NY, PA, NJ, OH, WV, MD & ME

"City of Canandaigua tables temporary fracking ban: "...Canandaigua, N.Y. — Despite a planned vote on a 12-month moratorium on hydraulic fracturing, Canandaigua City Council tabled the issue Thursday night during a council meeting. After a public hearing where four residents addressed their opposition to the controversial gas drilling method, the city was about to vote on the ordinance. However, before the vote, City Attorney Michele Smith noticed that the moratorium had not yet been reviewed by the Ontario County planning board..." " (MPNnow) (New York)- http://www.mpnnow.com/topstories/x1267866675/City-of-Canandaigua-tables-temporary-fracking-ban

"Gas lobby pitch replaces 'NY' heart with drilling rig" (The Daily Star) (New York)- http://thedailystar.com/localnews/x1037174861/Gas-lobby-pitch-replaces-NY-heart-with-drilling-rigs

"Resolution to Approve Becoming an Amicus Curiae in Actions Involving Municipal Home Rule Pending Before New York State Appellate Courts" (Town of Caroline) (New York)- http://www.townofcaroline.org/2012/06/08/resolution-to-approve-becoming-an-amicus-curiae-in-actions-involving-municipal-home-rule-pending-before-new-york-state-appellate-courts/

"The shale gas industry’s favorite go-to professor: "...Professor Tim Considine, whose research reports are funded largely by the shale gas industry, has written numerous papers proclaiming the benefits of all things shale gas over the last several years. His papers include estimated claims of huge job creation, arguing for no severance taxes on Pennsylvania shale gas production along with a recent report stating dramatic reductions in fines against shale gas companies operating within the state. Yet at times he has failed to fully disclose the shale gas industry funding behind his research while typically not addressing the environmental costs of drilling and brushing off critics who allege his work is neither completely objective, accurate or fully transparent. A recent Associated Press article by reporter Kevin Begos states, “Considine, now at the University of Wyoming, has received funding from industry groups such as the Marcellus Shale Coalition, the Wyoming Mining Association, the American Iron and Steel Institute, and the American Petroleum Institute.” Each of these industry front groups has very large vested financial interests in pushing through shale gas development at every level of the U.S. economy..." " (Philadelphia Energy Examiner)- http://www.examiner.com/article/the-shale-gas-industry-s-favorite-go-to-professor

"The Land That Fracking Forgot: "...Today there is no drilling in Wayne County. The Delaware River Basin Commission, a regional regulatory agency, has declared a moratorium while it studies the environmental impact. Gas companies have invoked force majeure clauses to put their contracts with property owners on hold. Investors who bought farmland are stuck, and farmers who expected to retire on gas royalties are back to eking out a living from agriculture. Meanwhile, fracking opponents are brandishing the example of Wayne County as they fight shale energy exploration across the country...:" " (BusinessWeek) (Pennsylvania)- http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-06-07/the-land-that-fracking-forgot (Photos: "Fracking Fizzles in Wayne County"- http://images.businessweek.com/slideshows/2012-06-07/fracking-fizzles-in-wayne-county.html )

"Natural gas bears scrutiny as a future energy source: "...Athens town, village officials agree to study expanded delivery system, cutting household energy costs..." " (The Daily Mail) (New York)- http://www.thedailymail.net/articles/2012/06/08/news/doc4fd1871412f19688517291.txt

"The Brian Lehrer Show: The Fracking Beat: "...Central New York journalist Tom Wilber, author of Under the Surface: Fracking, Fortunes, and the Fate of the Marcellus Shale, looks at the energy companies, landowners, scientists and politicians with stakes in the fracking controversy..." " (WNYC) (New York)- http://www.wnyc.org/shows/bl/2012/jun/08/fracking-beat/

"Sherman Says: Valid information regarding hydrofracking emerges on the Internet: "...The framework for Saturday’s gathering was provided by a collection of artists and activists familiar with the Elmwood Village. Brad Wales, an associate professor at UB, said the goal was to “create a synergy that will draw as many people as possible, to engage in clean water issues.” There’s nothing like folk guitars and face painting to get people motivated about saving the planet. I’ll stick with more traditional forms of research..." "(David F. Sherman via MetroWNY) (New York)- http://www.metrowny.com/weekly_features_columns/619-Sherman_Says_Valid_information_regarding_hydrofracking_emerges_on_the_Internet.html

"Common Water Test Parameters Related to Natural Gas Drilling" (Penn State College of Ag Sciences)- http://extension.psu.edu/water/marcellus-shale/drinking-water/common-water-test-parameters-related-to-natural-gas-drilling

"Westmoreland Commissioners seek public input on shale-impact fees: "...Westmoreland County commissioners will hit the road for a five-night tour of municipalities to gather suggestions about how to spend as much as $2 million to be collected through impact fees placed on Marcellus shale gas wells..." " (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review) (Pennslyvania)- http://triblive.com/news/1935715-74/county-commissioners-fees-impact-money-westmoreland-municipal-public-road-shale

"Gas drilling law debated in state court: "...HARRISBURG -- Did the state overreach in its new law outlining where drilling sites and compressor stations can be located, or are municipal officials out of bounds in seeking to retain the ability to manage the industry themselves? That question is now before a panel of seven Commonwealth Court judges, who spent more than an hour on Wednesday morning firing questions at attorneys dueling over the legality of the state's new gas drilling law..." " (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) (Pennsylvania)- http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/state/gas-drilling-law-debated-in-state-court-639283/

