"U.S. Energy Development Corporation Announces Multiple Acquisitions along with Investment in a Natural Gas Liquids Processing Plant: "...In the Appalachian Basin, U.S. Energy has completed the acquisition of seventeen natural gas producing properties from Range Resources, Inc., an exploration and production company, in the Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties of Western New York. U.S. Energy and Range Resources were joint venture partners in the initial drilling of these wells. The company has executed its preferential right to purchase these wells with an effective sale date of December 1, 2009. U.S. Energy also purchased several producing oil wells and undeveloped properties for 40 new drilling locations in northwestern Pennsylvania. Infrastructure is largely in place in this area and U.S. Energy is planning to begin drilling on the remaining acreage in the next several months...and has acquired two producing natural gas wells in the Fayette County portion of the Marcellus Shale. The Marcellus Shale wells were acquired from the private equity group, Oil and Gas Equity Management...U.S. Energy has planned investment for a natural gas liquids (NGL) processing plant in the Marcellus Shale portion of northern Pennsylvania. This plant is considered a mid-stream asset and is a requirement in the oil and gas industry. The liquids processed by this plant will have originated from areas throughout the Marcellus Shale and Appalachian Basin..." " (Business Wire)- http://www.sunherald.com/2010/12/14/2711952/us-energy-development-corporation.html & http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20101214005270/en/U.S.-Energy-Development-Corporation-Announces-Multiple-Acquisitions

"To frack or not to frack: "...It is this perceived threat to water supplies that has pushed New York legislators into action. However, Kathryn Klaber of the Marcellus Shale Coalition, an industry group, has rebutted this threat. She said: 'What gets a lot of attention is the hydraulic fracturing process. Well, the regulators and others who study this very carefully [say] that is not the biggest risk. It's very difficult, and, in fact, has never been shown that from 8,000-feet down a process is contaminating drinking water … We're focused on where the real challenges are, which is making sure you don't have any spills, and there's no surface interactions with the compounds we use.'..." " (Process Engineering) (UK)- http://www.theengineer.co.uk/channels/process-engineering/comments/to-frack-or-not-to-frack/1006546.article

"Opposition to Drillers Taking Water from Susquehanna River: "...People in a community in Susquehanna County are launching a battle against the natural gas industry. They found out Cabot Oil and Gas wants to truck millions of gallons of water out of the Susquehanna River in their neighborhoods. A crowd of people showed up Tuesday night at the Oakland Township supervisors meeting. They wanted to see if the supervisors in that community near Susquehanna Borough can do anything to stop the plan to take all the water from the river and bring all the water trucks to their neighborhood..." " (Video, WNEP) (PA)- http://www.wnep.com/wnep-susq-river-meeting,0,3644604.story

"Marcellus Shale: "...Drill, baby, drill is now Pennsylvania's slogan. Gas companies have been scrambling to take advantage of the Marcellus shale natural gas deposits. While all of this could mean new energy sources, tax revenue and jobs, environmentalists are worried about the impact. Toxic chemicals used in the hydraulic "fracking" process have been known to contaminate underground water. The drillers claim these are isolated incidents, but some of us are not convinced..." " (Rob Rogers/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) (PA)- http://blogs.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/opinion/rob-rogers-cartoons/20521-marcellus-shale

"Gas Rush Reshapes Town: "...a resident from Bradford County, signed a lease for his property to give an energy company drilling rights. "I signed a lease but didn't know all the info. There are so many negatives they're not telling you about, more bad than meets the eye."..." " (The Wall Street Journal)- http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703350104575653293057514872.html?mod=googlenews_wsj#articleTabs%3Darticle%26project%3DSLIDESHOW08%26s%3DSB10001424052748703727804576018001958412540 

"Otisco imposes hydrofracking moratorium: "...Otisco, NY - The Otisco Town Board has voted unanimously to impose a six-month moratorium on hydrofracking...Don Siegel, an earth science professor at Syracuse University who specializes in ground water geology and surface water resources, told the board Monday it's safe to drill for natural gas near Otisco Lake and through aquifers that provide water for individual wells..." " (The Post-Standard) (NY)- http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2010/12/otisco_imposes_hydrofracking_m.html

"Supervisors receive another anti-drilling petition: "...NORWICH – A community action group charged with monitoring renewable energy sources in Chenango County filed an anti-natural gas drilling petition Monday, signed by nearly 600 county residents and visitors. The petition, the second to be filed by local opposition groups, calls for a moratorium barring high volume/high pressure hydraulic fracturing until after the federal Environmental Protection Agency completes its evaluation of the impact of the technology on human health and the environment..." " (The Evening Sun) (NY)- http://www.evesun.com/news/stories/2010-12-14/11118/Supervisors-receive-another-antidrilling-petition/

