NY, PA & NJ:

"Senator Ball calls for hydrofracking moratorium: "...Republican Senator Greg Ball warns New York legislators not to move too fast on fracking and that we should learn from our neighbor Pennsylvania’s mistakes...Senator Ball has also drafted a Property Owner's Bill of Rights that would mandate natural gas companies to disclose all chemicals used in the fracking process, reimburse property owners for damages and provide them with free medical monitoring for life..." " (Video, YNN)- http://hudsonvalley.ynn.com/content/top_stories/570670/senator-ball-calls-for-hydrofracking-moratorium/ (See also "S5879A/A8805: Provides for the regulation of the conducting of hydraulic fracturing; repealer: "...S 23-1511. TRADE SECRET PROTECTION..." " (New York State Senate)- http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/bill/S5879A-2011 , http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&bn=A08805&term=&Summary=Y&Actions=Y&Votes=Y&Text=Y & http://e-lobbyist.com/gaits/text/352023 )

"Pennsylvania residents speak locally about fracking: "...Senator Ball has the support of some Democrats in the Senate and the Assembly. He wants the moratorium to last through June of 2013..." " (Video, WNYT)- http://wnyt.com/article/stories/S2458436.shtml?cat=300

"POLITICS ON THE HUDSON: IN ALBANY, BALL AND CARLUCCI MAKE PITCH FOR HYDROFRACKING MORATORIUM: "...“We do not have the protections in place at this point,” Ball said. “Being such a comprehensive and complicated issue, we’ve got to have protections from the point of industry standards all the way up to the (gas lease) contracts that are being signed right now. And those contracts that have been signed, whether or not we can go back and make sure these issues are addressed.”..." " (Politics on the Hudson)- http://www.nysenate.gov/news/politics-hudson-albany-ball-and-carlucci-make-pitch-hydrofracking-moratorium & http://blogs.democratandchronicle.com/voteup/2012/01/18/in-albany-lawmakers-make-pitch-for-hydrofracking-moratorium/

"Ball on fracking: This is why politics sucks in the U.S.: "...Republican Sen. Greg Ball was joined by IDC members David Carlucci and David Valesky on Wednesday afternoon at a press conference to introduce a moratorium on hydrofracking in New York through June 1, 2013. The moratorium is likely DOA due to opposition from Ball’s fellow Senate Republicans, who so far sound more than satisfied to let the Department of Environmental Conservation move ahead with its impact statement and regulation crafting (some in Ball’s conference, however, would like to see the agency move faster)..." " (Albany Times Union Blog)- http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/107523/ball-on-fracking-this-is-why-politics-sucks-in-the-u-s/

"Town passes hydrofracking moratorium: "...Town of Mount Morris...Until enough facts are in to make good judgments about hydrofracking without being rushed by the flurry of information on the subject, the town council imposed a hold on “hydrofracking.”..." " (The Livingston County News) (NY)- http://www.the-leader.com/newsnow/x58621134/Industry-enviros-note-lack-of-gas-money-in-NY-budget

"Industry, enviros note lack of gas money in NY budget" (AP)- http://www.the-leader.com/newsnow/x58621134/Industry-enviros-note-lack-of-gas-money-in-NY-budget ,  http://www.theithacajournal.com/usatoday/article/38366473 & http://www.boston.com/cars/news/articles/2012/01/18/groups_note_lack_of_gas_revenue_in_ny_budget/

"DEC: No timetable on fracking review: "...“Once we review the comments, we will make any necessary changes to the documents. We expect the final documents to be released in 2012,” said King. “If the final documents determine high-volume hydraulic fracturing could move forward in New York, we could begin to review permit applications after the final SGEIS is released.” But when asked around what month in 2012 that information will be made available, she said, “We don’t have a time frame.”..." " (Buffalo Business First) (NY)- http://www.bizjournals.com/buffalo/news/2012/01/18/dec-no-timetable-on-fracking-review.html

"Guest Viewpoint: Don't let gas drillers steal our water: "...I have two main concerns: the depletion of some of our water supply, and the fear that the gas produced will be sold to the highest bidder and not for the benefit of the people of Broome County, who would certainly approve a significant reduction in the cost of their natural gas. If hydraulic fracturing proceeds, the gas drillers should pay a reasonable price for every gallon of water they use, as do the people of Binghamton..." " (GANNETT) (NY)- http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20120118/VIEWPOINTS02/201180307/

"Guest Viewpoint: Objective science on gas drilling is available: "...With these needs in mind, the Paleontological Research Institution's outreach on the Marcellus over the past two years has been based on two goals: to provide more in-depth, but easier-to-read, scientific information than is available elsewhere; and to use a point of view and language that do not take a position for or against drilling. All of our materials have been externally reviewed by specialists on the respective topics, regardless of their point of view for or against drilling, and we try to be especially clear about points on which competent researchers disagree and why..." " (GANNETT) (NY)- http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20120118/VIEWPOINTS02/201180312/

"Economist to speak on fracking: "...BINGHAMTON — New York Residents Against Drilling is sponsoring a visit from economist Deborah Rogers, who will speak about her research into the economic forces behind hydrofracking and shale gas exploration from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Tabernacle United Methodist Church, 83 Main St..." " (GANNETT) (NY)- http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20120118/NEWS01/120118004/

"NYISO Forms Working Group on Electric and Gas Coordination: "...- In an effort to improve coordination between its market participants, natural gas utilities, pipelines and other key industry participants, the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) today announced the formation of an Electric-Gas Coordination Working Group...The working group will seek to develop a better understanding of the current relationships among participants in the electric and natural gas industries and develop proposals to improve coordination among interstate gas pipeline companies, gas pipeline shippers, electric system operators, electric generators, local gas distribution companies and state and federal regulatory agencies..." " (New York Independent System Operator) (NY)- http://readme.readmedia.com/NYISO-Forms-Working-Group-on-Electric-and-Gas-Coordination/3295139