"Assurances must precede tax break/Shell tax credits call for guarantee : "...Under Corbett's plan, the company would receive more than $66 million a year in tax credits that it could trade or sell to other companies. The idea is that the credits would attract manufacturers who would use the cracker plant's chemicals. Corbett claims that the credits would create between 10,000 and 20,000 jobs. The state already has committed to major tax incentives for the project. Its site has been declared a Keystone Opportunity Zone, for example, exempting it for a decade from all state and local taxes. Even though Shell would not be able to use the proposed tax credits until 2017, Corbett wants to lock in the Legislature now to ensure the state government's commitment to the project (gubernatorial and legislative elections will occur before 2017) and prompt a final commitment from Shell..." " (Times-Shamrock Communications) (Pennsylvania)- http://citizensvoice.com/news/assurances-must-precede-tax-break-1.1325500

"Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett defends approach to taxing companies for natural gas drilling"- (Bucks News) (Pennsylvania)- http://www.buckslocalnews.com/articles/2012/06/08/bucks_news/doc4fc824356f214671634619.txt

"Pa. county raps national park chief over pipeline: "...STROUDSBURG -- County commissioners in northeastern Pennsylvania are calling for the ouster of the superintendent of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, saying he forced a natural-gas pipeline to detour around the park through seven miles of unspoiled forest and private properties..." " (Associated Press) (Pennslyvania)- http://www.goerie.com/article/20120608/NEWS06/306089938/Pa-county-raps-national-park-chief-over-pipeline & http://www.wfmj.com/story/18731869/pa-county-raps-national-park-chief-over-pipeline

"Corbett sold out state to gas industry: "...We purchased this land with mineral rights. One weekend we visited the property and when we pulled up we were stunned at the sight of a 36-foot-wide road going through the center of our property. More than 100 trees bulldozed over, our stream, and almost two acres of back fields destroyed. Posted at the front of the driveway was a Department of Environmental Protection permit for a natural gas well. We called the emergency number and were told by a gas company representative that we didn't own our mineral rights. Wrong! We did! The gas company notified the wrong landowner..." " (Letter to editor, Ponoco Record) (Pennslyvania)- http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120608/NEWS04/206080311

"Bradford County to participate in national association to advocate for gas production: "...TOWANDA - In a 2-1 vote, the Bradford County commissioners on Thursday passed a resolution that authorizes the county to participate in a new national organization of gas- and oil-producing counties that will advocate for the safe and responsible development of natural gas..." " (Times-Shamrock Communications) (Pennsylvania)- http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/bradford-county-to-participate-in-national-association-to-advocate-for-gas-production-1.1326739 & http://thedailyreview.com/news/bradford-county-to-participate-in-national-association-to-advocate-for-gas-production-1.1326739

"Hearing on gas drilling ordinance to be held July 26: "...A motion to hold a public hearing on an amendment to the Township’s zoning ordinance concerning the siting of deep gas drilling operations in Cranberry Township was adopted by the Township’s Board of Supervisors at its June 7 meeting. The hearing, which will entertain comments on a change to the Township ordinance which was adopted last year, will be held July 26. In essence, the revision would bring Cranberry’s code into conformity with the state’s recently enacted law, Act 13, removing from local governments the authority to regulate where drilling operations could take place within their jurisdictions..." " (Cranberry Township) (Pennsylvania)- http://www.twp.cranberry.pa.us/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1251

"Big changes expected from Chesapeake Energy shareholders meeting: "...Decisions made at today's annual meeting will have far-reaching consequences across Pennsylvania and the Marcellus region. Chesapeake is the top leaseholder in the state, and has said drilling in the region will help ease the company's massive debt and leveraging..." " (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) (Pennslyvania)- http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/business/news/big-changes-expected-from-chesapeake-energy-shareholders-meeting-639520/

"State should revive solar: "...While doing all that it can to build Pennsylvania's natural gas industry, the state government has allowed another promising energy sector - solar - to become dormant. Gov. Tom Corbett and lawmakers have made Pennsylvania a low-tax state for gas drillers..." " (Opinion, The Times-Tribune) (Pennsylvania)- http://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/state-should-revive-solar-1.1326721

"Pennsylvania County’s Dreams of Wealth Didn’t Work Out: "...Investors who bought farmland are stuck, and farmers who expected to retire on gas royalties are back to eking out a living from agriculture..." " (Businessweek) (Pennsylvania)- http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-06-07/pennsylvania-countys-dreams-of-wealth-didnt-work-out

"Pitt study highlights Marcellus Shale supply chain opportunities: "...Called “Understanding the Marcellus Supply Chain,” the report was commissioned by Catalyst Connection , a local nonprofit that works with small and mid-sized manufacturers on competitiveness. The authors suggest a variety of avenues for potential suppliers including: Partnering with larger Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers to gain industry experience. Concentrating on health, safety and environmental requirements since natural gas producers are under heavy regulatory scrutiny, which means they look for suppliers with similar health and safety cultures..." " (Pittsburgh Business Times)- http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/blog/energy/2012/06/pitt-study-highlights-marcellus-plans.html

"New Pitt Study Outlines Marcellus Shale Supply Chain Opportunities" (Marcellus Shale Coalition)- http://www.northcentralpa.com/feeditem/2012-06-08_new-pitt-study-outlines-marcellus-shale-supply-chain-opportunities-0

"Despite Environmental Concerns, Highlands Pipeline Clears Another Hurdle: "...The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission concluded last year that the impacts to the Highlands would be minimal. And Tennessee Gas, a Kinder Morgan Company, claims it uses techniques that minimize impact to resources. And the project will create jobs. But State Senator Bob Smith, who voted against the project, believes taxpayers have been shortchanged. “They are paying the state of of New Jersey $4 million dollars for the ground rent lease,” said Smith. Senator Cardinale claims the payment is 12 million if you include mitigation efforts by the company which includes planting of trees and other costs..." " (Video, NJ Today) (New Jersey)- www.njtvonline.org/njtoday/video/proposed-highlands-pipeline-clears-another-hurdle/