"PA Water Quality Monitoring Efforts - A Meeting Summary: "...Despite the concerns that shale gas drilling can or has deteriorated our water quality in the Marcellus Shale region, I think it is also important to recognize the incredible efforts underway to improve and protect our water. A few weeks ago, I attended a Marcellus Shale Water Monitoring Programs Meeting hosted by the Somerset Conservation District in Johnstown, PA. Below is a summary of the meeting and future plans..." " (FracTracker)- http://www.fractracker.org/2010/12/pa-water-quality-monitoring-efforts.html

"Drilling, economic concerns dominate town hall meeting at Elmira College: "...Susan Molter, of Horseheads, asked both men if they were ready to introduce bills that would repeal the section of the state's environmental laws that takes home rule away from local governments, when it comes to certain environmental regulations. Home rule refers to the ability of local governments to restrict natural gas drilling activities through zoning. That regulatory power is now in the hands of the Department of Environmental Conservation or the Public Service Commission. O'Mara said he would review the current regulations, but he added that trying to satisfy both sides of any environmental issue is a "delicate balance." Friend said that when similar concerns were brought before the Chemung County Legislature, county lawmakers were stymied in their attempts to respond because of the lack of a "home rule" provision..." " (GANNETT NEW YORK NETWORK) (NY)- http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20101213/NEWS01/12130394/1113 , http://www.theithacajournal.com/article/20101213/NEWS01/12130394/1113 & http://www.stargazette.com/article/20101213/NEWS01/12130394/1113

"Owego Vote on Sale of Wastewater Put on Hold: "...A medical emergency involving a member of the Owego Board of Trustees forced cancellation Monday tonight of a vote on selling wastewater to Inflection Energy, a gas drilling company. The Mayor of Owego believes the Village is protecting itself from any harm the deal presents. "I thought about what the problem could be and I'm putting in the contract, language, to address that. I thought about the outlay of $400,000 dollars (Energy Inflection investment money that would buy equipment for the Owego Wastewater Treatment Facility), I put language in the contract to address that. I don't see a downside for the Village of Owego," said Mayor Ed Arrington. The vote to sell wastewater to the gas drilling company has been pushed to next Monday, when the Owego Board meets at its regularly scheduled meeting..." " (Video, FOX 40 WICZ) (NY)- http://www.wicz.com/news2005/viewarticle.asp?a=16783

"Meeting to consider water deal canceled: "...The deal would pay the village 5 cents per gallon for water from the village's wastewater treatment plant that would be used in the company's natural gas drilling and hydraulic fracturing operations..." " (GANNETT NEW YORK NETWORK) (NY)- http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20101214/NEWS01/101214001/ , http://www.theithacajournal.com/article/20101214/NEWS01/101214001/ & http://www.stargazette.com/article/20101214/NEWS01/101214001/

"Broome Cty. Exec. Wants DEC Action on Gas Drilling (sound): "...Broome County Executive Barbara Fiala says residents are tired of the delays, tired of seeing their neighbors in Pennsylvania cash in. Fiala spoke with YNN..." " (Audio, Finger Lakes Radio Group) (NY)- http://fingerlakesdailynews.com/articles/view/848995/

"Fracking Battle Lines Have a Western Front: "...BUFFALO (WNED)...Last week, about three dozen or so anti-fracking protesters, including a sign-toting Santa Claus and someone dressed up as a tree, marched outside of National Fuel's headquarters in downtown Buffalo. Security guards inside energy company's building watched - and filmed - from the second floor..." " (Audio, WNED) (NY)- http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wned/news.newsmain/article/1/0/1737301/WNED-AM.970.NEWS/Fracking.battle.lines.have.a.western.front

"Paterson Defends Hydrofracking Decision: "...Paterson says he believes his executive order, which would ban the horizontal hydrofracking until at least next July, will give the state's Department of Environmental Conservation more time to conduct a review of the process..." " (Audio, WNED) (NY)- http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wned/news.newsmain/article/0/0/1737314/WNED-AM.970.NEWS/Paterson.Defends.Hydrofracking.Decision

"Fracking: blessing or curse: "...But of course there are those who worry that the negatives will outweigh the positives. In the meantime, however, the gas cmpanies are helping build infrastructure, paving roads, etc, which helps their business and unemployment in the area is 6.6%, which is lower than almost anywhere else in the state..." " (New York Post)- http://www.nypost.com/p/blogs/capitol/fracking_myths_and_realities_4jPw6lXdSR94M3inL8Qc5K

