NY, PA & NJ:

"New York Fracking Advocates Say Local Bans Are ‘Kiss of Death': "...“Giving local governments the power to regulate would be the kiss of death for natural-gas development in New York state,” Tom West, an attorney in Albany who represents Denver- based Anschutz Exploration Corp. and other drilling companies, said in a telephone interview..." " (Bloomberg)- http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-17/new-york-fracking-advocates-say-local-bans-are-kiss-of-death-.html

"Gas industry contributed $1.34M to state and local lawmakers in last four years, says govt. watchdog: "...The natural gas industry's financial involvement with New York state and local politicians is under fire from a prominent government watchdog group..." " (Legislative Gazette) (NY)- http://www.legislativegazette.com/Articles-Top-Stories-c-2012-01-17-81213.113122-Gas-industry-contributed-134M-to-state-and-local-lawmakers-in-last-four-years-says-govt-watchdog.html

"Watchdog group cites donations by drillers: "...Albany, NY — State Sen. Tom O'Mara, R-Big Flats, is among the top 10 state legislative representatives receiving campaign contributions from the natural gas industry, according to a five-year survey by Common Cause/NY..." " (The Leader) (NY)- http://www.steubencourier.com/news/x1987743184/Watchdog-group-cites-donations-by-drillers

"Scientists tackle gas drilling at Ithaca forum: "...But Allmon said even if scientists could tell policy makers what the right or wrong opinion is, they currently don't have a lot to back it up. "I think all of us were stunned at how little is known about the Marcellus Shale," he said..." " (GANNETT) (NY)- www.pressconnects.com/article/20120117/NEWS01/201170349/

"New York State Not Prepared to Cope with Fracking Risks" (Enivironmental Working Group)- http://www.ewg.org/report/new-york-state-not-prepared-cope-fracking-risks

"New York Could Allow Hydraulic Fracking By Year's End" (International Business Times)- http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/283129/20120117/new-york-allow-hydraulic-fracking-year-s.htm & http://community.nasdaq.com/News/2012-01/new-york-could-allow-hydraulic-fracking-by-years-end.aspx?storyid=114763

"Gas Free Seneca raising money against Inergy: "...SCHUYLER COUNTY, N.Y. -- A grassroots organization from Schuyler County is gearing up for possible litigation against a multi-billion dollar company. Gas Free Seneca has raised tens of thousands of dollars for what they call "very probable" litigation against Inergy..." " (Video, YNN) (NY)- http://elmira-corning.ynn.com/content/top_stories/570485/gas-free-seneca-raising-money-against-inergy/

"Dolgeville to consider moratorium on hydraulic fracturing" (Little Falls Times) (NY)- http://www.littlefallstimes.com/news/x713195095/Dolgeville-to-consider-moratorium-on-hydraulic-fracturing

"Cornell research group defends gas-drilling study: "...ITHACA -- A group of Cornell University scientists is standing its ground in the face of a challenge to its research on the climate change impact of shale gas drilling. Led by Cornell ecology and environmental biology professor Robert Howarth, the scientists released a study last year showing that energy produced from natural gas drilling in shale formations can have a greater greenhouse gas footprint than energy produced from coal..." " (GANNETT) (NY)- http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20120117/NEWS01/201170382/

"Cuomo: No fracking funds in budget: "...Despite the governor's remarks, Richard Downey of the Unatego Landowners Association, whose group is strongly in favor of gas drilling, said he remains confident Cuomo will give the green light to fracking..." " (The Daily Star) (NY)- http://thedailystar.com/localnews/x1467875486/Cuomo-No-fracking-funds-in-budget

"Fracking Postponed By New York State Budget : "...It looks like the big push for public comments before Governor Cuomo's hydraulic fracturing deliberations last week paid off. The new state budget doesn't mention paying hydrofracking regulators, a necessary expense in going ahead with drilling in the Delaware River Basin, reports the Star Gazette...." " (The L Magazine) (NY)- http://www.thelmagazine.com/TheMeasure/archives/2012/01/17/fracking-postponed-by-new-york-state-budget

"State has a lot to consider on fracking: "...Natural gas will continue to be in the important mix of energy sources for the United States, especially if it wants to wean dependence on foreign oil. But there must be strong oversight regarding how those natural gas deposits are obtained, and it’s not only up to the federal and state government to protect water sources and the environment in general..." " (GANNETT) (NY)- http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/article/20120117/OPINION01/301170022/

(Event) "OPL to host Talk on Hydrofracking Jan. 21: "...As New York State comes closer to permitting hydrofracking, Toshio Hance of the Sierra Club comes to the Oneida Public Library on Saturday Jan. 21 at 1 p.m. to present “Gasland: The Facts about Hydrofracking” to residents of a county likely to be adversely affected by this controversial method of drilling for natural gas..." " (Madison Country Courier) (NY)- http://www.madisoncountycourier.com/2012/01/17/opl-to-host-talk-on-hydrofracking-jan-21/

"Bethlehem serves as a green energy lab: "...The Stone House Group is investing in several adjacent buildings the energy consulting group owns in the Five Points Area of Bethlehem, planning to create a zero-carbon neighborhood. If its solar and reused cooking oil plans work, the buildings will emit no greenhouse gases and produce all their energy needs on site..." " (Ponoco Record) (PA)- http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120117/NEWS04/201170326

"Dimock Residents Could Have Renewed Water Shipments By Next Week: "...After missing their opportunity to talk to the head of the EPA, they went to the EPA's regional headquarters. There they were assured the agency is reviewing additional water testing data and will retest water samples to investigate claims made by the local residents and counter-claims made by both the state's Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) and Cabot Oil, Sautner said..." " (International Business Times)- http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/282492/20120116/dimock-residents-renewed-water-shipments-next-week.htm & http://community.nasdaq.com/News/2012-01/dimock-residents-could-have-renewed-water-shipments-by-next-week.aspx?storyid=114449

