"Think local: Couldn't have said it better myself: "...(Sherburne, NY) I have intentionally not written about hydrofracking in NYS because I viewed the issues as exceedingly complex and I wanted time to develop an informed opinion. For over a year now, I have read all manner of pros and cons from industry, environmental groups, and concerned citizens. Today I share a statement issued on Nov. 19 by Brewery Ommegang that perfectly articulates conclusions that I have reached as well..." " (The Chenango County Courier) (NY)- http://www.chenangocountycourier.com/?p=184

"Towanda Municipal Authority to keep its rates unchanged in 2011: "...If the TMA wasn't selling water to the drilling companies, the authority's water rates would have had to be increased by 11 percent, and the sewer rates would have had to be increased by 10 percent for the coming year, Fairchild said. As a result of the passage of the budget on Friday, the TMA's water and sewer rates in 2011 will be the same as they were in 2010..." " (The Daily Review) (PA)- http://thedailyreview.com/news/towanda-municipal-authority-to-keep-its-rates-unchanged-in-2011-1.1079062 , http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/4756460 , http://www.theconcreteproducer.com/industry-news.asp?sectionID=1419&articleID=1468698 & http://portfoliosharing.com/NYSE/CHK/News.htm

"Strictly Business: Looking back at the year in local business: "...* In September, Talisman USA revealed the extent of its Marcellus Shale drilling program in Pennsylvania -- 275,000 acres under lease, a $1 billion drilling budget and 70 wells producing about 190 million cubic feet of natural gas per day, with much more to come. Natural gas was supposed to be the bringer of untold riches and a new economic base for Chemung County when the international energy company blew in from Canada a few years back and with great success started coaxing methane out of an underground rock formation called Trenton-Black River. Talisman constructed a new headquarters building in Big Flats and made plans to add Marcellus gas to its Trenton-Black River production rate. But New York said "no" to the combination of horizontal drilling and fracking and Talisman moved its headquarters to Pittsburgh, both of which effectively killed the dreams of untold riches the natural gas industry was supposed to mean for Chemung County. I mention the company's Pennsylvania drilling..." " (GANNETT NEW YORK NETWORK) (NY)- http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20101218/BUSINESS/12170369/ , http://www.theithacajournal.com/article/20101218/BUSINESS/12170369/ & http://www.stargazette.com/article/20101218/BUSINESS/12170369/

"Gasline odor leaves residents, responders upset: "...A pipeline upgrade by UGI Penn Natural Gas resulted in the evacuation of a Luzerne County school while the stench spread panic well into Lackawanna County..."They don't have the decency to notify us about something like this."..."It's not toxic. It's not going to cause long-term health effects, but it can make you nauseous," said Luzerne County Emergency Management Agency coordinator Steve Bekanich. "If you breathe it, it is going to make you not feel well."..." " (Times-Shamrock Communications) (PA)- http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/gasline-odor-leaves-residents-responders-upset-1.1079217 , http://newsitem.com/news/gasline-odor-leaves-residents-responders-upset-1.1079217 , http://standardspeaker.com/news/gasline-odor-leaves-residents-responders-upset-1.1079217 , http://citizensvoice.com/news/gasline-odor-leaves-residents-responders-upset-1.1079217 , http://republicanherald.com/news/gasline-odor-leaves-residents-responders-upset-1.1079217 , http://thedailyreview.com/news/gasline-odor-leaves-residents-responders-upset-1.1079217 , http://www.thevalleyadvantage.com/news/gasline-odor-leaves-residents-responders-upset-1.1079217 & http://citizenstandard.com/news/gasline-odor-leaves-residents-responders-upset-1.1079217

"Newfield Exploration To Acquire 50,000 Net Acres In Bradford County, Pennsylvania From EOG Resources : Newfield Expanding its Asset Base in Marcellus Shale - Deal Analysis From GlobalData - Market Research Report" (MarketPublishers)- http://marketpublishers.com/report/info/industry/energy/newfield_exploration_to_acquire_50_000_net_acres_in_bradford_county_pennsylvania_from_eog_resources_newfield_expanding_its_asset_base.html

National & International:

"12/18/2010 Natural Gas Daily Report" (The Carbon Capture Report)- http://gas.carboncapturereport.org/cgi-bin//dailyreport?DATE=2010-12-18