"Gas flaring drawing attention to Pennsylvania town: "...It’s a topic of conversation around town. “They’re pretty impressed with it. Especially at night time when the clouds cover, it’s a pretty spectacular show,” said Kirkwood Gas Coalition Chair, Marchie Diffendorf..." " (Video, YNN)- http://centralny.ynn.com/content/top_stories/570603/gas-flaring-drawing-attention-to-pennsylvania-town/

"Letter: Fracking fails to create jobs: "...This error results from the substitution of one word for another: new "hires" are erroneously claimed as new "jobs." Here is a simple example of the difference..." " (Letter to editor, Albany Times Union) (NY)- http://www.timesunion.com/opinion/article/Letter-Fracking-fails-to-create-jobs-2590068.php

"Corbett administration slashes funding to wildlife research program by nearly 70 percent: "...HARRISBURG, Pa. — The administration of Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett has cut funding for a wildlife research program by nearly 70 percent, eliminating state money for projects meant to examine the impact of natural gas drilling and climate change, according to a report..." " (AP) (PA)- http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/4e319dbed6324059a1c673709a11b75b/PA--Research-Funding-Cuts/ , http://www.centredaily.com/2012/01/18/3057452_corbett-administration-slashes.html & http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/20120118_ap_corbettadministrationslashesresearchfunding.htmls

"Driller plans fourth gas well site in Benton: "...Benton's zoning ordinance also requires each proposed natural gas well to go through the township's conditional use process. Conditions for the Wells-Rosiak well, which was the first Marcellus well drilled in Benton Twp. and the second in Lackawanna County, required Southwestern to grant an independent township engineer broad access to the site to monitor crucial phases of the well's construction. Southwestern agreed to those terms, but said it was not legally required to do so..." " (Times-Shamrock Communications) (PA)- http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/gas-drilling/driller-plans-fourth-gas-well-site-in-benton-1.1259181 & http://citizensvoice.com/news/driller-plans-fourth-gas-well-site-in-benton-1.1259311

"Drilling foes say Pa. bills pre-empt local zoning: "...Natural gas-drilling opponents at a raucous protest rally Tuesday warned Pennsylvania state lawmakers returning from their holiday break that pending bills to regulate the industry would pre-empt local efforts to control the activity..." " (AP) (PA)- http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505245_162-57360926/drilling-foes-say-pa-bills-pre-empt-local-zoning/

"PennFuture wants legislators to take action on gas drilling: "...On Tuesday, PennFuture released an eight-page report, "Unfinished Business," critical of stalled policies to "regulate and tax the gas drilling industry, protect our state parks from gas drilling, prevent excess drilling in our state forest and restructure the uses of the Oil and Gas Lease Fund."..." " (McKeesport Daily News) (PA)- pittsburghlive.com/x/dailynewsmckeesport/s_777172.html

"Dallas Twp. resident joins critics challenging gas zoning loss/Residents challenge drilling legislation: "...A local resident referred to Dallas Township's experience with Marcellus industry facilities Tuesday as a key reason to oppose impact fee legislation that would make the state attorney general referee in disputes over gas zoning ordinances. "Taking local zoning controls from municipalities is not good for the citizens of Pennsylvania," said Diane Dreier..." " (Times-Shamrock Communications) (PA)- http://citizensvoice.com/news/drilling/dallas-twp-resident-joins-critics-challenging-gas-zoning-loss-1.1259047 & http://republicanherald.com/news/residents-challenge-drilling-legislation-1.1259054

"Preliminary approval granted for Washington Twp. compressor station/Chief compressor station in Wyoming County gets conditional OK: "...The Washington Township Zoning Hearing Board granted conditional approval Monday for a compressor station known as Hirkey-Baker to be operated by Chief Gathering LLC. The zoning body reopened a Dec. 15 meeting in which nearly all of Chief's plans for the Wyoming County compressor station were approved. However, the energy company neglected to include an emergency plan..." " (Times-Shamrock Communications) (PA)-http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/gas-drilling/preliminary-approval-granted-for-washington-twp-compressor-station-1.1259178 &

"EDITORIAL: Gas tax solution to some of Pa. budget woes: "...Though we don’t expect much, majority Republicans and minority Democrats could fashion a bill with a reasonable gas tax — one dedicated mostly to environmental protection but that could also plug budget holes until the economy rebounds — by the Feb. 7 deadline the governor has set. Corbett wants a 2012-13 budget that doesn’t require new broad-based taxes or Draconian budget cuts..." " (Express-Times) (PA)- http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2012/01/editorial_gas_tax_solution_to.html

"Senate approves Baker bill on wellsite safety: "...Harrisburg — A bill to improve emergency management and response at Marcellus Shale wellsites received the approval of the Senate Wednesday, Jan. 18..." " (The News Eagle) (PA)- http://www.neagle.com/newsnow/x3506735/Senate-approves-Baker-bill-on-wellsite-safety

"Local educators look to prep students for Marcellus shale jobs: "...With questions about potential taxation and environmental impact making most of the headlines on the Marcellus shale front, local educators instead are focused on preparing generations of workers for an industry that has 390 million years in the making and decades left to run its course..." " (McKeesport Daily News) (PA)- http://pittsburghlive.com/x/dailynewsmckeesport/s_777173.html

"Tribune-Review: Local educators look to prep students for Marcellus shale jobs" (Marcellus Shale Coalition)- http://www.northcentralpa.com/feeditem/2012-01-18_tribune-review-local-educators-look-prep-students-marcellus-shale-jobs

"Shale drilling affects rest of energy sector: "...A shale-driven glut of natural gas has cut electricity prices for the power industry by 50 percent and reduced investment in costlier sources of energy..." " (Bloomberg News via Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)- http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/business/s_777084.html

"Too much gas; too little access: "..."Our interstate pipeline system runs south to north, from the Gulf of Mexico up north into the New England area, but we don't have enough pipelines running from northcentral Pennsylvania (where the gas is largely produced) to the southeastern part of the state, where a significant part of the population is. That's the part of the pipeline that needs to be built up."..." " (The Express) (PA)- http://www.lockhaven.com/page/content.detail/id/536404/Too-much-gas--too-little-access.html