"American Natural Gas Creating Economic Growth that Communities Have “Never Dreamed Of”: "...White House: Potential benefits of American shale gas “to the U.S. economy are substantial”..." " (Marcellus Shale Coalition)- http://www.northcentralpa.com/feeditem/2012-01-17_american-natural-gas-creating-economic-growth-communities-have-%E2%80%9Cnever-dreamed-of

"More injection wells proposed for Pa. sites/Earthquake-triggering wells also in Pa./Wells leave Ohioans shaken: "..."Other than using common sense when siting these wells, I am not sure that additional regulation would help," Terry Engelder, professor of geosciences at Penn State University, said in an email..." " (Times-Shamrock Communications) (PA)- http://citizensvoice.com/news/more-injection-wells-proposed-for-pa-sites-1.1258379 , http://thedailyreview.com/news/earthquake-triggering-wells-also-in-pa-1.1258432 & http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/earthquake-triggering-wells-also-in-pa-1.1258432 (See also "Fracking Earthquakes"- http://my.brainshark.com/Fracking-Earthquakes-318380990%23 )

"PennFuture details legislature’s unfinished business on Marcellus Shale drilling: Current omnibus bill creates more problems than it solves: "...“The current approach – jamming regulatory changes, a drilling fee, local government control issues, and restructuring the Oil and Gas Lease Fund  into the same legislation – forces legislators to accept the lowest common denominator, pleasing no one but the drilling industry,” said Jan Jarrett, president and CEO of PennFuture..." (PennFuture)- http://www.pennfuture.org/media_pr_detail.aspx?MediaID=1398&Home=Y & http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/17/idUS152279+17-Jan-2012+BW20120117 (See also "Unfinished business: The Pennsylvania Legislature and Marcellus Shale Development"- http://www.pennfuture.org/userfiles12/UnfinishedBusiness-01-17-12.pdf & http://tinyurl.com/7vxqotv

"200 protest gas oversight law: "...They call for Legislature to reject bill that would let state sue over local Marcellus Shale ordinances..." " (The Morning Call) (PA)- http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/pennsylvania/mc-pa-shale-rally-20120117,0,7872417.story

"Environmental groups, locals rally against proposed zoning pre-emption: "..."All other entities in the world -- Alcoa, U.S. Steel, Joe's garage, Mary's hair salon, are all covered by local ordinances, including ourselves and where we do business, where we do industry," Mr. Shields told the crowd of about 200 activists. "Everybody in the commonwealth and in that municipality must pay attention and obey these local ordinances - except the oil and gas industry. That cannot stand."..." " (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) (PA)- http://shale.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/news/archives/24254

"Dear Legislature: Get All the Facts Before Marcellus Shale Vote : "...Robinson Township Manager Richard A. Ward sent this letter to members of the state House and Senate as they begin a new legislative term today..." " (Patch) (PA)- http://canon-mcmillan.patch.com/articles/dear-legislature-get-all-the-facts-before-marcellus-shale-vote

"Fracktivists Call On Lawmakers To Kill Drilling Bills: "...Several Hundred Anti-Drilling Activists took to the Capitol rotunda this morning to protest language in a pair of Marcellus impact fee bills that would leave it up to the Attorney General to call balls and strikes on local drilling ordinances..." " (Capital Idea Blog) (PA)- http://blogs.mcall.com/capitol_ideas/2012/01/fracktivists-call-on-lawmakers-to-kill-drilling-bills.html

"A standalone Marcellus bill moving to passage: "...The well site safety bill sponsored by Sen. Lisa Baker, R-20, Lehman Twp., is one of a few bills addressing Marcellus drilling that's moving separately from comprehensive impact fee legislation that includes stronger regulation of drilling activities..." " (Times-Shamrock Communications) (PA)- http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/a-standalone-marcellus-bill-moving-to-passage-1.1258565 , http://citizensvoice.com/news/drilling/a-standalone-marcellus-bill-moving-to-passage-1.1258401 & http://republicanherald.com/news/marcellus-bill-moving-to-passage-1.1258524

"Advocacy groups jockey over Marcellus bills: "...Environmental group PennFuture today called on state lawmakers to rethink their approach to Marcellus Shale natural gas legislation. Rather than dealing with the whole issue in one bill, the General Assembly should pass separate bills to protect the environment, establish a drilling tax, protect public land and create a conservation fund, the Harrisburg-based environmental organziation said...The Marcellus Shale Coalition industry group, however, cautioned legislators against increasing costs on drillers, especially given recent record-low natural gas prices..." " (Central Penn Business Journal)- http://www.centralpennbusiness.com/article/20120117/CPBJ01/120119840/Advocacy-groups-jockey-over-Marcellus-bills

"Environmental activists decry House and Senate Shale bills : "...Activists passed out copies of a letter signed by more than 70 local officials – the overwhelming majority from Allegheny, Berks, and Butler counties – encouraging state lawmakers not to limit municipalities’ ability to restrict natural gas drilling activity with local zoning ordinances. “Local governments have traditionally had the right to say you don’t put this kind of industrial operation in a residential zone,” said Jeff Schmidt, with the Pennsylvania Sierra Club.  “If the gas industry gets this kind of preemption, what industry’s going to step up next and get local preemption?  Landfills?  Manufacturing facilities?”..." " (WITF) (PA)- http://www.witf.org/state-house-sound-bites/environmental-activists-decry-house-and-senate-shale-bills