"Spectra Energy wins state approval to put gas pipeline under Liberty State Park in Jersey City" (The Jersey Journal) (New Jersey)- http://www.nj.com/jjournal-news/index.ssf/2012/06/spectra_energy_wins_state_appr.html

"Commission approves Liberty State Park land for natural gas pipeline project: "...The federal government approved the gas line last month, but Spectra may have to jump through other municipal hoops in order to construct it here. Spectra's proposed pipeline would include 19.8 miles of new and replacement pipes, six new pump stations, and other related modifications in Linden, Jersey City, and Bayonne. In Jersey City, the underground pipeline route would run through a portion of Liberty State Park, nearly every municipal ward, and near such sensitive areas as Jersey City Medical Center, schools, the Holland Tunnel, the New Jersey Turnpike, and transportation infrastructure near the Jersey City-Hoboken border.The pipeline would cross the Hudson River into New York to connect the company's existing pipeline to Manhattan and Staten Island, supplying customers of Con Edison. Spectra has also said that it will supply energy to power facilities operated by Bayonne Plant Holding and boilers at the International Matex Tank Terminals, also in Bayonne..." " (Hudson Reporter) (New Jersey)- http://hudsonreporter.com/view/full_story/18923900/article--Commission-approves-Liberty-State-Park-land-for-natural-gas-pipeline-project-?instance=up_to_the_minute_jersey

"Vernon ‘pipeline walkers’ appeal to council: "..."The concerns you raise are valid," spoke Councilman Pat Rizzuto. "But the town has no jurisdiction over the area in question." He added that any problems – environmental or otherwise – would fall under the jurisdiction of the fed or the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Mayor Vic Marotta had further information to add, stating a DEP rep had gone up to Wawayanda and taken samples. The mayor stated he had yet to hear back. "If this turns out to be a significant environmental issue, I can assure you I will be very loud about this," Marotta claimed..."The concerns you raise are valid," spoke Councilman Pat Rizzuto. "But the town has no jurisdiction over the area in question." He added that any problems – environmental or otherwise – would fall under the jurisdiction of the fed or the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)..." " (North Jersey Media Group)- http://www.northjersey.com/news/158016145__Pipeline_walkers__appeal_to_council.html?page=all

"Chesapeake Energy selling Utica Shale land: "...Through a listing on the website of Meagher Energy Advisors, Chesapeake has put more than 337,000 acres across 19 eastern Ohio counties up for sale -- about one-fourth of the company's total Utica holdings..." " (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) (Ohio)- http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/business/news/chesapeake-energy-selling-utica-shale-land-639097/?p=0

"‘The Map’ and the state geologist’s firing: Any link?: "...Why did Ohio's state geologist get fired? Just as the Utica deep-shale oil and gas play is getting started in Ohio, bringing with it megalithic economic, political and environmental consequences, one of the state's top front-line official dealing with the shale boom gets sacked..." " (The Athens News) (Ohio)- http://www.athensnews.com/ohio/article-37060-lsthe-maprs-and-the-state-geologistrss-firing-any-link.html

"Records list ODNR's reasons for firing state geologist: "...The personnel records, obtained after a public information request from The Athens NEWS, suggest that Ohio Geological Survey Chief Larry Wickstrom's higher-ups at the ODNR weren't pleased when the updated Utica study and map drew criticism from "outside scientific reviews." They also noted that "numerous landowners across southern Ohio were concerned about how the map may be used to devalue potential future mineral rights leasing."..." " (The Athens News) (Ohio)- http://www.athensnews.com/ohio/article-37082-records-list-odnrs-reasons-for-firing-state-geologist.html

"Columbiana County residents seek law imposing minimum royalties: ...These residents live within the Brinker Storage Field owned by Columbia Gas and now are trying to get legislation approved that would provide a minimum-royalty payment. Properties within the storage field are subject to decades-old storage leases, which means no lease bonus and royalties of only $200 a year if a gas storage tank is buried on the property and nothing if the tank is not present. Some of the residents believe a state law is the only way they will receive any payment for drilling on their land..." " (Vindicatr) (Ohio)- http://www.vindy.com/news/2012/jun/08/residents-seek-law-imposing-minimum-roya/

"Shale Protestors Plead Not Guilty to Trespassing: "...Two protestors facing charges of criminal trespassing pleaded not guilty to the charges Thursday morning in Eastern District Court in Brookfield. John Williams and Jeremy Bingham both of McDonald, were arrested May 31 after they attempted to gain access to a meeting about gas drilling at Yankee Lake in Brookfield that was attended by several elected officials, including Ohio Gov. John Kasich. Williams and Bingham were released on a personal recognizance bonds, which means they didn't have to post any money. They will be back in court in about a month. Williams said after his arrest that he wanted to get inside the meeting because he has concerns about the environmental and health impacts of increased drilling in the area..." " (WYTV) (Ohio)- http://www.wytv.com/content/news/local/story/Shale-Protestors-Plead-Not-Guilty-to-Trespassing/QgP-LqP2CUCduGWmX8cdQQ.cspx