"CCC Workforce Development Center to Offer Gas Drilling Training Course: "...CORNING (WENY) -- Corning Community College is helping locals train for jobs in the natural gas industry. CCC's Workforce Development and Community Education will add a new non-credit training program in January. It offers hands-on training for entry-level jobs in the gas drilling industry. Classes meet nights and weekends for a total of 72 hours for training in rig setup, the drilling and fracking process, OSHA certification, resume writing and interviewing, and more. The course costs $925, and there will be a job fair after the course is completed in February..." " (Video, WENY) (NY)- http://www.weny.com/News-Local.asp?ARTICLE3864=9157657

"Lists of violations: "...1 Bradford County drilling violations 2 Lycoming County drilling violations 3 Potter County drilling violations 4 Susquehanna County drilling violations 5 Tioga County drilling violations 6 Wayne County drilling violations 7 Wyoming County drilling violations 8 Other counties 9 Technical details - violation assembly..." " (NEPA Gas Action) (PA)- http://nepagasaction.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=54&Itemid=75

"Clearing the air on pollution's impact: "...Operators of coal-fired power plants argue that the benefits of cheap energy outweigh any health risks from pollution. Reducing health risks means tighter pollution controls, which can raise production costs. The industry points to studies concluding that less affordable electricity also has health consequences. But Jonathan Levy of Harvard University and his colleagues have published a study suggesting that pollution's health impacts have been underestimated and the health costs should be added into the equation when setting the nation's energy policy..." " (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) (PA)- http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10353/1109229-114.stm?cmpid=news.xml

"Emissions cloud a church's sense of peace: "...Now the imposing backdrop for the yellow-brick church that was built and consecrated in 1954 is Allegheny Energy's towering, noisy, coal-fired power plant at Hatfield's Ferry on the Monongahela River..." " (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) (PA)- http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10353/1109231-114.stm

(Events) "Marcellus Shale info offered in webinar: "...Penn State Cooperative Extension is offering a free, Web-based seminar at 1 p.m. on Dec. 16, titled, "Plumbing the Depths in Pa.: A Primer on Marcellus Shale Geology and Technology."...Additional one-hour webinars will be held at 1 p.m. on the following dates: --Jan. 20, 2011: "Marcellus Shale Legislation: What Was Accomplished in the 2009-10 Session and What Issues Remain to be Addressed." --Feb. 16, 2011: "Dealing with Gas Tax Issues: What You Need to Know." --Mar. 17, 2011: "Natural Gas Well Development and Emergency Response and Management." Previous webinars, publications and other information on topics such as water use and quality, zoning, gas-leasing considerations for landowners and implications for local communities also are available on the "Natural Gas" website at http://extension.psu.edu/naturalgas ..." " (News Eagle)- http://www.neagle.com/newsnow/x493341772/Marcellus-Shale-info-offered-in-webinar

"Pipeline plan sparks worry among some: "...DALLAS TWP. - A plan is in the works for a pipeline from Susquehanna County to Dallas Township that will bring natural gas from Northeastern Pennsylvania's richest deposits to major markets along the East Coast. Critics of the project list safety concerns, but the pipeline company's spokesman says extra care will be taken in residential areas..." " (The Citizens Voice) (PA)- http://citizensvoice.com/news/pipeline-plan-sparks-worry-among-some-1.1079429 & http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/4756917

"Residents fill the Picture Rocks Fire Company for a Community Town Hall meeting: "...PICTURE ROCKS - Let's not chase them away, but regulate what they do, was the basic message given by State Representative Garth Everett in reference to the gas energy companies. This was the third of 4 scheduled meetings in the county and the one with the most attendance according to Charlie Hall, district administrator..." " (Muncy Luminary) (PA)- http://www.muncyluminary.com/page/content.detail/id/501197/Residents-fill-the-Picture-Rocks-Fire-Company-for-a-Community-Town-Hall-meeting.html?nav=5007

"Allegheny Township supervisors limit gas-well operations: "...Supervisors called the Marcellus shale drilling ordinance they approved Monday a good starting point, although some residents felt it should have more teeth...Several residents were upset the ordinance does not restrict drilling from residential neighborhoods..." " (Valley News Dispatch) (PA)- http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/valleynewsdispatch/s_713671.html & http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/4745188

"We are watching': "...Groups urge residents to have wells tested...Lieb, a dairy farmer from Nicktown, has been courted by the oil companies hoping to tap into the natural gas reserves in the Marcellus Shale beds under his property's rolling hills and pastures. "Yeah, I've been approached, but I'm not doing it," Lieb said. "I'm afraid for the water. I'm a dairy farmer, and without water I don't have milk."..." " (The Tribune Democrat) (PA)- http://tribune-democrat.com/local/x1613328231/We-are-watching