"Groups urge legislators to start over on shale regulations: "...While few details of the closed-door GOP policy negotiations have trickled out, there's been no indication that lawmakers or the governor would be willing to reverse course and eliminate the zoning provision. Gov. Tom Corbett has said repeatedly that he believes there should be statewide standardization of drilling rules to create more uniformity..." " (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) (PA)- http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12017/1204087-100-0.stm

"Speedy action urged on drilling legislation: "...State lawmakers should separate oil and gas legislation into multiple bills to speed their adoption and push for stronger standards, according to a report released on Tuesday by the group Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future. New rules proposed in Harrisburg ignore the growing threat of air pollution from wide-scale shale drilling, fail to ban open-air wastewater pits, fail to protect government forests and parks and don't fund nearly bankrupt environmental programs, according to the Harrisburg-based conservation group. Putting all potential reforms in one bill undercuts the chance to pass stronger regulations, said Jan Jarrett, president and chief executive officer..." " (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review) (PA)- http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/breaking/s_777017.html

"From Township Planning Consultant to Fracker: Tom Shepstone: "...Tom Shepstone has been a consultant for towns on both sides of the upper Delaware River for many years. One township he helped write the comprehensive plan for is my very own, Dingman Township, located in Pike County, Pennsylvania nestled in the rural Pocono Mountains...However, Pike County is waking up to their corruption. All three County Commissioners have objected to the new project as it moved through the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Pike County Conservation District is a step ahead monitoring the quality of our streams..." " (WeArePowerShift blog) (PA)- http://www.wearepowershift.org/blogs/township-planning-consultant-fracker-tom-shepstone

"Teamster strike, local picketing, ends in pipeline industry: "...During the strike, which began the during the first week of January, Teamsters Union members picketed against pipeline contractors in Troy and North Towanda Township. Teamster workers across the country in the pipeline construction industry returned to work Friday following an agreement between the union and the Pipe Line Contractors Association (PLCA) to extend the previous labor agreement for three months, according to a press release posted by the Teamsters Union on its national website..." " (Times-Shamrock Communications)- http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/teamster-strike-local-picketing-ends-in-pipeline-industry-1.1258406 & http://thedailyreview.com/news/teamster-strike-local-picketing-ends-in-pipeline-industry-1.1258406

"Region scrambles to land Shell plant: "...Beaver County and Western Pennsylvania could be big winners if Pennsylvania beats out other states for a chemical plant, fed by natural gas, that Royal Dutch Shell plc is planning..." " (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review) (PA)- http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/regional/s_776963.html

"DEP Fines TerrAqua Resource Management for Frack Water Spill: "...The Department of Environmental Protection has fined TerrAqua Resource Management LLC of Williamsport, Lycoming County, $18,500 for a March 2011 hydraulic fracturing, or frack, water spill at the company’s treatment facility in Lycoming County..." " (Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection)- http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/newsroom/14287?id=19217&typeid=1

"‘Where would Jesus frack?’: "...Two local pastors are taking part in a rally today in Harrisburg to voice their concerns about the impact the Marcellus Shale industry could have on the health and environment in Central Pennsylvania..." " (Standard Journal) (PA)- http://www.standard-journal.com/articles/2012/01/17/news/doc4f1580b3515a0238365788.txt

"DEP Reminds Pennsylvanians that January is National Radon Action Month" (Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection)- http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/newsroom/14287?id=19218&typeid=1 & http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dep-reminds-pennsylvanians-that-january-is-national-radon-action-month-137480223.html (See also "Radon in Natural Gas from Marcellus Shale" (via google doc viewer)- http://docs.google.com/viewer?url=http%3A%2F%2Frwma.com%2FMarcellus_Radon )

"NJ Environmentalists Fight Gas Pipeline Expansion: "...The first round of permit approvals is expected to begin Thursday with a vote by the Highlands Council. It's part of a 40-mile pipeline expansion to transport methane from the Marcellus Shale in Pennsylvania that runs through steep woodlands and under the Monksville Reservoir..." " (New Jersey)- http://www.pulvermedia.com/fullstory/8aba8ehhjaf10539445d4

"Clinton Twp. Council to decide on becoming 'intervenor' in Transco gas pipeline FERC application process" (NJ)- http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2012/01/clinton_twp_council_to_decide.html

"HIghlands group to consider pipeline: "...The Highlands Council has scheduled a vote for Thursday on another leg of the Tennessee Gas pipeline upgrades, this one for just over seven miles through Passaic and Bergen counties. The meeting is at 4 p.m. at the Highlands Council offices, 100 North Road in Chester..." " (New Jersey)- http://www.njherald.com/story/16532299/highlands-group-to-consider-pipeline

"Lawmakers accept 1-year fracking ban: "...TRENTON — The New Jersey Legislature has accepted Gov. Chris Christie's recommendation for a one-year ban on a natural gas drilling process known as hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, rather than continue to pursue a permanent ban..." " (NJ)- http://www.strausnews.com/articles/2012/01/17/township_journal/news/2.txt

National & International:

"01-17-12 Natural Gas Daily Report" (The Carbon Capture Report)- http://gas.carboncapturereport.org/cgi-bin//dailyreport?DATE=2012-01-17

"Committee Reports 112th Congress (2011-2012) Senate Report 112-084: "...Environmental Health Tracking Network...In addition, the Committee encourages CDC to develop a wide variety of baseline community health data that will be tracked over time. As drilling for natural gas increases across the Nation, this information will allow communities to monitor the impact of current and future drilling sites on the health of individuals living nearby..." "- http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/cpquery/?&sid=cp112jdq0p&r_n=sr084.112&dbname=cp112&sel=DOC& and http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CRPT-112srpt84/html/CRPT-112srpt84.htm