"UGI protests upstart in Susquehanna: "...UGI Penn Natural Gas, the dominant natural gas utility in Northeast Pennsylvania and the Poconos wants to stay that way and is trying to quash the ambitions of a Corning-based company to deliver natural gas to homes and businesses in northern Susquehanna County. Leatherstocking Gas Company LLC officials asked state regulators for utility status. UGI filed a protest before the Public Utility Commission. In it, UGI says it also wants to provide service to those areas, it just hadn't gotten around to it yet..." " (Times-Shamrock Communications)- http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/gas-drilling/ugi-protests-upstart-in-susquehanna-1.1259343

"Jan. 30 is the deadline to submit ideas for $50,000 Marcellus Shale contest : "...Jan. 30 is the deadline for entries to a contest seeking the best new ideas supporting innovation and research in the Marcellus Shale...The Shale Gas Innovation Contest is co-sponsored by the Marcellus Shale Coalition, Little Pine Resources, Chesapeake Energy, First National Bank and Schlumberger..." " (The Patriot-News) (PA)- http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/01/jan_30_is_the_deadline_to_subm.html

"Gov. Tom Corbett (R-Pa.) deserves the Scott Walker treatment: "...Corbett has leased one quarter of the state to natural gas drillers with essentially no user fee's and severances taxes for an industry that is being discovered to be the environmental night mare many of us thought it was...What Corbett has leased is some of the best forest land on the Eastern seaboard for essentially nothing because gas drilling is going to turn Pennsylvania into a goldmine of jobs and profitability if you listen to Corbett and Marcellus Shale Coalition, the industry mouth piece. In other places where fracking has occured the land has become a wasteland and gas drilling in Pennsylvania has been a job creator for Texas and Rick Perry. So much for that money driven lie..." " (Philadelphia Progressive Examiner) (PA)- http://www.examiner.com/progressive-in-philadelphia/gov-tom-corbett-r-pa-deserves-the-scott-walker-treatment

"Will Keystone decision affect Marcellus activism? : "...President Obama’s rejection of the Keystone XL Pipeline today could give courage to shale opponents — at least those who think pipelines are the next frontier in anti-Marcellus activism..." " (Pittsburgh Business Times)- http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/blog/energy/2012/01/will-keystone-decision-affect.html

"Clinton Twp. joins fight against Transco gas pipeline: "...If the pipeline is built, Rumore said, it would “devastate our landscape” and the town. Tom Borkowski, a former township mayor, expressed his satisfaction with the council’s decision, saying that the township has a “valid interest” in protecting residents’ property values. “This is a very good day for the people who are most affected,” he said..." " (Hunterdon County Democrat) (New Jersey)- http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2012/01/clinton_twp_joins_fight_agains.html

"Clinton Township retains lawyer to address Transco pipeline: "...The council this morning voted to intervene in Transcontinental Gas Pipeline Co.’s application to build the Northeast Supply Link. That project calls for a pipe that would carry natural gas from Pennsylvania’s rich Marcellus Shale deposit along existing pipes to New York City, cutting through 6.8 miles in Hunterdon County..." " (The Express-Times)- http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/hunterdon-county/express-times/index.ssf/2012/01/clinton_township_hires_lawyer.html

National & International:

"01-18-12 Natural Gas Daily Report" (The Carbon Capture Report)- http://gas.carboncapturereport.org/cgi-bin//dailyreport?DATE=2012-01-18

"Kroll Bond Rating Agency Reports Impact of Natural Gas Fracking on Municipal Bond Issuers: "...Kroll Bond Rating Agency published a report on the potential impact of shale gas development on municipal bond issuers. According to a release, the goal of this preliminary report is to alert investors to a new dynamic in the market, the potential development of trillions of dollars of unanticipated, domestic shale gas reserves over the next few decades..." " (Zecco)- https://research.zecco.com/research/markets/news/story.asp?key=100-017c0397-1&lastPage=news (See also (Event) "Hydraulic Fracturing (“Fracking”) – What Municipal Bond Analysts Need to Know: "...Conversely, increased well field development also puts a burden on infrastructure and the environment. Heavy equipment truck traffic is affecting roads and communities. The hydraulic fracturing process uses tremendous amounts of water, mixed with chemicals, and that water eventually needs to be disposed of or treated. Air quality and earthquake concerns exist as well. States and municipalities are wrestling with balancing the need for economic development and protection of the environment. And, finally, people have strong feelings about the topic as evidenced by increased media coverage. With this in mind, we have assembled a panel of experts from different perspectives to share their knowledge and highlight areas of concern for credit analysts and investors...Speaker(s):Kathryn Garcia - Deputy Commissioner for Operations New York City Department of Environmental Protection...Bill Holman - Director of State Policy Duke University’s Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions...Kathryn Klaber - President Marcellus Shale Coalition...Gary Krellenstein - Managing Director Public Finance Group, Kroll Bond Rating Agency Inc...Date: Jan. 20, 2012...Location: The Yale Club of New York - 50 Vanderbilt Avenue, NYC..." " (The Municipal Analysts Group of New York)- http://www.magny.org/cgi-bin/0zyevent-cald.cgi?EventNumber=6 )

"Increasing Energy Security" (The White House Blog)- http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/01/18/increasing-energy-security

"Keystone pipeline might lead to instability: "...Without this pipeline, Canadian oil is available primarily to the North American market. So without the completed pipeline, Canadian oil does provide us some security and price stability. However, if the pipeline is completed to Houston, that oil will be available to the international market, where the highest bidder gets the oil and those buying and selling have no regard for U.S. security or price stability...Enter Cheniere Energy, which will begin building a $6 billion natural gas liquefaction facility in Louisiana this year. Once it's finished in 2015, large volumes of U.S. natural gas will be available to the international market. When that happens, we can expect higher prices and a more volatile market, which isn't good for price stability or national security..." " (Minneapolis Star Tribune)- http://www.startribune.com/opinion/otherviews/137625438.html