"Fracking: New drilling method prompts concerns: "...Beck, who also is a member of the Portage Water Authority, would like to see clearer identification on tanker trucks used when the frack water overflow is taken from a well site. Generally, signage says the tankers are carrying "brine and residual waste." "There is a lot more stuff in there than salty water," he said. If a tanker comes around the north of Blue Knob and flips over on the Route 164 hairpin curve at the reservoir, significant problems could result, Beck said. "The firemen will look at that placard and think it's just brine and wash it off the highway into the reservoir," Beck said..." " (The Tribune Democrat) (PA)- http://tribune-democrat.com/local/x1531215899/Fracking-New-drilling-method-prompts-concerns

"'We're still trying to play catch-up': "...New regulations offer one way to protect areas around Marcellus drilling sites...And some problems have arisen, including: • Earlier this year, gas wells drilled by Cabot Oil & Gas in the Susquehanna County town of Dimock sent high levels of methane gas into some private water wells. DEP is now working with Cabot to extend public water lines to at least 18 residents whose wells were contaminated. • In June, a Marcellus well belonging to Cabot in Clearfield County blew out, causing a 16-hour leak. It was the first reported blow-out of a Marcellus well in the state. Brine water used during gas extraction has a salt content 10 times as salty as sea water. The Clearfield blowout shot a million gallons of brine and gas into the forest, DEP representatives said at the time. These incidents and others prompted lawmakers to call for tougher drilling regulations covering a wide range of concerns – from the concrete used in the well casings to drilling company disclosure of chemicals used in the extraction process..." " (The Tribune Democrat) (PA)- http://tribune-democrat.com/local/x1531216848/-We-re-still-trying-to-play-catch-up

"Gas drilling boom brings calls to protect resources: "..."I just woke up one day and all of a sudden it was salty," Slesinger said. "There was no doubt something was wrong." He said his water appeared to be improving during the summer, but turned bad again after the fracking of the well started in September. He said he contacted the state Department of Environmental Protection, where representatives told him "there is not enough evidence to show the gas well is the source of my problem," he said..." " (The Tribune Democrat) (PA)- http://tribune-democrat.com/local/x1168753018/Gas-drilling-boom-brings-calls-to-protect-resources/ & http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/4742069

"'It taxes the system': "...Local officials cite infrastructure concerns that gas drilling brings..."It's turning into a huge issue for many of our municipalities," Linn said. "The impact of the drilling, the water, the roads – it's happening in the townships." Bradford County is leading the way with 86 wells in operation and 694 state permits issued..." " (The Tribune Democrat) (PA)- http://tribune-democrat.com/local/x1168754063/-It-taxes-the-system

"'It will get messy': Bradford County residents say drilling brought changes: "...BRADFORD -- Terry Lutz is a 22-year veteran township supervisor in Bradford County, a hub of drilling activity for the natural gas locked in the Marcellus Shale...But as the activity grew, so did the changes, Lutz said from his rural Troy Township home. "It's really something that will consume you," he said...he has leased some of his land and he now hosts five wells on three pads. "It will get messy," Lutz warned. "When they started here it wasn't pretty." For many weeks, Lutz was able to look out his windows and watch as the drilling rig was moved from well to well. "There was lots of trucks," he said. "There were bright lights and (there was) constant noise." The truck traffic really ramped up at fracking time – when tanker trucks brought upward of 5 million gallons of water for each well..." " (The Tribune Democrat) (PA)- http://tribune-democrat.com/local/x1531215877/-It-will-get-messy-Bradford-County-residents-say-drilling-brought-changes

"PennDOT Limits Marcellus Shale Trucks: "...Kirkpatrick, also says that some local commercial drivers are having troubles with the regulations because there is currently no rule separating them from drilling company vehicles. "With all of the local roads being posted its been somewhat of a hardship for them. Some of them have been complaining, there have been some news reports about it. We have been working on changing our regulations to accommodate those local delivery situations."..." " (WDUQNews) (PA)- http://wduqnews.blogspot.com/2010/12/penndot-limits-marcellus-shale-trucks.html

"Pa. plans exemptions on roadway weight limits: "...The problems with the roads began in August, when PennDOT posted weight limits on many four-digit state routes in Marcellus Shale drilling areas in northeastern Pennsylvania. Many two- and three-digit county roads in Bradford and Tioga counties have been posted with 10-ton weight limit restrictions. Gas companies paid for upgrades and repairs to several area roads in the past year because of damage caused by trucks carrying heavy loads to and from natural gas drilling sites..." " (AP) (PA)- http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20101214/NEWS01/12140347/Pa.+plans+exemptions+on+roadway+weight+limits

"Gas Drilling Boom Increases Need at Williamsport's Airport" (Video, WBRE) (PA)- http://pahomepage.com/fulltext/?nxd_id=164926