"Group tells EPA: Don't suspend frack report comments/Group: Wyo. sides with industry in doubting EPA report that theorizes pollution-fracking link: "...A group representing residents of a community where the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has speculated that hydraulic fracturing may have contaminated their groundwater criticized Wyoming state officials for the first time, saying they're siding with the petroleum industry at the expense of those who have to live with polluted water..." " (AP)- http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/wyoming/group-tells-epa-don-t-suspend-frack-report-comments/article_43e2843c-e6b2-5165-a8b7-1f0de322047f.html , http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/e521d5a3ece947b8b0d6e2b34fd5469e/WY--Fracking-Groundwater-Pollution/ , http://www.kfoxtv.com/ap/ap/environment/group-wyo-siding-with-industry-on-fracking-issue/nGPYn/ & http://washingtonexaminer.com/news/2012/01/group-wyo-siding-industry-fracking-issue/2106871

"Groups Denounce Attack on U.S. EPA Investigation of Hydraulic Fracturing Contamination" (EcoWatch)- http://ecowatch.org/2012/groups-denounce-attack-on-u-s-epa-investigation-of-hydraulic-fracturing-contamination/

"Fracking may have caused blowout in southern Alberta" (Canada)- http://business.financialpost.com/2012/01/17/fracking-may-have-caused-blowout-in-southern-alberta/

"Guest Opinion: Wall Street, CEO culture losing all fracking sense of reality/Fracking industry executive says 90% of American population are "nuts" : "...One of the worst offenders is the energy industry. Case in point, the CEO for the Colorado Oil & Gas Association reportedly said of fracking opponents: “These nuts make up about 90 percent of our population, so we can’t really call them nuts any more. They’re the mainstream.”...This gets to the heart of our current economic and growing social crisis. Wall Street and the CEOs are too out of touch to know they’re wrong and too arrogant to admit it. When an industry has a 7% approval rating and still can’t admit its business model is fundamentally wrong then they lose the privilege of dictating the status quo. .." " (Civil Society Institute)- http://www.tauntongazette.com/newsnow/x3504064/Guest-Opinion-Wall-Street-CEO-culture-losing-all-fracking-sense-of-reality , http://www.reviewmessenger.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13738 & http://www.wilsoncountynews.com/article.php?id=40564&n=commentaries-fracking-industry-e120ec-speaks-out &

"What's Ahead for Natural Gas?: Energy and Environment Experts: "...Steel Industry Poised to Gain with Gas By Thomas Gibson President & CEO, American Iron and Steel Institute...Giant Opportunities for Natural Gas By Paul Sullivan Professor of Economics, National Defense University...We Can Meet Demand and Keep Prices Low By Kathleen Sgamma Director of Government & Public Affairs, Western Energy Alliance...Won't Be Cheap For Long By Tyson Slocum director of Public Citizen's Energy Program...The Full Story on Natural Gas Exports By Charles Ebinger Director of the Energy Security Initiative at the Brookings Institution...Natural Gas-Powered Electricity Critical By Gregory C. Staple...Natural Gas: The Winning Ticket in 2012 By Don Santa President, Interstate Natural Gas Association of America...Uniting for Jobs & the Environment By Tom Amontree Executive Vice President, America’s Natural Gas Alliance...Exporting Gas: Why the Rush? By Mark Muro Fellow and Director of Policy, Metropolitan Policy Program at Brookings...EPA Could Thwart Gas Supplies By David Holt President, Consumer Energy Alliance...Zero Emissions from Natural Gas? By Armond Cohen Executive Director, Clean Air Task Force...Government Could Hinder Gas Golden Age By William O'Keefe CEO, George C. Marshall Institute..." " (National Journal)- http://energy.nationaljournal.com/2012/01/whats-ahead-for-natural-gas.php

"The White House’s Natural Gas/Manufacturing Connection" (Energy Tomorrow)- http://energytomorrow.org/blog/the-white-houses-natural-gas-manufacturing-connection/#/type/all

"Situation Normal, All Fracked Up: Obama embraces fracking: "...Last week, the Obama administration gave what may be its first formal statement favoring hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, of natural gas in a report, Investing in America (pdf). Until now, the Environmental Protection Agency has, generally, been moving slowly on the issue, with initial study results due out this year and a final report in 2014. However, the Investing in America report endorses the safe and environmentally responsible extraction of natural gas. Key paragraphs:..." " (DailyKos)- http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/01/17/1055477/-Situation-Normal,-All-Fracked-Up:-Obama-embraces-fracking & http://grist.org/natural-gas/situation-normal-all-fracked-up-obama-embraces-fracking/

"Obama's jobs council report says 'drill': "...But Keystone supporters will point out that the year-end report released Tuesday argues that energy projects like pipelines will result in economic and security benefits. It even echoes a common refrain from Republicans and the oil industry: that such energy projects "can support hundreds of thousands of jobs." White House press secretary Jay Carney insisted Tuesday that the jobs council report does not endorse the Keystone pipeline..." " (The Hill)- http://thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/e2-wire/204621-obamas-jobs-council-calls-for-expanded-drilling

(Video) "“After the Gas Rush” Part 1: "...In the Journey OnEarth film series, National Geographic Emerging Explorer Roshini Thinakaran reports about the people most directly impacted by pollution, oil spills, and toxic chemicals, and communities coping with climate change across the U.S..." " (National Geographic)- http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2012/01/17/after-the-gas-rush-part-1/

