural gas is as bad as coal and possibly much worse..." " (TXsharon) (Texas)- http://txsharon.blogspot.com/2010/11/huge-release-in-dish-texas-last-night.html

"Drill, Maybe, Drill? Almost Three Years After Council OK'd Gas Leases, Hunt Still Concerned: "...Patrick Michels has been all over XTO Energy's efforts to sink some gas drills in and around Dallas, a piece of which may or may not wind up on the council's year-ending agenda on December 8 following the City Plan Commission's decision last month to deny the wastewater-spilling Exxon subsidiary a permit to drill at Hensley Field in far west Oak Cliff. But as council member Angela Hunt reminds on her blog: While XTO takes its case to the council, "more immediately troubling, however, is that a company named Keystone wants a variance from the Town of Flower Mound to drill less than 500 feet from Lake Grapevine, a source for Dallas' drinking water."...Writes the District 14 rep, "Keystone has requested numerous variances from current regulations, including its proximity to Lake Grapevine and its location in a FEMA floodplain. I plan to attend the meeting, and have asked city staff to take whatever steps necessary to protect Dallas' water supply." Now, Pittsburgh's city council just banned gas drilling within the city limits..." " (Texas)- http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/unfairpark/2010/11/drill_maybe_drill_almost_three.php

"Environmental rules could be rolled back: "...Richardson and the state Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department also made efforts to protect Otero Mesa from oil and gas drilling, while the state Environment Department led the charge to enforce water quality standards from Los Alamos National Laboratory and Kirtland Air Force Base to the dairies scattered across southern New Mexico...The state Oil Conservation Commission also adopted controversial rules aimed at safeguarding groundwater supplies from waste pits in oil and gas country. "I think the state of New Mexico is going to see a full fledged attack by the special interests on water quality. That is very unfortunate because usually if you're attacking water quality, a lot of times you're looking at rural areas," Curry said. Curry and others are also worried about the makeup of a committee appointed by the incoming governor to identify the state's next environment secretary. The committee is dominated by the oil and gas industry..." " (New Mexico)- http://www.alamogordonews.com/ci_16725680

"Heating bills may be lower for some: "...Recession, drilling technology help keep natural gas price down...New Mexico Gas customers could enjoy slightly lower heating bills than last year....New Mexico Gas predicts December prices for natural gas will be about 4 cents lower per therm than last year..." " (New Mexico)- http://www.sfnewmexican.com/Local%20News/Heating-bills-may-be-lower-for-some- & http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/4699815

"Both sides of oil- and gas-drilling debate hope Hickenlooper will hear their concerns: "...After months of campaign criticism of a sweeping set of 2- year-old restrictions on oil and gas drilling, talk of repealing the regulations or reopening the rulemaking process appears to have fizzled. Meanwhile, environmentalists and oil and gas producers both are optimistic Gov.-elect John Hickenlooper will listen to their concerns about changing the regulations. Tisha Schuller, president and chief executive of the Colorado Oil and Gas Association, which has tried to overturn the rules in court in a lawsuit that is still pending, says her group wants to cooperate with the incoming governor and the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission..." " (Colorado)- http://www.denverpost.com/legislature/ci_16725762

"MATTERS AT HAND: Wilderness dreams live in western N.D.: "...The Badlands experience is still intact, however. Despite rapid development, especially of oil and gas, the character of the area is wild -- and it can remain wild if we recognize the essential characteristic that Roosevelt enunciated. If we have foresight..." " (North Dakota)- http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/article/id/184863/

"Pipeline coordinator discusses project: "...Tuesday night at the Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center, Larry Persily, federal coordinator for the Alaska Natural Gas Transportation Projects, spoke at a town meeting to update Homer on the pipeline..."Our job is to make sure no federal agency makes a difficult project any more difficult than it needs to be," Persily said. Permitting isn't the big problem. For example, the law creating the Office of the Federal Coordinator says that if the gas line goes ahead, agencies have to complete environmental impact statements in 18 months. "There's nothing in Washington, D.C., stopping this project," Persily said...Persily said he sees a couple of things that need to happen to build an Alaska gas pipeline: * A demand for Alaska natural gas in 2020 and beyond at prices high enough to cover shipping costs, and * Assurance to producers that they won't bear the cost alone of the pipeline..." " (Alaska)- http://www.peninsulaclarion.com/stories/112810/new_742683754.shtml

"Josh Fox reflects on Gasland & plays banjo at TEDx Vancouver: "...Future Shop's Elliott Chun speaks with Josh Fox, documentary film maker of Gasland, followed by an exclusive banjo performance..." " (Video, YouTube) (Canada)- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbXD1ZoBD6M & http://futureshopforums.com/t5/Tech-Blog/TEDx-Vancouver-Weber-Shandwick-s-Power-amp-storytelling-Fox/ba-p/241747

"Protest rally in Perth against gas hub: "...Mr Barnett has come under fire for moving to compulsorily acquire land for the Woodside Petroleum-led project after negotiations with traditional land claimants stalled..."The problem is, of course, we have a premier who's absolutely determined to impose this project on the coast of the Kimberley, no matter what. "Somehow or other we have to convince the premier that there is a way out for him that will save his political face and at the same time protect one the world's great natural environments. "So it's a challenge for us all to work out how we can allow the premier to back down gracefully."..." " (Australia)- http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/protest-rally-in-perth-against-gas-hub-20101128-18c6c.html

"Farmers' Fury: "...Angry farmers have picketed a gas company site near Tara, west of Brisbane, demanding a moratorium on gas exploration until it's properly researched..." " (Video, ten ia YouTube) (Australia)- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85LyrdizXco