"U.S. rejects Keystone XL, TransCanada not giving up: "..."This outcome is one of the scenarios we anticipated. While we are disappointed, TransCanada remains fully committed to the construction of Keystone XL. Plans are already underway on a number of fronts to largely maintain the construction schedule of the project," Russ Girling, TransCanada's president and chief executive officer, said in a statement..." " (CTV Ottawa)- http://ottawa.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20120118/obama-administration-keystone-xl-pipeline-decision-120118/20120118/?hub=OttawaHome

"Obama administration to reject Keystone pipeline: "...However the administration will allow TransCanada to reapply after it develops an alternate route through the sensitive habitat of Nebraska’s Sandhills. Deputy Secretary of State William J. Burns will make the announcement, which comes in response to a congressionally-mandated deadline of Feb. 21 for action on the proposed Keystone pipeline..." " (The Washington Post)- http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/2012/01/18/gIQAwoVE8P_story.html

"Five myths about the Keystone XL pipeline" (The Washington Post)- http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/five-myths-about-the-keystone-xl-pipeline/2011/12/19/gIQApUAX8P_story.html

"Rejecting Pipeline Proposal, Obama Blames Congress: "...While the president’s action does not preclude later approval of the project, it sets up a baldly partisan fight over energy, jobs and regulation that will likely persist through the November election..." " (The New York Times)- http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/19/us/state-dept-to-put-oil-pipeline-on-hold.html?pagewanted=all

"Shale Gas Seeping into Presidential Race: "...“State regulators are eager to prove they don’t need more federal oversight, but the Obama EPA continues to linger in the background,” adds Christine Tezak, a regulatory analyst with Baird..." " (EnergyBiz)- http://www.energybiz.com/article/12/01/shale-gas-seeping-presidential-race

"8 states on board with natural gas vehicle push: "...DENVER—Eight states have now signed up in an effort to encourage U.S. automakers to develop affordable vehicles that run on natural gas. The governors of Colorado and Oklahoma announced in November that their states, along with Pennsylvania and Wyoming, intended to seek proposals to replace vehicles in their state fleets with ones that run on natural gas. Since then, Maine, Utah, New Mexico and West Virginia also have signed on..." " (AP)- http://www.boston.com/cars/news/articles/2012/01/18/8_states_on_board_with_natural_gas_vehicle_push/

"Kinder Morgan, El Paso May Sell $900 Million Line Under Pressure: "...Kinder Morgan Inc. may reap more than $900 million if it has to sell natural-gas pipelines in the Rocky Mountains to secure federal approval of its $21 billion acquisition of El Paso Corp., scheduled to close in the second quarter..." " (Bloomberg)- http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-01-18/kinder-morgan-el-paso-may-sell-900-million-line-under-pressure.html

"Electric plants shift from coal to natural gas: "...PITTSBURGH -- The huge, belching smokestacks of electric power plants have long symbolized air pollution woes. But a shift is under way: More and more electric plants around the nation are being fueled by natural gas, which is far cleaner than coal, the traditional fuel. The most optimistic projections describe an abundant domestic energy source that will create enormous numbers of jobs and lead to cleaner skies..." " (AP)- http://www.yorkdispatch.com/business/ci_19766182

"Sempra gets fed approval to export LNG from Cameron: "...Under the DOE ruling, the latest in a string of approvals allowing projects to export abundant supplies of U.S. gas abroad, Sempra is authorized to export 1.7 billion cubic feet of liquefied natural gas (LNG) per day from its Cameron plant for 20 years to countries with which the United States has a free trade agreement..." " (Reuters)- http://www.lse.co.uk/FinanceNews.asp?ArticleCode=xa154l0gnh0m59n & http://www.cnbc.com/id/46044892

"EDITORIAL: LNG terminals need freedom to import or export: "...Our government should not try to stand in the way of the free market system that made our country so prosperous. Our economy grows one way or another whether that gas is coming in or out of Southeast Texas..." " (Texas)- http://www.beaumontenterprise.com/opinions/editorials/article/EDITORIAL-LNG-terminals-need-freedom-to-import-2587905.php

"Would Natural Gas Exports Make U.S. Prices More Volatile?: "...Here’s the thing: if I build some amount of export capacity and it is fully used at all times, there’s no way for international volatility to be transmitted into the U.S. market. Effective international demand for U.S. natural gas will be constant – it will be equal to U.S. export capacity..." " (Council on Foriegn Relations Blog)- http://blogs.cfr.org/levi/2012/01/17/would-natural-gas-exports-make-u-s-prices-more-volatile/

"Drill, baby, drill—then wave goodbye as fuels leave U.S.: "...Conjecture aside, the present reality is that a growing contingent of energy analysts agree that increases in production of U.S. oil would have little impact on prices at the pump. Rather, that oil would just flow into the world market and, if any minimal price relief occurred, it would benefit everyone worldwide..." "(Southeast Farm Press Blog)- http://southeastfarmpress.com/blog/drill-baby-drill-then-wave-goodbye-fuels-leave-us

"BLM Oil and Gas Lease Sale Nets over $27 Million from Parcels in Three States" (U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT)- http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/info/newsroom/2012/january/blm_oil_and_gas_lease.html

"The Influence of Shale Gas on U.S. Energy and Environmental Policy" (MIT)- http://globalchange.mit.edu/pubs/abstract.php?publication_id=2229

"A shale gas revolution?: "...But Jacoby warns, “Natural gas is a finite resource. We will eventually run into depletion and higher cost.” He adds, “It still releases greenhouse gas emissions. So if we’re going to get to a point where we strictly limit those emissions, we need renewables.”..." " (MIT News)- http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2012/shale-gas-revolution-report.html

"States Toughen Fracking Rules Ahead Of EPA: "...Now some analysts are warning states could actually become stricter than the EPA as they seek to forestall a federal takeover..." " (AOL Energy)- http://energy.aol.com/2012/01/18/states-toughen-fracking-rules-ahead-of-epa/