"Ridge: Do Marcellus shale play 'right': "...Ridge spoke to 173 people gathered Monday morning, Dec. 6, for the annual meeting of the Wellsboro Area Chamber of Commerce and Growth Resources of Wellsboro. Ridge, 65, is founder and CEO of Ridge Global, a Washington, D.C., advisory firm contracted to assist the Marcellus Shale Coalition. On Monday morning, he focused his comments on the Marcellus shale play and the principles the Coalition has adopted. "We work hard every single day to make sure we're doing this in a way I would insist on had I been governor," Ridge said. "We only get one chance to do it right. At the end of the day, we have an extraordinary opportunity to build more miles of rail lines, have more Pennsylvanians employed and invest in Pennsylvania."..." " (The Wellsboro Gazette) (PA)- http://www.tiogapublishing.com/articles/2010/12/08/news/doc4cffdbc88471e076113044.txt

"Don't burden state's natural gas industry with new tax COMMENTARY Timothy Kearney" (The Times Leader) (PA)- http://www.timesleader.com/opinion/commentary/Don_rsquo_t_burden_state_rsquo_s_natural_gas_industry_with_new_tax_COMMENTARY_Timothy_Kearney_12-13-2010.html

"Taxing debate: Should drillers be charged a fee?" (The Tribune Democrat) (PA)- http://tribune-democrat.com/local/x1666503996/Taxing-debate-Should-drillers-be-charged-a-fees

"About TheMarcellusShale.com: "...We are in no way affiliated with any third party business, company, corporation, group, organization, etc. that also may be associated with the Marcellus Shale...Mr. Gosai moved back to his hometown of Charleroi, PA, and into the family business, which includes two hotel properties in Bentleyville, PA, the Best Western Garden Inn, and Holiday Inn Express...Currently, the hotel business is saturated with Marcellus Shale drillers, and so, one thing lead to another...Ed Becker is a freelance writer and award-winning photographer who has published his work in regional and national publications. His writing and photography have been featured in The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pennsylvania Magazine, and In-Technology Magazine..." " (theMarcellusShale.com) (PA)- http://themarcellusshale.com/about/

National & International:

"12/14/2010 Natural Gas Daily Report" (The Carbon Capture Report)- http://gas.carboncapturereport.org/cgi-bin//dailyreport?DATE=2010-12-14

"Gasland- DVD" (Best Buy)- http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Gasland+-+DVD/18815483.p?skuId=18815483&id=2150902

"Will FWISD Trustees Break Drilling Moratorium Deal Tonight?: "..., a school board meeting will be held that could affect gas drilling safety at 43 Fort Worth schools, almost half of them in the East and Southeast sides of the city...Willis and Vinson are angered by the fact that the administration, backed by Superintendent Melody Johnson, who is on the record as wanting the leases to be approved without the added environmental protections, is trying to push through several of the drilling leases, including nine new ones, ahead of a moratorium that was agreed upon by the board less than a month ago...Willis said: "Even though ambient concentrations may appear to be below concern at first glance, when modeled, toxicity levels, benzene in particular, vastly exceed the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality short and long term health screening levels." The University of Texas School of Public Health report issued in 2008 concluded that children were six times more likely than adults to contract a particularly deadly type of leukemia from benzene exposure..." " (Texas)- http://www.fwweekly.com/index.php?option=com_wordpress&p=7652&Itemid=248

"Pipeline Safety: Updates to Pipeline and Liquefied Natural Gas Reporting Requirements: "...A Rule by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration on 11/26/2010...This final rule is effective January 1, 2011...." " (Federal Register)- http://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2010/11/26/2010-29087/pipeline-safety-updates-to-pipeline-and-liquefied-natural-gas-reporting-requirements (See also http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&source=hp&biw=1211&bih=603&q=PHMSA-2008-0291&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai= & http://www.phmsa.dot.gov/portal/site/PHMSA/menuitem.920aaa011db032e5ea19d71708558a0c/?vgnextoid=4a38272cb3eae010VgnVCM1000008055a8c0RCRD&vgnextchannel=4a38272cb3eae010VgnVCM1000008055a8c0RCRD&as_epq=PHMSA-2008-0291&as_eq=&btnG=Search&as_dt=i&sort=date%3AD%3AS%3Ad1&num=100&as_sitesearch=&as_occt=any&as_oq=&as_q=

"Natural gas industry group announces support for disclosure program: "...The Chemical Registry for Hydraulic Fracturing is backed by the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission and the Ground Water Protection Council, which proposed it in October..."But it is critical that we ensure confidential business information is protected..." " (Texas)- http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/12/14/2704926/natural-gas-industry-group-announces.html