(Video) "After the Gas Rush (Part 1): "...NRDC Journey OnEarth producer Roshini Thinakaran and cameraman/editor Zak Wenning reported on one particularly contentious fracking fight in Washington County, PA, where tensions between local citizens, gas drillers and politicians have boiled over into scalding public debates. ..." " (NRDC)- http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/rkistner/after_the_gas_rush_part_1.html

"Shale Gas: A Boon That Could Stunt Alternatives, Study Says" (National Geographic)- http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/energy/2012/01/120117-shale-gas-boom-impact-on-renewables/

"Shell Pays U.S. $25 Million in Settlement Over Royalties: "...Royal Dutch Shell has paid $25 million to the U.S. government to resolve claims that the company underpaid royalties on federal offshore oil and gas leases, the U.S. Interior Department said on Tuesday..." " (Reuters)- http://www.foxbusiness.com/industries/2012/01/17/shell-pays-us-25-million-in-settlement-over-royalties/

"HyperSolar’s Green Gas Makes Fracking Obsolete: "...The California company HyperSolar is developing a way to produce renewable hydrogen and natural gas from wastewater using solar energy..." " (CleanTechnica)- http://cleantechnica.com/2012/01/17/hypersolars-green-gas-makes-fracking-obsolete/

"Oil and Gas Services Avoid Geopolitical Risk: John Stephenson: "...With oil reserves less and less accessible to western majors, producer stocks can carry significant geopolitical risk. In this exclusive interview with The Energy Report, First Asset Investment Management Inc. Senior Vice President John Stephenson explains why service-oriented companies are smart selections for risk-averse energy investors..." " (The Energy Report via International Business Times)- http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/283360/20120117/oil-gas-natural-gas-shale-gas-natural-gas-liquids-oil-sands-potash.htm

"Spectra Expects to Be Involved in North American LNG Exports: "...Spectra Energy Corp. will have “some involvement” in what it estimates will be three to six facilities built to export North American natural gas, Chief Executive Officer Gregory Ebel said. Spectra, based in Houston, owns pipelines that carry gas along the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and from fields in British Columbia, two areas where export terminals have been proposed, Ebel said in an interview at Bloomberg headquarters in New York today...." " (Bloomberg)- http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-17/spectra-expects-to-be-involved-in-north-american-lng-exports.html & http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-01-17/spectra-expects-to-be-involved-in-north-american-lng-exports.html

"Revamped Orion to focus on shale gas prospects in the US: "...Petrel holds interests in shale gas exploration acreage in the US. The first wells are due to begin production by the end of next month. The acreage involves shallow wells - drilled to a depth of about 1000 metres - that are inexpensive and quick to drill..." " (Australia)- http://www.smh.com.au/business/revamped-orion-to-focus-on-shale-gas-prospects-in-the-us-20120117-1q4np.html

"US Shale Gas Development May Be Tough To Copy: "...The unique structure of the US natural gas industry enabled development and rapid deployment of new shale gas technology, and the lack of that structure is complicating efforts of other countries to follow suit..." " (AOL Energy)- http://energy.aol.com/2012/01/17/us-shale-gas-development-may-be-tough-to-copy/

"LaHood Says Pipeline Safety Is National Concern: "...SAN BRUNO, Calif. — After meeting with victims of a gas pipeline explosion that killed eight people in San Bruno last September, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood said Thursday he will "redouble efforts" to impose stricter regulations on the nation's natural gas pipeline infrastructure by the end of summer..." " (California)- http://www.ktvu.com/news/news/lahood-says-pipeline-safety-is-national-concern/nD3RT/

"Is drilling causing Ohio earthquakes?" (Video, CNN)- http://money.cnn.com/2012/01/17/news/ohio_earthquakes/?source=cnn_bin

"Statoil calls for more use of natural gas: "...Statoil Chief Executive Officer Helge Lund said more should be done to exploit natural gas reserves. He said the world could experience greater energy efficiency, cut carbon dioxide emissions and ensure energy resources are widely available by reducing gas flaring during oil production..." " (UPI)- http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Energy-Resources/2012/01/17/Statoil-calls-for-more-use-of-natural-gas/UPI-35341326804559/

"Future of fracking holds promise for U.S. energy outlook" (Medill Reports - Chicago, Northwestern University)- http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=198624

"US offers to share lessons on responsible shale industry development : "...The US has offered to share with South Africa lessons arising from a recent study into ways of reducing the environmental impact and improving the safety of America’s fast-growing shale gas industry, which has expanded from almost nothing at the start of the century to supplying nearly 30% of that country’s natural gas production. The offer was made by US Deputy Energy Secretary Daniel Poneman during the second US-South Africa Energy Dialogue, held in South Africa during early January – the inaugural dialogue took place in Washington, DC, during April last year..." " (South Africa)- http://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/us-offers-to-share-lessons-on-responsible-shale-industry-development-2012-01-17

"Are frackers becoming warmer and fuzzier?: "...But as opposition has escalated, drillers, knocked back on their heels, seem to have started to acclimate to the idea of adding substance to an already vigorous pro-fracking PR campaign. For the last year or so, companies have been listing many of their fracking chemicals at a website called fracfocus.org..." " (Oil & Glory)- http://oilandglory.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2012/01/17/are_frackers_becoming_warmer_and_fuzzier

"Occupy fracking, explosive water edition: "...Maybe this fracking thing isn't going so great. The Ohio Beacon Journal reports today on a pair of houses where fracking for natural gas started nearby and the water went seriously bad:.." " (The Maddow Blog)- http://maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/01/17/10174375-occupy-fracking-explosive-water-edition