"Chevron Involved In Another Accident, Stock Unaffected: "...Chevron suffered a mishap in Nigeria this week after a rig working on an offshore gas well caught fire and partially collapsed..." " (Forbes)- http://www.forbes.com/sites/greatspeculations/2012/01/18/chevron-involved-in-another-accident-stock-unaffected/

"In oil boom, petroleum engineers hottest commodity" (Reuters)- http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/18/us-energy-jobs-idUSTRE80H1GQ20120118

"Some Madison officials question natural gas bill: "...A bill being discussed today by the state energy committee would expand the ability of private companies to seek loans backed by the state in order to build natural gas pipelines, and some Madison officials aren't pleased. The issue of financing for natural gas infrastructure is especially pertinent now as Portland-based Kennebec Valley Gas Co. attempts to secure about $86 million for the construction of 120 miles of main and distribution lines through central Maine..." " (Maine)- http://www.onlinesentinel.com/news/some-in-madison-havequestions-about-gas-bill_2012-01-17.html

(Video) "America's new dumping ground: "...Eastern Ohio residents are cleaning up from the state's fracking boom, with 1,000 new jobs at a local plant and great rates for leasing the land in their backyards..." " (CNNMoney) (Ohio)- http://money.cnn.com/video/news/2012/01/17/n_Ohio_dumping_ground.cnnmoney & http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GsX3sXgxK4

"Columbia won’t lay gas line under wetlands: "...Columbia Gas will abandon plans to build a high-pressure gas pipeline beneath Ohio State University’s 52-acre Olentangy River Wetland Research Park, officials involved with the project said today. Instead, the company will sign a settlement with OSU officials, the Ohio Sierra Club and others to support building the 1.5-mile pipeline along an alternate route, said Ken Stammen, a Columbia Gas spokesman..." " (Ohio)- http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/01/17/columbia-wont-lay-pipeline-under-wetlands.html

"Federal agency: Medina families at risk from polluted water tied to fracking: "...A federal health agency says potentially explosive levels of natural gas at two houses in Granger Township in eastern Medina County are a public-health threat. The problems in the two drinking-water wells appear to be linked to the nearby drilling of two natural-gas wells in 2008, says the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, part of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That news contradicts repeated statements from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources on the connection between the drilling and problems at the houses..." " (Ohio)- http://www.vindy.com/news/2012/jan/18/agency-families-at-risk-from-polluted-wa/

"Opponents Blast North Lima Injection Well: "...NORTH LIMA, Ohio -- Julia Fuhrman Davis, a resident of Beaver Township, billed the session as "North Lima Injection Well Meeting" but the gathering of some 200 township residents Tuesday night was more like a kangaroo court. Even before Davis called the meeting to order, the list of speakers and agenda implied a presumption of guilt. The oil and gas industry -- D&L Energy Inc. in particular -- has a callous disregard for the environment and is interested only in profits, the speakers would say..." " (Ohio)- http://business-journal.com/opponents-blast-north-lima-injection-well-p20804-1.htm

"Use safeguards to avert quakes, experts testify at YSU drilling hearing: "...Expert testimony at a joint subcommittee meeting of the state House and Senate on Tuesday indicated certain precautions could prevent injection-well- induced earthquakes..." " (Ohio)- http://www.vindy.com/news/2012/jan/18/use-safeguards-to-avert-quakes-experts-t/

"Experts can’t prove cause of quakes (video): "...State Rep. Bob Hagan, behind a proposal to indefinitely ban injection wells in Ohio, wanted to know from engineering and geology experts if there is a link between recent seismic activity here and in Marietta to wells that accept hydraulic fracturing wastewater. But they couldn't provide one..." " (Ohio)- http://www.tribtoday.com/page/content.detail/id/566744/Experts-can-t-prove-cause-of-quakes--video-.html

"Residents worry gas wells will harm water supply: "...A planned gas well on Fairfield School Road inside city limits has some people worried it will contaminate the city's water supply..." " (Ohio)- http://www.salemnews.net/page/content.detail/id/549928/Residents-worry-gas-wells-will-harm-water-supply.html?nav=5007

"Dozens protest gas drilling method of fracking in Columbus" (Ohio)- http://www.auroraadvocate.com/news/article/5147432

"DOE boss says shale gas could be good for wind and solar: "...Chu's agency has a crucial role to play in natural gas markets as companies ramp up to build plants to liquefy and export billions of cubic feet of American gas. In an interview, Chu confirmed that the Energy Department has the authority to say whether such plants will obtain export permits..." " (Ohio)- http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2012/01/doe_boss_says_shale_gas_could.html

"Poland officials mull leasing land: "...About 20 people attended the council meeting. Among them was Linda Bartley of Western Land Services who offered council a sample lease, and representatives of Youngstown-based Sulmona Energy LLC, which is seeking permission from council to negotiate a lease with an oil- and natural-gas-drilling company on behalf of the village..." " (Ohio)- http://www.vindy.com/news/2012/jan/18/officials-mull-leasing-land/

"Beaver residents appeal for more well regulation: "...“I didn’t move to Beaver Township to be in an industrial zone,” she told a crowd of about 100 Tuesday night at the old South Range High School. The town-hall-style meeting, sponsored by Occupy Youngstown, brought together residents who oppose natural-gas and oil exploration in Ohio and hope to push for more emphasis on alternative-energy sources..." " (Ohio)- http://www.vindy.com/news/2012/jan/18/beaver-residents-appeal-for-more-well-re/

"White House praises shale boom: "...WASHINGTON, DC - President Obama's White House is praising the shale boom as a source of new jobs in America. A White House report on the employment outlook says the use of hydraulic fracturing has led to growing domestic gas production and lower natural gas prices for homes and businesses. The report credits the shale boom for V&M Star's 650 million dollar plant expansion in Youngstown. However, the report does note that care must be taken to extract natural resources in a safe and environmentally responsible manner..." " (Ohio)- http://www.wfmj.com/story/16540961/white-house-praises-shale-boom