(Videos) "Watch Our Newest Video: Voices From The West: "...Oil and gas development is occurring at an unprecedented rate in the Rocky Mountain West. Millions of acres of wildlife habitat are being converted to industrial zones carved by drill pads, roads, power lines and pipelines. The pace and intensity of this development are quickly overwhelming the ability of wildlife to adapt to a changing landscape. Our nation needs energy supplies now more than ever, but we must balance development with conserving our public lands that sustain some of the cleanest water, healthiest habitats and finest recreation in North America..." " (Videos, Our Public Lands)- http://www.ourpubliclands.org/videos

"U.S. Energy Development Corporation Announces Multiple Acquisitions along with Investment in a Natural Gas Liquids Processing Plant: "...BUFFALO, N.Y. -- U.S. Energy Development Corporation has finalized the acquisition of several oil and gas properties throughout the Appalachian, Williston and Midland Basins and also the Marcellus Shale regions. The company is also investing in a new national gas liquids process plant in the Marcellus Shale portion of northern Pennsylvania..." " (Business Wire)- http://www.sunherald.com/2010/12/14/2711952/us-energy-development-corporation.html

"Encana: Creepy, manipulative PR with icing on top: "...Gas fraccing giant Encana has scripted a bunch of pre-schoolers to pretend to understand or care about shale gas and hydraulic fracturing. This creepy video shows the depths the oil industry will "drill" to in order to put a happy face on their efforts to spread pollution, above and below ground..." " (Video, DesMogBlog)- http://www.desmogblog.com/encana-creepy-manipulative-pr-icing-top

"Is oil and gas production causing earthquakes in Arkansas?: "...CNN is reporting that the small town north of Little Rock has had almost as many earthquakes since late September as it has residents..."We see no relation to the drilling in the area, but we haven't ruled out a connection to the salt-water disposal wells," he said. So what the heck are saltwater disposal wells? Essentially, these are wells that go as deep as 12,000 feet down and contain drilling wastewater from oil and gas production. There are reportedly several of these wells within several hundred square miles of Guy...I was a skeptical that man-made activity could cause earthquakes. But then I did some research and found that drilling of disposal wells near Derby, Colo., caused several quakes in the 1960s. So, it appears this theory is possible. In fact, there are other investigations about this same situation happening in Trinidad, Colo., about 10 years ago and then in north Texas where disposal wells were drilled near fault lines..." " (MNN)- http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wilderness-resources/blogs/is-oil-and-gas-production-causing-earthquakes-in-arkansas

"Thumbs down: Gas-drilling companies must be accountable: "...While the natural gas industry is an economic plus for West Virginia, complications from heavy traffic carries plenty of negatives, too, chiefly the damage to roads and safety hazards..." " (West Virginia)- http://www.herald-dispatch.com/opinions/x588472897/Gas-drilling-companies-must-be-accountable

"State lawmakers look at underground slurry ban, drilling regulations: "...The committee also briefly discussed proposed regulations for drilling in the Marcellus Shale formation, one of the richest natural-gas basins in America. Among other topics, the wide-ranging bill addresses mediation between drillers and landowners; rules for hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking"; and protection of local roads that are being damaged by drillers' heavy equipment...It also would impose $15,000 initial permit fees -- up from the $550 for initial permits for conventional shallow wells...Industry leaders have blasted the proposal. Corky DeMarco of the West Virginia Oil and Natural Gas Association said Tuesday his group prefers a version of regulations that DEP is developing. The regulations proposed by legislators would make drillers go to "several different DEP offices to get a permit," DeMarco said..." " (West Virginia)- http://sundaygazettemail.com/News/201012141052?page=2&build=cache

"Brooke approached for gas drilling: "...WELLSBURG - A natural gas company has approached officials with Brooke County Schools and Brooke Hills Park about drilling for the resource on school and park property. The Brooke County Board of Education on Monday agreed to enter into negotiations with Chesapeake Energy for a lease that would allow the company to drill for natural gas from the Marcellus shale formation on school grounds...Recently Chesapeake Energy paid the Wheeling Park Commission $385,629 to drill at Oglebay Park and $100,133 to drill at Wheeling Park. But the West Virginia Division of Environmental Protection has failed to grant permits for Chesapeake to drill at Oglebay Park because it hasn't responded fully to questions raised by the commission. Attorneys for the commission said it has unanswered questions about several issues, including how the company will deal with accidental spills or runoff and protect nearby streams from pollution and the source and disposal of fluid used in proposed hydraulic fracturing at the site. Hydraulic fracturing is a process in which water and various chemicals, some of them toxic, are used to blast open natural gas from shale, according to officials..." " (West Virginia)- http://www.weirtondailytimes.com/page/content.detail/id/551127/Brooke-approached-for-gas-drilling.html?nav=5006