"MWCD halts sales of water pending further study, updated policy: "...“The Village of Cadiz, along with other political subdivisions that were anticipating sales of water, are deeply disappointed in the board’s decision,” said Rich Milleson, economic development coordinator for the Cadiz Community Improvement Corp. s“Their inaction will cause an increase in truck traffic, random withdrawals of water from creeks and streams in the watershed and will slow down the pace of oil and gas development because of the difficulty in finding water.” Cadiz officials had hoped to reach an agreement with the MWCD to increase its purchase of water from Tappan Lake and then resell the water to oil and gas companies. The village currently purchases lake water for its municipal water supply. The community was going to use the money to rebuild and expand its wastewater treatment plant..." " (The Times-Reporter) (Ohio)- http://www.timesreporter.com/features/x1318992947/MWCD-halts-sales-of-water-pending-further-study-updated-policy (See also "Water sales for fracking are halted in Muskingum watershed" (Associated Press)- http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2012/06/water_sales_for_fracking_are_h.html )

"MWCD suspends sale of water to drilling firms: "...NEW PHILADELPHIA -- Less than a week after dozens of environmental activists rallied outside their annual meeting, the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy has reversed course and decided to at least temporarily halt the sale of water to oil and gas drillers..." " (GANNETT) (Ohio)- http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/article/20120607/NEWS01/120607004 & http://www.newarkadvocate.com/article/20120608/NEWS01/206080302

"Muskingum Water District halts water sales: "...Muskingum spokesman Darrin Lautenschleger says the agency’s water supply policy must be updated before the district grants new requests. s“It’s the right time to kind of slow the process down, make sure that we have all of the available and necessary information to make informed and effective decisions. And allow the public to be part of that process, as with all of our operations, so they can get a full grasp of what information’s available, what the concerns are..." " (Audio, WKSU/Ohio Public Media) (Ohio)- http://www.wksu.org/news/story/31956

"Dominion East Ohio spends big to participate in the Utica shale boom" (Akron Beacon Journal) (Ohio)- http://www.ohio.com/news/local-news/dominion-east-ohio-spends-big-to-participate-in-the-utica-shale-boom-1.312862

"WVDEP's Office of Oil and Gas Seeks Applicants for Inspectors: "...Finding people who meet the qualifications required for the position has limited the field of candidates, according to the news release. "We are in a very challenging position," said James Martin, chief of the office of Oil and Gas for the DEP. "We have jobs that need to be done, but we don't have enough candidates for them because of the requirements and we are limited in the salary we can offer." The starting salary for an inspector is $35,000 per year. Officials said the amount is set by statue, so the agency cannot negotiate anything higher with the candidate..." " (WBOY) (West Virginia)- http://www.wboy.com/story/18741340/wvdeps-office-of-oil-and-gas-seeks-applicants-for-inspectors

"WV PSC warns truckers against stealing water from hydrants for gas drilling operations: "...The problem was first reported in the north-central part of the state where truck drivers were taking water from fire hydrants and hauling it to natural gas drilling sites, according to a news release from the PSC...Those who witness water theft are asked to call their local water utilities..." " (WVNSTV) (West Virginia)- http://www.wvnstv.com/story/18739779/wv-psc-issues-warning-to-companies-stealing-water-from-fire-hydrants

"Myersville's gas pains: "...Dominion Transmission Inc. set its sights on Myersville after abandoning earlier plans to locate a sizable new gas compressor station first near Jefferson, then Middletown. This time, the company seems determined its plans will go forward...Whatever the outcome, we salute the members of MCRC for coming together and forming a group to oppose something they consider deleterious to the town. This is an example of grass-roots democracy at work, something that, in many places around the globe, would not be tolerated by the state..." " (The Frederick News-Post) (Maryland)- http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/opinion/display_editorial.htm?StoryID=136708

"Natural gas deal changes the game: "...AUGUSTA -- A subsidiary of a Colorado-based company has agreed to buy the assets of the firm planning to build a natural gas pipeline in central Maine. Officials say Summit Natural Gas of Maine, Inc.'s project will likely be much bigger than what was initially proposed. "What Summit told us ... is their project is going to be a massive expansion of the network," said Joshua Reny, Fairfield's town manager. "They're going to be doing a huge amount of marketing in signing up customers from Richmond to Madison."..." (The Morning Sentinel) (Maine)- http://www.onlinesentinel.com/news/gas-salechangesthe-game_2012-06-08.html

National & International:

"06-08-12 Natural Gas Daily Report" (The Carbon Capture Report)- http://gas.carboncapturereport.org/cgi-bin//dailyreport?DATE=2012-06-08

"US DOE testing for links between faults, groundwater pollution" (Platts)- http://www.platts.com/RSSFeedDetailedNews/RSSFeed/NaturalGas/6370255

"Forest lands in the East attract oil and gas bidders, but some question rush: "...The burst of activity has sparked a public debate over how to reconcile the different uses of national forests. The office was scheduled to auction the rights to energy exploration on nearly 90,000 acres of Forest Service land in four states — Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi — next week, but announced Friday it would delay the Alabama auction in the face of widespread protest there..." " (The Washington Post)- http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/forest-lands-in-the-east-attract-oil-and-gas-bidders-but-some-question-rush/2012/06/08/gJQA8lOvNV_story.html (See also "Government leasing of oil- and gas-rich forests"- http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/government-leasing-of-oil--and-gas-rich-forests/2012/06/08/gJQAoEyQOV_graphic.html )

"FERC Opens Cheniere LNG Project Environmental Review: "...The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Friday opened the scoping process for a liquefied natural gas export terminal Cheniere Energy Inc. plans to build near Corpus Christi, Texas, setting the project's environmental review in motion..." " (Law360)- http://www.law360.com/energy/articles/348425/ferc-opens-cheniere-lng-project-environmental-reviews