"Ohio Drilling Is ‘Godsend’: "...The Ohio Energy Resource Alliance and We The People Ohio Valley sponsored the session..."I am very tired of legislators in Cincinnati and Cleveland calling for five-year moratoriums" on fracking, Fleming said. "A lot of people I see around the state scream, they yell, they wave signs - they don't have the facts." Although many of the 100 residents and local leaders attending the forum focused on the potential positives of natural gas development, some expressed concerns about fracking and injection wells. Tom Stewart, executive vice president of the Ohio Oil & Gas Association, joined Fleming and Bennett at the forum..." ' (West Virginia & Ohio)- http://www.news-register.net/page/content.detail/id/564568/Ohio-Drilling-Is--Godsend-.html?nav=515

"Fracking debate: "...MARIETTA - With hydraulic fracturing - also known as fracking - expected to be used in the coming years to tap into Marcellus and Utica shale deposits in the Mid-Ohio Valley, several different organizations have planned events meant to answer questions and spark conversation about the oil and gas boom that is coming..." " (West Virginia & Ohio)- http://www.newsandsentinel.com/page/content.detail/id/556367/Fracking-debate.html?nav=5061

"Marcellus boom threatens climate change action, study says: "...The boom in drilling for natural gas in the Marcellus Shale and other similar formations will likely suppress the development of alternative energies that are urgently needed to combat global warming, according to a new study by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute for Technology..." " (West Virginia)- http://sundaygazettemail.com/News/201201180219

"W.Va. lawmakers receive "cracker" tax break bill: "...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..." " (AP)- http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505245_162-57360916/w.va-lawmakers-receive-cracker-tax-break-bill/

"W.Va. still in mix for 'cracker,' lawmakers told: "...Besides Shell, a subsidiary of Netherlands-based Royal Dutch Shell PLC, a second as-yet-unidentified company is also searching for a cracker site in the Marcellus region, Burdette said. It has been quiet about its review process, but has also "done a lot of that due diligence in advance," Burdette told the committee..." " (AP) (West Virginia)- http://washingtonexaminer.com/news/2012/01/wva-still-mix-cracker-lawmakers-told/2110676

"Packed Conference Weighs In On Gas Drilling, Fracking: "..."These rules still allow the use of carcinogenic materials when fracking," said Hayes. "All I know is that I will drive as fast as the speed limit allows. I expect gas exploration companies to behave the same way with these rules."..." " (Idaho)- http://www.boiseweekly.com/CityDesk/archives/2012/01/18/packed-conference-weighs-in-on-gas-drilling-fracking

"Legislator: 'Drill, Baby, Drill' Before Voting Yes for New Gas Rules : "...It took the Idaho Department of Lands and stakeholders much of the summer of 2011 to craft new rules to oversee gas and oil exploration. But it only took one aternoon for the Idaho House Resources and Conservation Committee to approve the new regulations by a 16-1 vote, with Republican Rep. Dick Harwood of Saint Maries casting the lone no vote, saying the rules were too "overreaching."..." " (Idaho)- http://www.boiseweekly.com/CityDesk/archives/2012/01/18/legislator-drill-baby-drill-before-voting-yes-for-new-gas-rules

"The Green Space: Jury is still out about the risks of fracking gas: "...You may have heard all of the hullabaloo in the news lately about hydraulic fracking; kind-of  an unusual name and seemingly unheard of until just recently..." " (Kansas)- http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/opinions/x58623533/The-Green-Space-Jury-is-still-out-about-the-risks-of-fracking-gas

"Oklahoma producers still optimistic about pipeline project: "...The transcontinental project is stalled once again, but producers hope developer TransCanada Corp. will proceed with a segment that would link the oil storage hub at Cushing with refineries along the Gulf of Mexico..." " (Oklahoma)- http://newsok.com/article/3641464

"State Senator Accused Of Potential Ethics Violation Over Gas Industry Dealings: "...Former gas company executive Sheffield Nelson is still touting his severance tax proposal and he’s now accusing Republican state senator Jonathan Dismang of being in the pocket of the natural gas industry...Nelson maintains Dismang’s dealings show a conflict of interest and he says a lawyer may be filing an ethics complaint against the senator in the coming days..." " (Arkansas)- http://www.kuar.org/kuarnews/46869-state-senator-accused-of-potential-ethics-violation-over-gas-industry-dealings.html

"Tax hike advocate questions foe’s gas industry contributions: "...LITTLE ROCK — Former gas company executive Sheffield Nelson, upset over legislators’ disdain for his proposal to increase the severance tax on natural gas, today chastised a state lawmaker for accepting campaign contributions from the gas industry..." " (Arkansas)- http://arkansasnews.com/2012/01/18/tax-hike-advocate-questions-foe%E2%80%99s-gas-industry-contributions/

"TCEQ offering up to $4.5M in grants for natural gas fueling stations along some interstates: "...The state has made up to $4.5 million in grants available to help establish natural gas vehicle fueling stations near some interstate highways. The funding was announced Wednesday by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality..." " (AP) (Texas)- http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/2c769f1e491c4447a3d0ba150270dd1b/TX--TCEQ-Grants/

"State grants available for natural gas stations" (Texas)- http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/01/18/3669799/state-grants-available-for-natural.html

"No injuries at Ultra Petroleum fire in Jonah Field : "...At 1:20PM this afternoon (Wednesday, January 18, 2012) the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) received a call reporting a fire at an Ultra Petroleum facility in the Jonah Field. The fire was located in the area of the Gobbler Knob compressor station / intersection of Paradise and the Mesa roads. Big Piney and Boulder fire responded to the scene along with SCSO deputies and EMS. A methanol pod, a metal structure with four large electric motors, was on fire at Riverside unit 22 operated by 212 Resources. The fire has been extinguished and responding units are currently wrapping up and preparing to demobilize. No injuries were reported as a result of the fire..." " (Sublette County Sheriff’s Office) (Wyoming)- http://www.pinedaleonline.com/#ultrafire