"Research firm offers cash for journalists' opinions on oil, gas industries: "..."If this doesn't raise an ethical red flag, nothing will," said Stephen Ward, director of the Center for Journalism Ethics at the University of Wisconsin. By moonlighting for the companies and industries they cover, he notes, reporters risk compromising their independence and neutrality and leave themselves open to suspicions of being bribed..." " (Washington Post)- http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/16/AR2010121606215.html

"Oil & Gas and DOD Recruiters: "...We are experiencing rapid growth at the end of 2010 and expect that to continue into 2011 as we expand into new industries and markets, including Oil & Gas and the Department of Defense. We are currently seeking to grow our business through the addition of recruiters with Oil & Gas (Marcellus Shale) or DOD security clearance experience..." " (The Partners Alliance via Monster.com)- http://jobview.monster.com/Oil-Gas-DOD-Recruiters-Job-US-95003131.aspx

"Scientific Integrity: Fueling Innovation, Building Public Trust: "...Today, in response to the President's request, I am issuing a Memorandum to the Heads of Departments and Agencies that provides further guidance to Executive Branch leaders as they implement Administration policies on scientific integrity. The new memorandum describes the minimum standards expected as departments and agencies craft scientific integrity rules appropriate for their particular missions and cultures, including a clear prohibition on political interference in scientific processes and expanded assurances of transparency. It requires that department and agency heads report to me on their progress toward completing those rules within 120 days..." " (The White House Blog)- http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/12/17/scientific-integrity-fueling-innovation-building-public-trust

"Greenwash Of The Week: Sierra Club & The Natural Gas Industry: "...January 27th, 2010.... I have written before about why I no longer support the Sierra Club, but after reading this article at Common Dreams about how they are now touting natural gas with an energy company, well…seems the entire industry is now greenwashing with the help of environmentalists..." " (The Good Human)- http://www.thegoodhuman.com/2010/01/27/greenwash-of-the-week-sierra-club-the-natural-gas-industry

"Registered sex offenders among oil and gas workers" (Louisiana)- http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20101218/NEWS01/12180347/Registered-sex-offenders-among-oil-and-gas-workers 

"THE Shale Gas Thread (merged)" (Peak Oil News and Message Boards)- http://peakoil.com/forums/the-shale-gas-thread-merged-t35087.html?sid=50ed45ab8562c17515cbddee038eae42

"State Governments Take Lead on Hydraulic Fracturing Regulations: "...Summary US natural gas producers have been quite leery of recent proposals that may place the federal government in charge of regulating hydraulic fracturing, the well stimulation technique use at gas development sites across the country. However, some state governments have now stepped up on their own, in a move that may ease some of the industry's concerns..." " (Energy Intelligence Group, Inc.)- http://www.energyintel.com/DocumentDetail.asp?Try=Yes&document_id=699375&publication_id=9

"Insight: The dash for gas: "...Is there enough gas? I have 4 points to make, and a conclusion...Secondly: The fundamental idea behind the exploration and exploitation of Shale Gas is that, in some cases, rich oil-prone source rocks buried at the centre of a basin will have passed into the gas generation 'window' and that most of the gas, rather than being expelled and subsequently migrating into conventional traps, will be retained trapped in the source rock itself. A deceptively simple idea that requires two things:...Thirdly: Massive shale gas resources have been identified in North America, especially in a handful of plays in the USA, to the extent that some would see this offering the country independence from 'foreign oil'. There are two issues:..." " (OilVoice)- http://www.oilvoice.com/n/Insight_The_dash_for_gas/0cbd38c88.aspx

"Controversial 'Fracking' and Clean Energy Future: "...What does this mean for renewable energy? With fracking in place, gas/electric prices will on the cheap side, and renewable energy may be less competititve. But if fracking continues to be subject to skepticism, like we see in New York, and bans become a prominent case…r enewable energy won't hesitate to take the keys and hop right in the drivers seat..." " (Peak Oil News)- http://peakoil.com/production/controversial-fracking-and-clean-energy-future/

"Great Shale Gas Rush" (Wikipedia)- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Shale_Gas_Rush