"EPA, job killer or people saver?: "...Seriously, if Romney is so hell-bent on stating the obvious, he should bring up the provision in Bush's 2005 Energy Policy Act that excused natural gas companies from telling the EPA which chemicals they were using to mine with, and say it was a mistake...I severely doubt the EPA is running as efficiently as it should, and I'm sure there are some regulations that need to reviewed by the science community. But the Republican notion that a federal policing of our natural resources is a waste of money flies in the face of common sense..." " (CNN Opinion)- http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/17/opinion/granderson-epa-republicans/index.html

"Japan and U.S. DOE Looking into Economical Production of Methane Gas Hydrates" (OilPrice)- http://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Japan-And-U.S.-DOE-Looking-Into-Economical-Production-Of-Methane-Gas-Hydrates.html

"Bill offers 25-year property-tax break for gas cracker: "...CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- West Virginia would offer a 25-year break from property taxes to attract a new chemical plant fueled by the state's emerging Marcellus natural gas industry, under a proposal from Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin that debuted in the Legislature on Tuesday..." " (West Virginia)- http://sundaygazettemail.com/News/201201170133

"People Getting Gas Drilling Checks Must Pay Taxes Quarterly" (West Virginia)- http://www.wtrf.com/story/16539767/people-getting-gas-drilling-checks-must-pay-taxes-quarterly

"Injection-brine wells limited in Ohio to 8,000 feet: "...Gov. John Kasich and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources have decided to limit brine-injection wells to a maximum 8,000 feet deep...Rob Nichols, spokesman for Kasich, said he doesn't yet know if the new maximum depth will be retroactively enforced. Current D&L Energy Inc. well permits in Mahoning County, including wells in Yougstown, Girard, Campbell, Coitsville and Hubbard, all exceed a depth of 8,000 feet..." " (Ohio)- http://www.vindy.com/news/2012/jan/17/injection-brine-wells-limited-ohio-8000-feet/?nw

"Ohio subcommittee hearing on the shale boom will take place at YSU on Tuesday: "..."We're going to listen to testimony from three scientists; one from Stanford, one from YSU and one from Marietta, and a fourth expert on behalf of the oil and gas industry. They're going to give us their opinion on the earthquake and what occurred. They're going to give us their take on what the state of Ohio will look like in the future with drilling. The legislators are going to have the opportunity to ask questions," said State Senator Joe Schiavoni...." " (Video, WFMJ) (Ohio)- http://www.wfmj.com/story/16531173/ohio-subcommittee-hearing-on-the-shale-boom-will-take-place-at-ysu-on-tuesday

"Public invited to info sessions on fracking: "...Marietta College is hosting a community event series on the topic, with the first event scheduled for 7 p.m. Jan. 26 in the college's Alma McDonough Auditorium. There, community members will be able to see a documentary called "Gasland," which won the Special Jury Prize at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival...There will also be a forum held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Jan 27 at the Lafayette Hotel in Marietta. Titled the "Economic Impact and Opportunities Forum," it is being sponsored by the Ohio Energy Resource Alliance, the Ohio Small Business Development Center in Marietta and the Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce..." " (Ohio)- http://www.mariettatimes.com/page/content.detail/id/541415/Public-invited-to-info-sessions--on-fracking.html

"House hearing at YSU disappoints Rep. Hagan: "...“The events that unfolded at [Youngstown State University] this morning lacked any substantive analysis or investigation into injection wells and recent earthquakes in Youngstown,” Hagan said in a statement. “Instead, the hearing amounted to little more than the continuation of the oil and gas industry’s public relations campaign. Instead of thoughtful answers to probing questions, industry representatives were all too eager in seeking greater latitude for their industry to ‘do what they think is right.’..." " (Ohio)- http://www.vindy.com/news/2012/jan/17/house-hearing-at-ysu-disappoints-rep-hag/?nw

(Video) "Ohio Senate, House Hold Meeting on Earthquakes: "...State lawmakers sat through more than three hours of testimony from educators and gas industry experts Tuesday, questioning the brine injection process and if it can cause earthquakes..." " (Video, WYTV) (Ohio)- http://www.wkbn.com/mostpopular/story/Ohio-Senate-House-Hold-Meeting-on-Earthquakes/W4_tFXwDHk6WRLv6hBx5Rg.cspx

(Video) "RAW VIDEO: YSU Shale Hearing" (Video, WFMJ)- Part 1: http://www.wfmj.com/global/category.asp?c=179433&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=6646819 & http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLg4Vq1MiBI , Part 2: http://www.wfmj.com/global/category.asp?c=179433&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=6646834 & http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nIUwyrrWRbs , Part 3: http://www.wfmj.com/global/category.asp?c=179433&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=6646857 & http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CO8eh3zp-4

"Lawmakers press questions on fracking and earthquakes: "...State politicians quizzed experts in Youngstown today (Tuesday) at a hearing on what might have caused eleven earthquakes in the Mahoning Valley over as many months. The state is now monitoring reports of more earthquakes in another Ohio county to determine if there's any link to nearby brine injection wells there. For Ohio Public Radio, WCPN’s Mhari Saito reports. ..." " (Audio, WCPN) (Ohio)- http://www.wksu.org/news/story/30486

"Mixed bag of opinions after subcommittee hearing on brine injection wells: "...Tuesday's bi-partisan hearing by state lawmakers on brine injection wells and the possible impact on the community has left some more skeptical than ever. YSU Geologist, Dr. Jeffrey Dick says there's a good possibility that the Northstar #10 well in Youngstown triggered the earthquakes and he suggests that the drilling has to stop in to what's referred to as the pre-Cambrian basement rock where the faults are that cause earthquakes. But several state lawmakers aren't satisfied that it's enough..." " (Video, WFMJ) (Ohio)- http://www.wfmj.com/global/story.asp?s=16540890