"U.S. likely to cap gas exports - analysts" (Reuters)- http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/08/usa-lng-exports-idUSL5E8H678C20120608

"Water Treatment Offers Good Investment Opportunities thanks to Oil & Gas" (OilPrice)- http://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/Water-Treatment-Offers-Good-Investment-Opportunities-thanks-to-Oil-Gas.html

"Let's close the information gap about fracking: "...The oil and gas industry wants to withhold information even from regulators about the exact formulation of the fluids injected into the ground during fracking, calling them trade secrets..." " (Los Angeles Times) (California)- http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-hiltzik-20120608,0,1622100.column

"Waterless fracking firm to hire 100: "...A Canadian company that uses a new, waterless process in fracking operations plans to build an operations center in Floresville that will serve clients drilling in the Eagle Ford Shale, a company official said Friday..." " (San Antonia Express-News) (Texas)- http://www.mysanantonio.com/business/article/Waterless-fracking-firm-to-hire-100-3620503.php

"Chesapeake to Sell Pipelines for More Than $4 Billion: "...Chesapeake Energy Corp., the U.S. energy explorer facing a $22 billion cash shortfall because of falling natural-gas prices, agreed to sell its pipeline interests to Global Infrastructure Partners for more than $4 billion..." " (Bloomberg)- http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2012/06/08/bloomberg_articlesM5A5W46S972901-M5BFE.DTL (See also "Global Infrastructure Partners"- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Infrastructure_Partners )

"Analysts divided on Chesapeake plan to sell midstream assets: "...Analysts with the ISI Group in a note to investors said the midstream transactions would help Chesapeake raise money to pay off its term loan, but at a steep price for the giant gas producer. "The midstream sales are 'rob-Peter-to-pay-Paul' transactions that are effectively financings. The seller gets cash up-front, but then 'repays' the buyer through [gathering-and-processing] fees," the analysts said. Chesapeake will lose about $110 million in distributions for 2012 from its CHKM limited partnership units, about $10 million from its CHKM general partnership units, $75 million from its third-party Chesapeake Midstream Development assets and an undisclosed increase in fees from the CMD sale and other planned Midcontinent gathering-and-processing sales, they said..." " (Platts)- http://www.platts.com/RSSFeedDetailedNews/RSSFeed/NaturalGas/6369603

"Energy company under fire: "...On Friday, Chesapeake said it would sell its pipeline assets in three deals totaling $4 billion. That will bring asset sales so far this year to $6.6 billion. Biju Perincheril, an analyst at Jeffries & Company, said Chesapeake is now close to the $7 billion worth of asset sales he estimates it needs to avoid violating the terms of some of its loans. “We don’t intend to kick the can down the road. We intend to crush the can,” McClendon said. “We can sell billions of dollars of assets.”..." ' (Associated Press)- http://theadvocate.com/news/business/3051466-123/energy-company-under-fire

"Chesapeake looks to sell some Michigan holdings: adviser" (Reuters)- http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/06/08/us-chesapeake-michigan-idUKBRE8561GI20120608

"Reuters: The lavish and leveraged life of Aubrey McClendon" (The Oklahoman)- http://newsok.com/reuters-the-lavish-and-leveraged-life-of-aubrey-mcclendon/article/3682355

"Shale-gas exploration and mining projects should be put on hold in Romania until after general elections, says PM: "...Shale-gas exploration and mining projects should be put on hold in Romania until after general elections this year, Prime Minister Victor Ponta has said. In an interview with Bloomberg, Ponta said the goal was to balance improving environmental rules with energy needs. Ponta's government will attempt to assess environmental conditions and would look over Chevron Corp's plan to explore for shale gas in the country should it win elections in the autumn..." " (Balkans News)- http://www.balkans.com/open-news.php?uniquenumber=147619

"Romania Shale-Gas, Mine Projects on Hold in 2012, Ponta Says: "...“I want to seriously discuss this issue next year, while keeping environment protection in mind, on the one hand, and Romania’s interest in ensuring additional energy resources, on the other hand,” Ponta said in a June 6 interview in Bucharest. “Legitimate environment and business development interests unfortunately got caught up in political campaigning.”..." " (Bloomberg Businessweek)- http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-06-07/romanian-shale-gas-mining-projects-on-hold-in-2012-ponta-says

"Poland Will Discuss U.S. Liquefied-Gas Exports, Minister Says: "...Poland may become another advocate for U.S. exports of the fuel. Japan’s Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda raised the issue of U.S. gas exports during a meeting with President Barack Obama in Washington on April 30. Antoniszyn-Klik plans to discuss the issue today with the U.S. Commerce Department..." " (Bloomberg)- http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-06-07/poland-will-discuss-u-dot-s-dot-liquefied-gas-exports-minister-says

"Obscure Indian Bean a Boon for Farmers: "...From its place on humble Indian tables, a little-known Indian bean called “guar” is making the fortunes of poor farmers. The demand for guar has soared since gum made from guar seeds started being used to extract shale gas late last year..." " (The Wall Street Journal) (India)- http://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2012/06/08/obscure-indian-bean-a-boon-for-farmers/

"IN-DEPTH LOOK: Why Frac Sand is a Hot Commodity" (KSAX) (Minnesota)- http://ksax.com/article/stories/S2649735.shtml?cat=10230

"Taxes, not environment, sticking point in fracking bill" (Illinois)- http://www.dailyregister.com/news/x465788649/Taxes-not-environment-sticking-point-in-fracking-bill