"Chesapeake Midstream Partners, L.P. Agrees to Acquire Gas Gathering Assets in Haynesville Shale from Chesapeake Energy Corporation: "...The acquisition allows the Partnership to broaden its operating footprint and provides access to the Haynesville Shale, which is one of the largest and lowest cost natural gas fields in the United States..." " (Chesapeake Midstream Partners, L.P.)- http://www.electricenergyonline.com/?page=show_news&rss=1&id=146311

"Energy Images Video - Industrial Art Photography, Royalty Free Images & Photos Houston: "...Energyimages.com is the Source for royalty free photography and stock photography, energy images, industry images, oil, petrochemical, natural gas images and much more..." " (Houston, Galleria via YouTube)- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeboAUiBEU4

"Liquids In Compressor Suction: "...I know it's inadvisable (or worse) to allow liquid droplets to enter into the suction of a compressor. However, I'd like to know just how bad is it, and how does your change depending on the compressor type? I understand that even a very small amount of carryover into a high speed centrifugal compressor can be catastrophic..." " (ChE Forums)- http://www.cheresources.com/invision/topic/3262-liquids-in-compressor-suction/

"FrackDesign: "...Welcome to our website, where you can find the latest news and information regarding workplace safety, product liability and regulatory compliance issues. We search the news daily to present you with up-to-date reports concerning new government safety regulations, developing technologies for safety systems, and products and services that help you and your company provide safe workplaces and products while keeping costs under control..." " (FrackDesign)- http://frackdesign.com/

"State approves shale drilling disclosure rule: "..."There's been a public concern that the chemicals used by the industry — which have been used for a very long time — are endangering fresh waters," Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission Director Larry Bengal said. "They want to ensure they know what those chemicals are, so if there is a potential contamination in that particular water well, they'd be able to know what the chemicals are and be able to test for that particular chemical."..." " (Arkansas)- http://pulaskinews.net/articles/2010/12/17/columnists/roby_brock/brock00000001.txt

"Meetings on oil, gas leases planned for Tuscarawas Valley residents: "...The Ohio Oil and Gas Energy Education Program recently launched its "Ohio Energy Proud" campaign to increase awareness about the industry's "rich heritage and modern contributions" in the state..." " (Ohio)- http://www.timesreporter.com/news/x1167186109/Meetings-on-oil-gas-leases-planned-for-Tuscarawas-Valley-residents

"Drill Sites Ready In Ohio County: "...WHEELING, WV -- As natural gas drilling grows across the U.S., it's also making headway in Ohio County. We had the chance to stop by the Didreksen site near Oglebay Park Saturday after a neighbor informed us of activity going on there. Chesapeake Energy spokesman Stacy Brodak says the site is currently being drilled..." " (Video, WTRF-TV) (West Virginia)- http://www.wtrf.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=91322

"Marcellus Shale in West Virginia: "...Map Created: December 8, 2010..." " (West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey)- http://www.wvgs.wvnet.edu/www/datastat/Marcellus/WV_Marcellus_20101208_8pt5x11.pdf

"A positive outlook for the industry next year: "...Here in Louisiana we take pride in our role to provide the necessary energy that keeps our nation moving forward...The American spirit is defined by competitiveness, ingenuity, and resiliency. Our state and the energy industry in Louisiana embody this spirit to the utmost certainty..." " (Louisiana)- http://www.theadvertiser.com/article/20101218/BUSINESS/12180328/1046

"Pro: EPA's costly rules will cost jobs and setback nation's economic recovery: "...FLINT, MICH. — EDITOR'S NOTE: The writer is addressing the question, Should the next Congress move to quickly block EPA's pending carbon restrictions on oil refineries, utilities and heavy industry?..." " (Michigan)- http://gazettextra.com/news/2010/dec/18/pro-epas-costly-rules-will-cost-jobs-and-setback-n/

"Con: Excessive government control stifles freedom private industry needs to innovate: "...Private industry needs the freedom to innovate and discover new technologies. Over the past five years, oil and natural gas companies have developed safe and efficient techniques to drill through shale....A free market can deliver the energy Americans need. Congress needs to make sure the EPA doesn't sabotage that process with costly, ideological rules..." " (Michigan)- http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2010/dec/18/con-excessive-government-control-stifles-freedom/