"Drillers Head To Brooke County: "...WELLSBURG - West Virginia's natural gas drilling boom continues marching northward, as Oklahoma City-based Chesapeake Energy plans to drill on at least four separate sites in Brooke County...Recent well fires and traffic accidents involving gas company vehicles on narrow rural roads have some residents worried about future drilling in the area. Employees working to open the Chesapeake "Glenn Didriksen" well on Ohio County's Dement Road have temporarily blocked the roadway to move equipment in and out of the site..." " (West Virginia)- http://www.theintelligencer.net/page/content.detail/id/549819/Drillers-Head-To-Brooke-County.html?nav=515

"XTO drilling decision delayed: "...Southlake residents will have to wait until 2011 for a decision on the city's first gas well...A standing-room only crowd showed up at 7 p.m. but had to wait until after 11:15 p.m. when the public hearing started. The hearing started late because council had other business and because of presentations from XTO and city staff..." " (Texas)- http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/12/14/2704355_xto-drilling-decision-delayed.html & http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/12/14/2704355/xto-drilling-decision-delayed.html

"Fort Worth council to consider paying more for air quality study" (Texas)- http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/12/13/2701681/fort-worth-council-to-consider.html

"Fort Worth school board to vote on gas leases worth $2.5 million: "...The bids include mineral leases on about 480 acres of property across the district. But some people are concerned that trustees are breaking the spirit of a 90-day waiting period set in November when board members delayed taking action on bids that included gas well sites within 1,200 feet of district property..." "(Texas)- http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/12/13/2701785/fort-worth-school-board-to-vote.html & http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/4741818

"Range Resources Claims Fracking Didn't Contaminate Texas Water Wells: "...Range Resources is disputing allegations made by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that its hydraulic fracturing activities in Texas somehow caused the contamination of two water wells. Range claims its own investigation found that its natural gas drilling activities have had no impact on the water aquifer in Parker County or the subject water wells..." " (NewInferno) (Texas)- http://www.newsinferno.com/fracking/range-resources-claims-fracking-didnt-contaminate-texas-water-wells/

"EPA, North Texas driller headed for face-off: "...The EPA gave Range Resources until midnight Tuesday to come up with a plan to test all water wells within 3,000 feet of wellbore tracks from the drilling site. The site, the agency says, contaminated two southern Parker County water wells. The order also required a plan to test all the wells in nearby Lake Country Acres, a public water system. Tuesday evening, Range Resources spokesman Matt Pitzarella told WFAA that will not happen..." " (Video, WFAA) (Texas)- http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/EPA-North-Texas-Driller-Headed-for-Face-Off-111896069.html

"Fracking not to blame for fouled North Texas drinking water, report says: "...A gas industry newsletter is coming to the defense of Range Resources, saying the Environmental Protection Agency was wrong to accuse it of fouling a pair of rural drinking water wells in North Texas...Cabot Oil & Gas has made similar arguments in its fight against claims its drilling has sent natural gas into a dozen drinking water wells in Pennsylvania. The firm gathered signed affidavits from landowners saying they had natural gas in their well water years before there was nearby gas drilling. Opponents of natural gas drilling might be quick to point out Powell Barnett is a publication that makes its money by subscribers most likely in the drilling business..." " (Fuel Fix)- http://fuelfix.com/blog/2010/12/13/fracking-not-to-blame-for-fouled-north-texas-drinking-water-report-says/ (See also "NATURAL GAS: Industry newsletter takes on EPA over Texas water pollution" (Greenwire)- http://www.waterworld.com/index/display/news_display/1322589070.html & "EPA Wrong – Barnett Shale Gas Not In Water Wells" (Powell Barnett Shale Newsletter) (Texas)- http://www.barnettshalenews.com/documents/2010/EPA%20Wrong%20-%20Barnett%20Shale%20Not%20Responsible%20For%20Gas%20In%20Water%20Wells%2012-13-2010.pdf )

"You Know Who Hates Texans? Why, the Railroad Commission of Texas, Naturally: "...Just a week ago today, EPA regional director Al Armendariz, an SMU prof, took steps to protect homeowners in Parker County from imminent danger of house explosions related to frac-drilling operations for natural gas. In doing so, Armendariz effectively shut out the Railroad Commission, which is supposed to regulate gas drilling safety at the state level. His reason for pushing the Railroad Commission aside was a history of inaction and Armendariz's fear that people might get blown up in their homes while the Railroad Commission continued to dither. Of course his action pissed off the commission, a little-known statewide elective body that used to regulate railroads but now is in the business of regulating the oil and gas biz..." " (Texas)- http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/unfairpark/2010/12/you_know_who_hates_texans_why.php

"New Study Shows Dramatic Increase in Industry Campaign Donations to Railroad Commission: "...The report, "Drilling for Dollars: How Big Money Has a Big Influence at the Railroad Commission," details how fundraising by incumbents increased 688 percent between 2000 and 2008. It also shows that the biggest driver of the increase was donations from individuals associated with the fossil fuel industries – the same industries the commission is charged with regulating..." " (Texas)- http://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2010/12/14-8