"Terrible Timing on Fracking Vote: "...Some pro-fracking industry ads proclaim that fracking here is as smart and wholesome and all-American as apple pie, since it would allow North Carolinians to use good old home-grown natural gas instead of the kind they would otherwise have to buy from strangers in foreign countries with odd-sounding names. That’s disingenuous at best. For one thing, gas is gas, wherever it comes from. And given modern global marketing realities, any gas blasted out of the ground here would surely end up flowing into pipelines leading who-knows-where rather than necessarily being consumed by North Carolinians. Besides, even if all the gas produced here were to be consumed here, is the prospect of a five-year supply really worth the danger of doing long-term harm to the natural and human environment in a place like Moore County? Our continued economic well-being, after all, depends heavily on keeping things clean and pleasant for permanent residents and for the influx of outside visitors attracted to this special corner of the world..." " (Opinion, sThe Pilot) (North Carolina)- http://www.thepilot.com/news/2012/jun/08/terrible-timing-fracking-vote/

"Anadarko Settles Arsenic Well Cleanup Suit: "...Anadarko Petroleum Corp. agreed Thursday to pay an undisclosed amount and undergo remediation efforts in an agreement resolving its part in a Crowell Land & Mineral Corp. suit over alleged arsenic and other chemical contamination at two Louisiana oil and gas well sites..." " (Law360) (Louisiana)- http://www.law360.com/energy/articles/347751/anadarko-settles-arsenic-well-cleanup-suit

"Industry rep rips oil rules: "...Over-reaching by federal regulators and local governments could stop the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale from ever booming in Louisiana and shift drilling activity to the Mississippi side of the oil-rich formation, Louisiana Oil and Gas Association Vice President Gifford Briggs said Thursday..." " (The Advocate) (Louisiana)- http://theadvocate.com/home/3042919-125/oil-industry-rep-knocks-regulation

"Flooding Concerns Have Fort Worth Looking At Gas Well Roads" (Video, Dallas/Forth Worth CBS) (Texas)- http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2012/06/07/flooding-concerns-have-fort-worth-looking-at-gas-well-roads/ 

"Alabama Oil and Gas Lease Sale Delayed Due to ‘Widespread Protest’: "...The lease sale, scheduled for June 14, was to auction the rights to oil and gas exploration on nearly 90,000 acres of Forest Service land in four states — Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. But the agency announced Friday it would delay the Alabama auction. WildSouth and the Southern Environmental Law Center issued a statement shortly after the decision was announced saying the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management are delaying the sale on almost 43,000 acres of public lands in the Talladega National Forest, “a proposal which has sparked widespread and vigorous opposition from local citizens and some elected officials.”..." " (The Locust Fork News-Journal Blog) (Alabama)- http://blog.locustfork.net/2012/06/alabama-oil-and-gas-lease-sale-delayed-due-to-widespread-protest/ 

"Wise County Gas Well Fire" (Photos, NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth) (Texas)- http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Wise-County-Gas-Well-Fire-88632332.html (See also "Wise County Gas Well Fire Under Control After Lightning Strike"- http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Wise-County-Gas-Well-Fire-Under-Control-155666295.html )

"Pipeline blast injures man near Canadian" (The Canadian Record) (Texas)- http://lubbockonline.com/filed-online/2012-06-08/pipeline-blast-injures-man-near-candadian

"Massive pipeline fire shines massive haze across the Panhandle: "...GRAY COUNTY, TEXAS -- Many across the Panhandle were awakened early Wednesday morning by a massive orange haze. That orange haze, according to the Gray County Sheriff's Office, was a large fire on a natural gas pipeline... " (Connect Amarillo) (Texas)- http://www.connectamarillo.com/news/story.aspx?id=762665

"Texas Judge Steps Aside in Gas Case He Used in Campaign: "...A Texas judge agreed to step aside in a gas-drilling case involving Range Resources Corp. (RRC) (RRC) after a landowner suing the company complained the judge showed bias in the matter in his campaign materials. Judge Trey Loftin sent fliers to voters saying he forced the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to back down and cited news stories and comments by radio host Rush Limbaugh on the case between Range Resources and landowner Steven Lipsky. Lipsky says Range’s drilling resulted in contamination of his water well with methane and benzene..." " (Bloomberg) (Texas)- http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-06-07/texas-judge-steps-aside-in-gas-case-he-used-in-campaign & http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/06/08/4018887/parker-county-judge-recuses-himself.html

"Texas Railroad Commission permit allows hydrogen sulfide gas for enhanced oil recovery" (Bluedaze/Texas Sharon) (Texas)- http://www.texassharon.com/2012/06/08/texas-railroad-commission-permit-allows-hydrogen-sulfide-gas-for-enhanced-oil-recovery/

"Gas industry leaders lauds Colorado’s rules setup: "...Other states, and the federal government, could tear a page from Colorado’s rules governing drilling and do well by the industry, the president of the American Petroleum Institute said Thursday..." " (Grand Junction Sentinel) (Colorado)- http://www.gjsentinel.com/special_sections/articles/gas-industry-leaders-lauds-colorados-rules-setup

"Boulder County to study impact of oil and gas vehicles on roads: "...The Boulder County commissioners Thursday approved funding for a study of how heavy oil and gas vehicles may impact rural county roads in the future and whether a fee should be charged on those trips to cover increased road maintenance costs..." " (Boulder Daily Camera/Colorado Daily) (Colorado)- http://www.dailycamera.com/boulder-county-news/ci_20808079/boulder-county-study-impact-oil-and-gas-vehicles