"Ruling on Parker County water contamination is questioned: "...When the Environmental Protection Agency declared Dec. 7 that two new Range Resources natural gas wells contaminated two Parker County water wells, not everyone familiar with groundwater in the area was quite so sure. There's considerable speculation that the methane in the two water wells might come from much shallower formations, rather than the mile-deep Barnett Shale, and that older, long-abandoned gas wells could be the source..." " (Texas)- http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/12/17/2713821/ruling-on-parker-county-water.html

"Flower Mound Denies Drilling on Border of Lake Grapevine: "...The interesting thing is that the denial to drill right on (200 or so feet) the northern edge of the lake comes within a day or so of the first two known lawsuits for contaminated water supplies on the Barnett Shale. Those two law suits claim natural glass drilling has already contaminated water supplies in the area...It is safe to say we are happy today that the drilling request was denied and we hope that the protection of Lake Grapevine continues. In our eyes, drilling right next to the lake is the equivalent of having a backyard cookout and deciding to place your grill on the diving board of your own pool. Sure, you could grill there, buy why would you want to?..." " (Texas)- http://www.grapevinetxonline.com/2010/12/flower-mound-denies-drilling-on-northern-border-of-lake-grapevine/

"Gassy water wells "whodunit": "...Since the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency declared Dec. 7 that Range Resources natural gas wells drilled in 2009 caused methane contamination of two residential water wells in Parker County, there has been considerable speculation that the gas might instead come from much-shallower formations than the deep Barnett Shale that the Range wells tapped. There's also talk that older, abandoned gas wells might be to blame for the contamination..." " (Texas)- http://blogs.star-telegram.com/barnett_shale/2010/12/gassy-water-wells-whodunit.html

""Thank God for the folks at the EPA": "...I would bet that most people, when faced with a garden hose turned flame thrower and explosive levels of methane that could blow up their house, would welcome the EPA's intervention and would completely agree with this Denton Record Chronicle editorial..." " (TXsharon) (Texas)- http://txsharon.blogspot.com/2010/12/thank-god-for-folks-at-epa.html

"State questions gas drilling intervention: "...SILT, Colorado — State regulators want greater specificity about Garfield County's effort to intervene in Antero Resources' request for intensified gas drilling rights in an area north of here, county officials were told this week. At the same time, attorneys for Antero want the state to dismiss Garfield County's case because, in part, it is based on concerns that are not covered in state rules and regulations governing the gas industry..." " (Colorado)- http://www.postindependent.com/article/20101218/VALLEYNEWS/101219892/1001&parentprofile=1074

"Caution urged on oil leases: "..."You have the most amount of control and authority over your land right now, before you sign that lease," said Laurie Goodman, president of the Landowners Association of Wyoming. The group has worked to change state property laws...Landowner Dennis Fogg criticized the oil and gas industry. He said they caused ruts in his pasture. "They do not fix the damage," he said. "Nobody has any power to stop them. You guys are fighting a losing battle."..." " (Wyoming)- http://www.wyomingnews.com/articles/2010/12/17/news/19local_12-17-10.txt & http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/4756038

"EDITORIAL - The energy task force has to get cracking: "...In so far as we are aware, there is, apart from that broad commitment, only one other substantial undertaking: the naming of a consortium, led by EXMAR Corporation and including a Jamaican-controlled outfit called Caribbean LNG, as the Government's preferred bidders for the establishment and management of a floating LNG storage and regasification facility and of pipelines to deliver natural gas to users..." " (Jamaica)- http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20101217/cleisure/cleisure1.html

"Province, industry look to ship gas to coast: "...The province and oil patch have started informal talks on how the government can help industry open up markets in Asia, especially for natural gas, the energy minister said Friday..." " (Canada)- http://www.calgarysun.com/money/2010/12/17/16594021.html

"Communities given voice in gas drilling: "...THE NSW government will try to ease fears over coal seam gas drilling before the election, with new rules giving communities a greater say before projects are approved. Under a list of tougher restrictions to be revealed today, gas drilling companies will have to submit proposed work plans detailing environmental impacts and what chemicals would be used during extraction..." " (Australia)- http://www.smh.com.au/environment/communities-given-voice-in-gas-drilling-20101218-191bw.html