"OSU pipeline hearing Wednesday: "...Columbia Gas' proposal to build a high-pressure natural gas pipeline under Ohio State University's 52-acre Olentangy River Wetland Research Park will be the subject of a public hearing set for 10 a.m. Wednesday Downtown. University officials and environmental advocates are opposed to the plan because they say the pipeline poses a pollution threat to two man-made wetlands in the park, which function as a living laboratory for students and scientists testing theories on wetland ecology and design..." " (Ohio)- http://www.dispatch.com/content/blogs/science-environment/2012/01/osu-wetlands.html

"Gas in Medina water wells linked to drilling" (AP) (Ohio)- http://www.cantonrep.com/newsnow/x1674229526/Gas-in-Medina-water-wells-linked-to-drilling (See also "Three years after drilling, feds say natural gas in Medina County well water is potentially explosive"- http://www.ohio.com/news/local/three-years-after-drilling-feds-say-natural-gas-in-medina-county-well-water-is-potentially-explosive-1.255525 )

"Fracking Companies Tap Military Psy Ops and Counterinsurgency Handbook to Make You Like Them " (Ohio)- http://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2012/01/17/fracking-companies-tap-military-psy-ops-and-counterinsurgency-handbook-to-make-you-like-them

"The sale of southern Idaho gas wells delayed, pending review by board: "...On Tuesday afternoon, the House Resources and Conservation Committee will begin reviewing the rules approved this fall by the Idaho Oil and Gas Conservation Commission. Those rules include regulations for the controversial practice of hydraulic fracking, which drillers say they won’t employ. Lawmakers also are expected to debate other legislation this session to guide oil and gas development in Idaho. Earlier this month the Idaho Statesman reported that a lien had been filed against Bridge and Paramax and that they were scheduled to close on a deal with a buyer last week..." " (Idaho)- http://www.idahostatesman.com/2012/01/17/1955632/the-sale-of-southern-idaho-gas.html

"House panel approves oil and gas rules for Idaho: "...The panel voted 16 to 1 to approve the rules. If the House and Senate don’t vote to oppose them, they go into effect. Republican Rep. Dick Harwood, of St. Maries, the lone opposing vote, worried that the rules might be too burdensome for industry, even though the rules were developed in negotiations that included representatives of the oil and gas industry, environmentalists, local governments and people in Payette and Washington counties, where drilling or leasing already is under way..." " (Idaho)- http://voices.idahostatesman.com/2012/01/17/rockybarker/house_panel_approves_oil_and_gas_rules_idaho

"Ford County seeing surge of interest in title searches: "...Pogue's staff is also seeing a surge in the number of people doing land title searches — so much so that her office has limited the number of people who can be in the vaults at one time..." " (Kansas)- http://www.dodgeglobe.com/topstories/x255288009/Ford-County-seeing-surge-of-interest-in-title-searches

"Kansas county sees oil, gas lease searches spike: "...So many people began crowding into the Ford County Government Center in Dodge City that the county restricted the number of people allowed in the room where the documents are contained and rented laptops to others, The Dodge City Daily Globe reported Monday..." " (AP) (Kansas)- http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/article/Kansas-county-sees-oil-gas-lease-searches-spike-2579281.php & http://hutchnews.com/Latestlocalnews/Ford-County-sees-surge-in-oil--gas-lease-searches

"Arlington Open Tank Flowback Operations Venting Hazardous Air Pollution in the News: "...This spot on channel 33 news last night made it sound like if you have a pipeline already at a drill site, that a green completion can take place so that venting and flaring does not occur in our air-shed. But in that video, they showed the Arlington Fulson site at (Sublett and 360) venting flow-back emissions when it HAS a pipeline established at that site..." " (Arlington TX Barnett Shale Blogger) (Texas)- http://barnettshalehell.wordpress.com/2012/01/17/arlington-open-tank-flowback-operations-venting-hazardous-air-pollution-in-the-news/

"Forest Hill approves permits for six new gas wells: "...Gas drilling is making a comeback in Forest Hill almost six years after a fatal gas well explosion..." " (Texas)- http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/01/17/3666880/forest-hill-approves-permits-for.html

"Fort Worth seeks residents' input on saltwater disposal wells: "...FORT WORTH -- As the city continues to deal with the impact of the Barnett Shale, it is still wrestling with whether it should allow saltwater disposal wells inside the city limits..." " (Texas)- http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/01/16/3663764/fort-worth-to-seek-comments-on.html

"Free oil and gas leasing seminar in Lewistown: "...Free oil and gas leasing seminar. 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17. Montana Farmers Union present seminar at the Eagles Club in Lewistown to help landowners understand leasing and right-of-way options for natural resources and minerals associated with their property. Workshop presenters include Tim Fitzgerald, Montana State University ag economist; Herb Vasseur, Chinook, president of Montana Land and Mineral Owners Association; and Jerry Simmons, Tulsa, Okla., executive director of the National Association of Royalty Owners..." " (Montana)- http://billingsgazette.com/calendar/get-involved/workshop/free-oil-and-gas-leasing-seminar-in-lewistown/event_151fbb96-3d72-11e1-9631-001871e3ce6c.html

"Sahtu fracking information sessions delayed: "...The member of the Legislative Assembly for the Sahtu, Norman Yakeleya, said people in his riding want more information. “What we are hearing is that if the oil and gas companies hear …that they really don't want fracking that means that it's done. No more oil and gas exploration,” he said. Christian Bertelsen is the acting director of mineral and petroleum resources for the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. He said the department wants to hear the public’s concerns. He said the goal is to also forge a common understanding about fracking..." " (Canada)- http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/story/2012/01/17/north-fracking-info-sessions-nwt.html