"Longmont activists start anti-fracking petition drive: "...The petition's backers, a group called Our Health, Our Future, Our Longmont, hope that Frazier has a lot of company. They have until Aug. 28 to get 5,704 signatures in order to get the ban on the November ballot..." " (Longmont Times-Call) (Colorado)- http://www.dailycamera.com/longmont-news/ci_20809836/longmont-activists-start-anti-fracking-petition-drive

"Our take on the District 1 commissioner race: "...Oil and gas industry attorneys and giant ag busineses like Monsanto and the like love to work with consensus-builders and “get the best deal you can” elected leaders. The outcome of such match-ups usually finds industry giving in on two or three small points that don’t prevent them from conducting business as usual, and this allows those negotiating against them to declare victory with the tired old “it’s not enough, but it was the best we could do right now” refrain. As an example, we hear how Colorado has the toughest oil and gas drilling regulations in the country, a model for other states. But in reality the industry is nearly free to drill where it wants, how it wants and when it wants, and if some county or city tries to do anything to change that in a significant fashion, the state will sue them to protect industry interests. The oil and gas drilling regulations that Colorado has in place today are the type of inadequate laws that get passed to protect public health and property when consensus-building environmental groups sit down with their friends and acquaintances in state government to get the best deal they can with industry..." " (Opinion, Boulder Weekley) (Colorado)- http://www.boulderweekly.com/article-8857-nbspnbspthis-is-why-i-appreciate-garry-for-c.html

"Wyo. official apologizes for Pavillion comments: ...The top state regulator of oil and gas development in Wyoming has apologized for saying greed is motivating people in the Pavillion area who blame hydraulic fracturing for polluting the groundwater around the small central Wyoming community..." " (Associated Pres) (Wyoming)- http://trib.com/news/state-and-local/wyo-official-apologizes-for-pavillion-comments/article_fcfb1833-ac54-57e2-9e26-6f6e82e0695f.html

"North Dakota’s oil boom brings damage along with prosperity: "...But Keller, a natural resource manager for the Army Corps of Engineers, has seen a more ominous effect of the boom, too: Oil companies are spilling and dumping drilling waste onto the region's land and into its waterways with increasing regularity..." " (ProPublicas) (North Dakota)- http://www.propublica.org/article/the-other-fracking-north-dakotas-oil-boom-brings-damage-along-with-prosperi , http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/statewide/archive/2012/06/north-dakotas-oil-boom-brings-damage-along-with-prosperity.shtml & http://www.minnpost.com/propublica/2012/06/north-dakota%E2%80%99s-oil-boom-brings-damage-along-prosperity

"PG&E checking gas pipeline system for leaks: "...SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Pacific Gas & Electric is checking for leaks in 180 segments of its natural gas pipeline system, including part of a line where an explosion killed eight people in 2010. PG&E said Tuesday it is conducting the emergency surveys after acknowledging it had ignored vulnerability to corrosion on the lines, in some cases for years..." " (Associated Press) (California)- http://www.thereporter.com/ci_20802310/pg-amp-e-checking-gas-pipeline-system-leaks

"Speak Out On Fracking in Southern California: "...The two southern California workshops are taking place next week. We need everyone to come out and tell the Department of Conservation that fracking is a critical issue they need to be paying special attention to..." " (National Resources Defense Council)- http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/dnagami/speak_out_on_fracking_in_south_1.html

"Alberta pipeline company reports oil spill near Red Deer River; crews working to contain: "...Up to 475,000 litres of crude oil flowing into a rain-swollen Red Deer River..." " (The Canadian Press) (Canada)- http://www.edmontonjournal.com/business/energy resources/Province+rushes+contain+spill+Deer+River/6754735/story.html (See also "Community group says it was the first to notice oil spill from Alberta pipeline"- http://www.680news.com/news/national/article/371395--community-group-says-it-was-the-first-to-notice-oil-spill-from-alberta-pipeline )

"Borehole plan for North York Moors is attacked: "...Egdon managing director Mark Abbott said there had been a “very positive attitude by the public to the proposals as a whole” at a public exhibition, but Tom Chadwick, chairman of the North Yorkshire Moors Association, said the borehole would blot an attractive landscape surrounded by designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Special Protection Areas. He said: “It feels like the national park is under siege, and it’s outrageous that the North York Moors could be reduced by these developments.” ..." " (Gazette & Herald) (United Kingdom)- http://www.gazetteherald.co.uk/news/9750547.Borehole_plan_for_moors_is_attacked/

"Durham Energy Institute submits response to DECC Consultation on Shale Gas Fracturing: "...DECC had invited comments in response to an independent report entitled “Preese Hall Shale Gas Fracturing: Review and Recommendations for Induced Seismic Mitigation”. The report focussed on the cause of seismic events experienced in the Blackpool area last year during shale gas hydraulic fracturing operations at Preese Hall and made recommendations to mitigate the risks of similar events in future. The response from Durham highlights areas of work not featured in the DECC report which should be undertaken as part of the decision-making process when siting future fracking projects and assessing their environmental impacts..." " (Durham University) (United Kingdom)- http://www.dur.ac.uk/dei/news/?itemno=14783

"Corrib Gas Partners launch new programme of themed community initiatives: "...A new programme of initiatives, including an entrepreneurs’ competition, a safe driving programme for second-level students and an ‘exchange of experience’ programme for community organisations, is to be rolled out under the Corrib Natural Gas Erris Development Fund..." " (Mayo Advertiser) (Ireland)- http://www.advertiser.ie/mayo/article/52732/corrib-gas-partners-launch-new-programme-of-themed-community-initiatives