""Drilling for Dollars: How Big Money Has a Big Influence at the Railroad Commission: "...Is the Railroad Commissioner's job regulating or raising money? In any political race, money has an influential role. But at the Texas Railroad Commission (RCC), political spending is out of control, well over half of campaign donations coming from the very industries the Commission is supposed to regulate. Real or perceived, this creates a conflict of interest..." " (Texas)- http://static.texastribune.org/media/documents/Drilling_for_Dollars_1.pdf

"City seeks gas well inspector: "...Southlake has started looking for a gas well inspector...But taxpayers won't be footing the bill. Gas well operators like XTO Energy, which has submitted two drilling applications in the city, would use an escrow account to reimburse the city for administrative costs, including the engineer and inspector..." " (Texas)- http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/12/14/2704377/city-seeks-gas-well-inspector.html & http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/4745741

"Appeal filed to NM's new cap-and-trade program: "...The program would force coal-fired power plants, refineries, natural gas compressor stations and other facilities that pump out a certain level of carbon dioxide each year to reduce those emissions by 2 percent annually starting in 2012..." " (New Mexico)- http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/article/Appeal-filed-to-NM-s-new-cap-and-trade-program-885719.php

"Battlement Mesa worries over water contamination: "...Citizen activists on Colorado's Western Slope are pointing to a Texas case of well-water contamination caused by oil and gas drilling activity as a prime example of what they want to avoid in this state and what regulators should be guarding against in heavily drilled Garfield County..." " (Colorado)- http://www.realaspen.com/article/373/Battlement-Mesa-worries-over-water-contamination

"Utah Gov. Herbert calls air quality meeting: "...SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Utah Gov. Gary Herbert will meet with federal, local and tribal leaders to discuss air quality issues in the Uinta Basin. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at the Capitol and is open to the public..." " (AP via Hearst Communications Inc) (Utah)- http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Utah-Gov-Herbert-calls-air-quality-meeting-880328.php , http://www.newstimes.com/news/article/Utah-Gov-Herbert-calls-air-quality-meeting-880328.php & http://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Utah-Gov-Herbert-calls-air-quality-meeting-880328.php

"Environmentalists sue over coal-bed gas permit: "...FAIRBANKS -- An Alaska environmental group has filed a lawsuit challenging state approval for a Usibelli Coal Mine plan to look for coal-bed methane near Healy. The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reports the Healy-based Denali Citizens Council is concerned about what it says is the state's failure to protect sensitive public lands they want exempted from the permit..." " (Alaska)- http://community.adn.com/?q=adn/node/154780

"Shale gas exploration firm backs stronger oil, gas rules: "...Alexander has his own suggestions for the Department of Environment, too, including that companies should be required to publicly reveal the ingredients of fluids they pump into shale gas wells during hydraulic fracturing. He said he's heard "misinformation" circulating around the province by word of mouth and, most recently, through postcards warning against oil and gas development; one claim indicated up to 900 chemicals are used in fracture fluid to get gas in the shale rock flowing. Really, the ingredients in fracture fluid number closer to six - including mostly water and things such as a gel, a friction reducer and a biocide to kill bacteria - and Southwestern Energy uses five times less water than what some critics are suggesting, he said. "We don't pump benzene into the ground and that's being advertised here," Alexander said. "It's bad information and it's hurtful." By the time SWN Resources is finished its initial exploration, more complete government regulation should be in place, Alexander said. Southwestern Energy, which produces about 1.6 billion cubic feet of gas per day from the Fayetteville Shale in Arkansas, "has been around the block," Alexander said, adding that his company will only produce gas in New Brunswick in an environmentally responsible way..." " (Canada)- http://nbbusinessjournal.canadaeast.com/journal/article/1350573

"Going underground: "...In the UK there are three main places where natural gas can be stored underground: * Depleted oil and gas reservoirs - which once held gas or oil in tiny connected pore spaces between sand grains. Gas is injected back into these pores. * Large caverns - effectively large, gas-tight underground pressure vessels created in thick beds of halite (rock salt) by dissolving the salt away. * Aquifers - porous sandstone rocks where the water held naturally in the pore spaces is pushed out and replaced by the injected gas..." " (UK)- http://planetearth.nerc.ac.uk/comment.aspx?id=879&t=2&s=5

"Sydney residents deplore plans to drill for gas: Petersham Town Hall meeting: "..."The gas company and the government is treating them like a dispensable community,'' she said. "They're already under a flight path and just because they live in an industrial area, they shouldn't be dumped with any more..." " (Australia)- http://sydney-central.whereilive.com.au/news/story/gas-drilling-meeting/