"Governor sees natural gas cleanly-efficient and job-producing: "...Abundant reserves of natural gas in the United States are key to a sunny energy future which will include job creation, clean energy and the saving of billions of dollars for energy that now go to dictatorships, Gov. John Hickenlooper said today..." " (Colorado)- http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_19767034

"Attorney General warns El Paso County on proposed oil and gas regs: "...The Attorney General’s Office last week sent a letter warning El Paso County that its proposed oil and gas drilling regulations conflicted with state regulations. The letter, dated Jan. 10, cited proposed rules on setbacks, excavations, water quality, wildlife, visual and noise impacts and permitting that it argued are in the purview of the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission..." " (Colorado)- http://www.gazette.com/articles/attorney-131896-general-oil.html

"Fracking: El Paso County the Latest to Recieve Attorney General Warning: "...El Paso County, which surrounds Colorado Springs, is among several local governments in Colorado mulling whether to crack down on the process. The county was also the latest local government to receive a letter warning them against such a move from Colorado Attorney General John Suthers...Depending on who you ask, that would gel with a long history and tradition of "local control" in western states like Colorado, or it would create a "patchwork" of conflicting and confusing regulations that will make it harder for companies to do business here..." " (Colorado)- http://www.kunc.org/post/fracking-el-paso-county-latest-recieve-attorney-general-warning (See also "Matter letter to Monsson"- http://tinyurl.com/7a43grh & http://tinyurl.com/7fkfmhk )

"You're overstepping on oil and gas, AG tells county: "...Commissioner Dennis Hisey tells us this in an e-mail: "Letters from the industry are good starting points to research potential conflicts but I don't take them at face value. I did some additional research through the CCI [Colorado Counties, Inc.] and it appears some of our proposed regs do pose a conflict and if challenged we could expect to lose in court. Probably not as many as industry thinks but given that we want to do this right we need to determine where the boundaries are."..." " (Colorado)- http://www.csindy.com/IndyBlog/archives/2012/01/18/youre-overstepping-on-oil-and-gas-ag-tells-county (See also "Matter letter to Monsson"- http://tinyurl.com/7a43grh & http://tinyurl.com/7fkfmhk )

"Longmont forum discusses fracking: "...More than half of the speakers who came to the City Council's annual event on Tuesday had oil and gas fracking on their minds -- and not as supporters. They praised the city's 120-day moratorium on drilling applications, urged the adoption of tough regulations such as a 1,000-foot separation between wells and occupied buildings, and deplored the amount of water used in hydraulically fracturing a well to get at hard-to-reach deposits -- an estimated 5 million gallons to start the well, and still more when a well is "re-fracked."..." " (Colorado)- http://www.denverpost.com/recommended/ci_19765770

"Fracking dominates Longmont City Council open forum: "...More than half of the speakers who came to the City Council's annual event on Tuesday had oil and gas fracking on their minds -- and not as supporters..." " (Colorado)- http://www.timescall.com/news/longmont-local-news/ci_19763516

"Guest opinion: New energy and jobs for Colorado: "...It also means giving local governments a real voice in the process, just like we typically do on land use. One only needs to look at the well next to Trail Ridge Middle School in Longmont, which was emitting benzene at almost 100 times the state standard, to see the local government planning connection. I am running a bill this year to give local governments a more effective voice in these decisions..." " (Colorado State Rep. Matt Jones)- http://www.timescall.com/ci_19760166 & http://www.timescall.com/opinion/letterstotheeditor/ci_19760466

"North Dakota Drillers Need More Fracking Crews, State Says: "...Energy companies exploring North Dakota’s Bakken shale formation for oil need more field crews amid a labor shortage that left hundreds of wells awaiting hydraulic fracturing, a state official said..." " (Bloomberg)- http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-17/north-dakota-drillers-need-more-fracking-crews-state-says-1-.html

"PG&E admits it misclassified more gas pipelines" (California)- http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/01/17/BAC41MQQ5H.DTL

"Hundreds of miles of pipelines in CA misclassified : "...Officials for a California utility have acknowledged the company wrongly classified hundreds of miles of natural gas transmission lines of the same type that ruptured in a deadly explosion in a San Francisco suburb. Pacific Gas & Electric Co. filed a document with state regulators Tuesday saying that it misclassified more than 300 miles of lines, and as a result ran some segments at higher pressure than recommended by federal authorities..." " (AP) (California)- http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2017263993_apuspipelineexplosion.html

"Environmentalists appeal Coos Bay project that could fuel exports of coal and liquefied natural gas" (Oregon)- http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2012/01/environmentalists_appeal_coos.html

"Alberta fracking may have led to Innisfail oil spill: "...Regulators believe a fracking well located about a kilometer away caused the pumpjack to rupture. “We don't know the details yet . . . but my understanding is that it appears the fracturing process affected the other well,” the Calgary Herald reports..." " (Canada)- http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/318092

"Lobbyist won't get ear of cabinet: minister: "...New Brunswick's natural resources minister says a former government adviser on shale gas development won't have access to cabinet ministers now that she's a lobbyist for the oil and gas industry. Bruce Northrup said Angie Leonard — who is also the energy minister's sister — will not be allowed to speak about the industry with members of cabinet. "It's business as usual for me talking to industry as we have done in the past, but she won't be part of the equation," Northrup said Thursday..." " (The Canadian Press) (Canada)- http://www.metronews.ca/winnipeg/canada/article/1074640--lobbyist-won-t-get-ear-of-cabinet-minister

"Obama sucks, blows: "...What Obama will do after the election on Keystone if he wins — given that he’s all over the map for political reasons — is unclear. What’s clear is U.S. energy policy is caught up in the presidential election cycle, meaning no major decisions will be made for at least a year. That’s why Prime Minister Stephen Harper is wise to seek new markets for our oil in Asia, as the U.S. has become an unreliable partner, paralyzed by domestic politics even as its economy continues to struggle..." " (The Toronto Sun) (Canada)- http://www.torontosun.com/2012/01/18/obama-sucks-blows

