| News for the oil and natural gas industry
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- Proposed federal fracking rules draw criticism from Wyo. firms
Energy firms operating in Wyoming criticized the Bureau of Land Management's proposed regulations for hydraulic fracturing, saying they could raise production costs and affect efficiency. "Hydraulic fracturing is a proven technology that doesn't warrant regulatory oversight beyond what already exists," said Black Hills Vice President and General Manager John Benton and environmental engineer Eric Barndt in a written statement. John Robitaille, vice president of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming, also said the state is capable of policing fracking and that the rules are unnecessary. Star-Tribune (Casper, Wyo.) (tiered subscription model)
(11/26)     
- Baker Hughes' fracking equipment fueled partly by natural gas
A fleet of Baker Hughes pressure pumps, which are used in hydraulic fracturing, now operate on both natural gas and diesel, the company announced. The conversion allows the company to slash diesel consumption by up to 65% without sacrificing any hydraulic horsepower. "The environmental benefits are significant. We're reducing emissions from the engines driving the stimulation pumps and less fuel is needed to keep our pumps going," said Mike Davis, president of pressure pumping for U.S. land at Baker Hughes. FuelFix.com
(11/26)
- Marcellus firms convert rigs to operate on natural gas
EQT and other producers in the Marcellus Shale formation have started to convert their drilling rigs to run on natural gas, which is cleaner and cheaper than diesel. A natural gas-powered rig releases up to 30% less carbon dioxide compared with diesel-powered units. "We want to be a leader in reducing the environmental impacts related to drilling," said Steve Schlotterbeck, president of exploration and production at EQT. The Philadelphia Inquirer
(11/25)
- ConocoPhillips plans sale of shares in Kazakh oil field to ONGC
ConocoPhillips looks to get approximately $5 billion from the sale of its 8.4% interest in the Kashagan oil field in Kazakhstan to India's Oil and Natural Gas Corp. The field contains about 30 billion barrels of oil, of which up to 12 billion barrels are potentially recoverable. The field is expected to begin production next year. Reuters
(11/26)
- Noble Energy-led group signs $4B in gas-supply deals with Israel
A Noble Energy-led group developing Israel's Tamar natural gas field has struck $4 billion in gas supply agreements with Israel Corp. Under the terms, the consortium will provide about 565 trillion cubic feet of gas in three contracts. Noble Energy owns a 36% stake in the group, while Delek Drilling, Isramco Negev, Avner Oil Exploration and Dor Gas Exploration hold the rest of the shares. Reuters
(11/26)
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- Okla. producers held back by lack of access to electricity
The lack of electricity infrastructure is hampering oil and natural gas production from the Mississippi Lime formation and other areas in Oklahoma and Kansas, observers say. But SandRidge Energy, one of the largest operators in the play, has developed its personal distribution lines and substations to address that shortage. "Building our own electrical substations and power grids allows us to develop the Mississippian play at the lowest cost and most efficient manner," said Matthew Grubb, president and CEO of SandRidge. The Oklahoman (Oklahoma City)
(11/26)
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- U.S. Chamber, White House discuss "fiscal cliff" deal
U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Tom Donohue and White House officials held discussions about a potential "fiscal cliff" agreement. The Obama administration needs to ease its energy policies as part of a deal because it would create revenue and spur economic growth, Donohue said. The Chamber also wants officials to allow energy exploration on more public lands and accelerate drilling permit procedures. The Hill/E2 Wire blog
(11/26)
- House Democrats seek Black Elk's input on Gulf platform blast
Several House Democrats have requested that Black Elk Energy provide details about the lethal explosion at the company's offshore oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico. "In order to better understand how and why this incident occurred, we ask that you provide our staff with a briefing on the explosion, its possible causes, and any remedial efforts your company intends to take as a response to this incident," according to a letter from Reps. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., Edward Markey, D-Mass., and other lawmakers. The Hill/E2 Wire blog
(11/26)
- NOIA president says upcoming Gulf lease sale is "interesting"
The federal government's upcoming offshore lease sale covering tracts in the western Gulf of Mexico will be "interesting" but not "record-breaking," said Randall Luthi, president of the National Ocean Industries Association. About 141 blocks will be offered in the sale, compared with 626 blocks in a December 2011 auction and 336 blocks in an August 2009 auction. Platts
(11/26)
- IEA exec touts role of Canadian oil exports to U.S.
The U.S. could become nearly energy self-sufficient by 2035, but it would still need to secure crude oil from Canada, said Fatih Birol, the International Energy Agency's chief economist. "The U.S. will still need to import about 4 million barrels per day of oil, and this oil will have to come from somewhere, and I believe Canada will be a primary destination (for supplies) to the United States," Birol said. Reuters
(11/26)
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E&P Onshore Operations Safety Program
The E&P Onshore Operations Safety Program provides training on key safety issues found at onshore job sites and includes an examination covering industry safety practices. This program is based on API's E&P Onshore Operations Safety Handbook, and provides awareness-level training on key safety issues found at onshore E&P job sites. Learn more.
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What's Next for the Oil and Natural Gas Industry?
With the election behind us, join API's Energy Nation program for a special post-election webcast on Tuesday, Dec. 4. API's executive vice president, Marty Durbin, will discuss how the 2012 elections will impact energy policy moving forward and what you can do to help support a healthy oil and natural gas industry. RSVP to receive more information and submit questions for the discussion.
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