"Bulgaria Mulls Permanent Ban on Hydrofracking Technology" (Bulgaria)- http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=135805

"Bulgaria cancels Chevron shale gas permit: "...The Bulgarian government, preparing a full ban on shale gas drilling due to environmental concerns, on Tuesday cancelled a exploration permit for the unconventional energy source that it granted to U.S. energy major Chevron in June..." " (Reuters)- http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/17/us-bulgaria-shalegas-chevron-idUSTRE80G18J20120117

"Bulgaria bans Chevron from using ‘fracking’ techniques in search for shale gas" (AP)- http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/bulgaria-says-chevron-cannot-use-fracking-technique-in-search-for-shale-gas/2012/01/17/gIQApg3R5P_story.html

"Summary Box: Bulgaria bans Chevron from using fracking techniques in search for shale gas" (AP)- http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-bc-eu--bulgaria-chevron-shalegas-summarybox,0,3165673.story

"Bulgaria says Chevron cannot use fracking to search for shale gas: "...After the Cabinet meeting, Economy Minister Traicho Traikov said that Bulgaria would could allow use of fracking once it was clear that it held no risks for the environment..." " (Bulgaria)- http://www.sofiaecho.com/2012/01/17/1746998_bulgaria-says-chevron-cannot-use-fracking-to-search-for-shale-gas

"‘75% of Bulgarians favour shale gas exploration if environmental safety certain’ – poll" (Bulgaria)- http://www.sofiaecho.com/2012/01/17/1746587_75per-cent-of-bulgarians-favour-shale-gas-exploration-if-environmental-safety-certain-poll

"Local residents hit back at Cuadrilla fracking plans: "...Oil and gas company Cuadrilla felt the wrath of furious local residents at a public meeting to discuss its proposed plans to drill test for shale gas in the Home Counties..." " (United Kingdom)- http://www.edie.net/news/news_story.asp?id=21699&channel=0&title=Local+residents+hit+back+at+Cuadrilla+fracking+plans+ (See also "Balcombe meeting 11-01-2012"- http://soundcloud.com/cnut3/sets/balcombe-meeting-11-01-2012 )

"Government department warns Shell as protestor removed with angle-grinder: "...Protests last Thursday led to a stand-off at a local quarry where the owner ultimately used a high-powered water hose in an attempt to remove protestors from his machinery.  Earlier in the week, on Tuesday last, a garda used an angle-grinder to remove a woman who was locked by her neck to the arm of a tree-cutting machine.  Shell to Sea spokeswoman, Maura Harrington, strongly criticised the use of such a dangerous tool on the woman, suggesting that a locksmith should have been summoned to the scene..." " (Ireland)- http://www.mayonews.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14494:government-department-warns-shell-as-protestor-removed-with-angle-grinder

"Donegal and Sligo become latest local authorities to ban fracking: "...DONEGAL AND SLIGO county councils have become the latest local authorities to ban fracking. The vote follows similar move by councils in Clare, Leitrim and Roscommon. Councillors in Clare last week agreed in principle to a total ban on fracking in the county and urged the government to implement a national ban..." " (Ireland)- http://www.thejournal.ie/donegal-and-sligo-become-latest-local-authorities-to-ban-fracking-329929-Jan2012/

"'More valuable than gold': "...A NEW warning calling for greater research into Australia's groundwater has been welcomed by locals concerned about the burgeoning coal seam gas industry on the Northern Rivers. The statement, released yesterday by the National Centre for Groundwater Research and Training, describes Australia's underground water reserves as a "buried treasure" potentially more valuable to our future gross national product than gold, oil, wheat or coal..." " (Australia)- http://www.dailyexaminer.com.au/story/2012/01/17/more-valuable-than-gold/

"Coal Seam Gas, Fracking Coal mining and Australian wildlife" (Australia)- http://wildlifetourism.org.au/discussions/threats-to-australian-wildlife/coal-seam-gas-and-australian-wildlife/

"CSG protester arrested at Arrow site: "...One man has been arrested after workers clashed with protesters at a coal seam gas blockade south-west of Brisbane. Tactical response group police were called to the Arrow Energy site at Beaudesert in the early hours of this morning..." " (Australia)- http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-18/csg-protester-arrested-at-arrow-site/3779986?section=business

"Arrow CSG blockade talks stall: "...Discussions between anti-coal seam gas protesters and Arrow Energy Ltd about ending a southern Queensland blockade remain deadlocked because the parties cannot agree where and when to hold their talks..." " (Australia)- http://www.businessspectator.com.au/bs.nsf/Article/CSG-blockade-talks-stall-over-place-time-QLTPL?opendocument&src=rss

"States unite in CSG battle: "...FARMERS and greenies from the Northern Rivers are standing side by side at the blockade against coal seam gas at Kerry, near Beaudesert in Queensland. Alan Roberts, of Kyogle, said people who were usually at opposite ends of the political spectrum were surprisingly finding common ground when it came to coal seam gas..." " (Australia)- http://www.northernstar.com.au/story/2012/01/18/states-unite-in-csg-battle-coal-seam-gas-kerry/

"New spill at Santos CSG site: "...COAL-SEAM gas giant Santos has been involved in a chemical leak at its operations in the Pilliga State Forest in northern NSW, with about 250L of the algae suppressant Algaecide spilt late last month. The spill follows an admission by Santos last week that in June last year 10,000L of polluted waste water was spilled at the site, potentially contaminating 1.2ha of bushland..." " (Australia)- http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/new-spill-at-santos-csg-site/story-fnaxx2sv-1226246801889