"Total appeals shale gas ban: "...Total Gas Shale Europe managing director Bruno Courme said at a press conference in Paris that Total "respects the law" however, he added, "our position is that the law does not justify the withdrawal of our permits". He was speaking after a meeting of oil company heads and Ecology Minister Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet on shale gas entitled "The French ban: how to get out?"..." " (France)- http://connexionfrance.com/Total-shale-gas-schiste-Montelimar-drilling-Kosciusko-Morizet-13385-view-article.html

"Chevron: Exploring for Shale Gas in Romania" (Chevron via YouTube)- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bFR8Dh-H3A

"Chevron: Exploring for Shale Gas in Bulgaria" (Chevron via YouTube)- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAgJiVo0FjI

"US Ambassador to Bulgaria: Do You Really Want to Chase Away Chevron?: "...Bulgaria should think twice before expelling US energy giant Chevron from its territory, American Ambassador to Bulgaria James Warlick has stated..." " (Bulgaria)- http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=135819

"Bulgaria Bans Shale Gas 'Fracking': "...SOFIA, Bulgaria (AP) The Bulgarian parliament has imposed a permanent ban on the exploration of shale oil and gas in the country using the extraction technique known as "fracking" following widespread public protests. The ban was approved on Wednesday with a 166-6 vote, with 3 abstentions. It was proposed by the ruling center-right GERB party, and includes the use of hydraulic fracturing, as well as the extraction of shale gas, gas from coal, and of oil in Bulgaria and its Black Sea territorial waters" " (AP)- http://www2.whlt.com/business/2012/jan/18/bulgaria-bans-shale-gas-fracking-ar-3066388/

"Bulgaria Adopts Total Ban on Hydrofracking for Shale Gas in U-Turn Decision" (Bulgaria)- http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=135842

"Bulgaria Scraps Full Ban on Shale Gas Exploration,Extraction : "...Bulgaria's Parliament did not support the bill proposed by the left-wing Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) that envisioned a full ban on the exploration and extraction in the country. 123 out of the total of 240 MPs in Bulgaria's single-chamber Parliament voted against the bill, while 43 were in favor and 66 abstained from voting..." " (Turkish Weekly)- http://www.turkishweekly.net/news/130156/bulgaria-scraps-full-ban-on-shale-gas-exploration-extraction-.html

"Bulgaria bans shale oil and gas drilling" (Reuters)- http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFL6E8CI2ML20120118?sp=true

"Bulgaria says Chevron may explore for conventional gas: "...The centre-right government decided Chevron can still prospect for oil and gas in northeastern Bulgaria but only by using conventional drilling techniques and not hydraulic fracturing..." " (Balkans.com)- http://www.balkans.com/open-news.php?uniquenumber=132814

"Gas Fracking Ban Debated in Bulgaria After Chevron Loses Permit: "...Bulgarian lawmakers started debating a ban on hydraulic fracturing today, threatening Chevron Corp. (CVX)’s plans to explore shale gas deposits in the Balkan country..." " (Bloomberg)- http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-01-18/gas-fracking-ban-debated-in-bulgaria-after-chevron-loses-permit.html & http://webfarm.bloomberg.com/news/2012-01-18/bulgaria-gas-fracking-ban-debated-after-chevron-loses-exploration-permit.html

"Shale oil and gas 'will make US self-sufficient': "...BP's latest energy outlook forecasts a growth in unconventional energy sources, including US shale oil and gas and Canadian oil sands, plus a gradual decline in demand, that will see North America become "almost totally energy self-sufficient" in two decades. BP's chief executive, Bob Dudley, said: "Our report challenges some long-held beliefs. Significant changes in US supply-and-demand prospects, for example, highlight the likelihood that import dependence in what is today's largest energy importer will decline substantially."..." " (The Guardian) (United Kingdom)- http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2012/jan/18/shale-oil-gas-us-energy-self-sufficient

"Complacency fury over gas: "...Shadow energy minister Tom Greartex has slammed the Department of Energy and Climate Change for taking a “shockingly complacent approach” – and local anti-fracking campaigners have echoed his feelings. But Fylde’s MP Mark Menzies has today refuted the allegations and described Mr Greartex’s comments as “very disappointing”. ..." " (United Kingdom)- http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/business/complacency_fury_over_gas_1_4152552

"Australian shale assets 'next big thing' for investors: "...While the country's explorers are trailing their US counterparts in development by several years and face higher drilling costs, Asian demand for natural gas may lure energy and power producers to Australia's shale properties, the Commonwealth Bank said..." " (Bloomberg)- http://www.smh.com.au/business/australian-shale-assets-next-big-thing-for-investors-20120119-1q79d.html

"Coal-seam gas company rejects 'professional activists' : "...Arrow Energy vice-president of exploration Tony Knight accepted that protesters had valid questions about the company's drilling but did not want to attend the protest site because local issues would be subsumed in the broader nationwide debate over coal-seam gas mining..." " (Australia)- http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/coal-seam-gas-company-rejects-professional-activists/story-fnaxx2sv-1226247785137

"Miner warned as CSG action spreads in Qld: "...Activists have warned a mining company none of its coal seam gas (CSG) sites are safe from protest action. Protest action targeting Arrow Energy spread on Thursday from an initial blockade at Kerry, south of Brisbane, to a second site..." " (Australia)- http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/miner-warned-as-csg-action-spreads-in-qld-20120119-1q7im.html

"Rights issue fuelling the anger on CSG : "...MUCH of the hostility towards coal-seam gas exploration in Australia is based on freehold landowners' discovery that they do not own the mineral rights to their land, UBS analyst David Leitch says..." " (Australia)- http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/rights-issue-fuelling-the-anger-on-csg/story-e6frg9df-1226247768833

"Councillor gives OK for gas tests: "...LISMORE City Councillor Peter Graham denies there is any conflict of interest over a private access agreement he signed with coal-seam gas company Metgasco last week..." " (Australia)- http://www.ballinaadvocate.com.au/story/2012/01/19/councillor-gives-ok-for-gas-tests/