"Woodside's Browse drilling on hold: "....Richard Hunter, a traditional owner and senior member of the indigenous Goolarabooloo people, has alleged an approval granted to Woodside in February for engineering and environmental studies is invalid because the Kimberley Joint Development Assessment Panel did not wait to receive an official report from the Shire of Broome..." " (AAP) (Australia)- http://www.tradingroom.com.au/apps/view_breaking_news_article.ac?page=/data/news_research/published/2012/6/160/catf_120608_173900_4458.html

"Kimberley campaign new Franklin fight: "...James Price Point, 60km north of Broome, has been the site of continuing protests and police clashes over the proposed plant, which opponents say will industrialise the pristine Kimberley and ruin significant cultural and environmental areas. Broome residents, 450 of whom met Senator Brown on Wednesday night, are also concerned about the cost-of-living pressures and lifestyle changes that would result from transforming the laid-back tourist town into a resources hub...." " (AAP) (Australia)- http://bigpondnews.com/articles/National-Regional/2012/06/08/Kimberley_campaign_new_Franklin_fight_759003.html & http://www.skynews.com.au/local/article.aspx?id=759004&vId=

"Woodside halts work at Kimberley gas hub site: "...During a hearing in Perth this morning, the company agreed not to drill at the site until a final outcome is reached, but it's allowed to continue clearing work. Mr Hunter's lawyer Josie Walker says both parties are due back in court next Friday...." " (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)- http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/201206/s3521444.htm

"Woodside halts drilling at claimed culturally significant site: "...It is understood Woodside would continue other earth moving works at the James Price Point site in Western Australia's Kimberley region, but would not touch sections on the coastline and dunes, which applicant Richard Hunter claims have cultural and environmental Importance. Mr Hunter is represented by the Environmental Defender's Office principal solicitor Josie Walker who said an agreement to throw out the application had been reached half an hour before they appeared in court. Mr Hunter took the Shire of Broome and the Kimberley Joint Development Assessment Panel to court earlier this month, claiming an important report was not considered by the KJDAP prior to Woodside being granted approvals to work at the site in February..." " (WAToday) (Australia)- http://www.watoday.com.au/business/woodside-halts-drilling-at-claimed-culturally-significant-site-20120608-200r1.html

"Eureka! Bidding War Looms for U.S. Shale Developer: "...Just hours after Aurora Oil & Gas said it won’t extend its 107 million Australian dollar (US$105.6 million) offer for Eureka Energy beyond next Friday, signaling an end to a seven-week takeover tussle for the U.S. shale oil developer, a rival bidder has thrown its hat into the ring. Closely held Lonestar Resources, which owns 5,691 net acres in the Eagle Ford Shale in Texas among other U.S. assets, has offered Eureka an alternative to Aurora’s rebuffed cash bid worth 45 Australian cents a share..." " (Wall Street Journal Blog) (Australia)- http://blogs.wsj.com/dealjournalaustralia/2012/06/08/eureka-bidding-war-looms-for-u-s-shale-developer/

"Pipeline construction under way: "...WORK is under way on the Western Downs to lay sections of the largest-diameter long-distance pipeline in Australia. The 42-inch (106.68cm) diameter steel pipeline, which will be buried for more than 540km, will take gas from fields near Chinchilla to Gladstone as part of gas company QGC's Queensland Curtis LNG Project..." " (Toowoomba Chronicle) (Australia)- http://www.thechronicle.com.au/story/2012/06/08/pipeline-construction/ (See also "2012-05 QCLNG Project Overview - May 2012"- www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPi0WMt4524 )

"Santos sells share of gas field for $523m: "...Santos and ConocoPhillips have ended their stalemate over development of the big but carbon-rich Caldita-Barossa gas fields after agreeing to a $US520 million ($523 million) farm-in deal with South Korean conglomerate SK Group. The deal, announced yesterday, provides first insights into how ConocoPhillips plans to expand the one-train Darwin LNG plant..." " (The West Australian)- http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/business/a/-/wa/13901643/santos-sells-share-of-gas-field-for-523m/

"Gases causing headaches, nosebleeds: "...Lock the Gate Alliance president, Drew Hutton, says residents on the Tara estate reported the presence of gases, one smelling like rotten eggs and the other a sweeter fragrance, which were causing children to feel sick. He says it is highly likely the rotten-egg gas is hydrogen sulphide and the sweet-smelling gas nitrous oxide. The smells are at the same site where bubbling in the Condamine River was revealed last week, which coal seam gas (CSG) company Origin believes is naturally occurring methane..." " (Cowra Community News) (Australia)- http://www.cowracommunitynews.com/viewnews.php?newsid=675&id=15

"Restrictions on Hydraulic fracturing: "...I’m putting fracking on the Greater Wellington Regional Council’s agenda and urging Wellington take a precautionary approach to this controversial drilling method. In the last six months we’ve seen Hawke's Bay Regional Council calling for an investigation into fracking, Christchurch City Council unanimously voting in April to impose the first moratorium in New Zealand, and half a dozen other city and district councils are considering or have asked for a moratorium. France, Quebec, New South Wales and Vermont all have moratoriums in place..." " (Paul Bruce | Greater Wellington Regional Councillor) (New Zealand)- http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1206/S00093/restrictions-on-hydraulic-fracturing.htm

"Karoo Fracking - Model for fluid migration - Update: "...Some of the findings from research done by Prof. Gerrit van Tonder & Fanie de Lange at the Institute for Groundwater Studies: A number of factors will determine if the hazardous hydraulic fracturing fluids will move from the deep organic rich shale layers in the Ecca formation of South Africa, towards and into the shallow fresh water aquifer..." " ( Prof. Gerrit van Tonder via YouTube) (South Africa)- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5eCl9oHh1c