NY, PA, NJ, OH & WV:

"Fracking Water Withdrawals Suspended Due to Drought: "...The Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) announced on June 28, that 37 separate previously approved water withdrawals are suspended due to localized streamflow levels dropping throughout the Susquehanna basin in Pennsylvania and New York..." " (EcoWatch)- http://ecowatch.org/2012/fracking-water-withdrawals-suspended-due-to-drought/ (See also http://www.srbc.net/newsroom/NewsRelease.aspx?NewsReleaseID=89 )

"Frack Watch: Coming Soon: Drilling in Towns That Want It: "...Under the plan, only drilling in communities supportive of hydro-fracking would be allowed. Fracking opponents says this would create “sacrifice zones” that unfairly put those communities at risk. “The governor’s office is essentially telling communities to make decisions when they don’t have the information,” says Ramsay Adams, executive director of Catskill Mountainkeeper. “He wants to appease as many environmentalists as possible while moving forward with natural gas development in the most limited, protective way.” Such a solution is premature, given the inadequacy of the DEC’s environmental review and proposed regulations, says Adams. One major problem is that the DEC classifies the chemical-laden and possibly radioactive wastewater from fracked wells as nonhazardous, he notes. As it is, the DEC is allowing fracking wastewater to be disposed of at the municipal wastewater treatment facility in Niagara Falls, according to Adams. Furthermore, toxic wastewater from the state’s 14,000 vertically drilled wells (which contain the same chemicals) is being disposed of on roadways as a deicer and dust suppressor..." " (Chronogram Magazine) (New York)- http://www.chronogram.com/issue/2012/7/News+%26+Politics/Frack-Watch-Coming-Soon-Drilling-in-Towns-That-Want-It

"Great Lakes group calls on cities to better regulate hydraulic fracturing: "...A binational Great Lakes coalition passed a resolution calling on cities to better regulate hydraulic fracturing. The resolution passed despite an effort to table it for another year, as happened a year ago at the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative's annual meeting in Niagara Falls, Ont. Mayor Paul Dyster is on the organization's board of directors and was elected as the regional director for the coalition's Great Lakes Lower Region, which includes New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio...No amount of private study or advertising will convince Choolokian that hydraulic fracturing or the cleaning of the waste fluid can be done without harming the environment, he said. "I've got a file bigger than me that says how dangerous this stuff is," he said..." " (Niagara Gazette)- http://niagara-gazette.com/local/x691117924/Great-Lakes-group-calls-on-cities-to-better-regulate-hydraulic-fracturing

"‘Gasland’ Filmmaker Takes on Cuomo and ‘Dot.FlatEarth’: "...Josh Fox, the filmmaker whose “Gasland” documentary powerfully influenced debates about gas extraction from shale deposits, has started a conversation with me related to his new short video, “The Sky is Pink,” and my post supporting New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s signaled plans for the state’s gas resource...Here’s our exchange so far, which has played out in the comment string on my post on Cuomo’s choices:.." " (New York Times Dot Earth Blog)- http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/06/28/gasland-filmmaker-takes-on-cuomo-and-dot-earth/

"Delaware Riverkeeper Network launches public service awareness ads: "...Today, the Delaware Riverkeeper Network (DRN) seeks to break the advertising monopoly with a thirty second TV ad which starts tonight on LIFETIME, MSNBC, CNBC, and FOX NEWS. “Gas industry television ads have been increasing, spreading a false picture of shale gas drilling, fracking, and the effect they have on local communities. Our ad is intended to bring balance to the picture,” says Maya van Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper. “The gas industry ads are ubiquitous and relentless. Our goal is to take on the misinformation campaign of the industry and to engage the public with the facts they need to know to protect themselves and their families,” continued van Rossum..." " (Delaware Riverkeeper Network)- http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2012/06/delaware_riverkeeper_network_l.html & http://www.delawareriverkeeper.org/resources/PressReleases/press%20release%20TV%20ad%20final%206%2026%2012.pdf (See also http://www.frackattack.org/videos.html )

"A mistake we can’t afford to make: "...We all know that there have been no cumulative health (or environmental) impact studies to determine if unconventional gas drilling in tight shale (i.e., fracking and everything that goes with it) is safe, especially for children and vulnerable populations. However, if we pay attention to all the “anecdotal evidence” coming from everywhere this kind of drilling has been going on, we should have more than enough information to know that it has not been proven to be safe. And if you’re following real, ethical science, not assurances from gas industry spokesmen and their hired “experts” who have big money to make on all of us, you’ll appreciate that the burden of proof must not be on the unsuspecting public but rather on the gas companies to show that what they do will not cause irreparable, catastrophic harm..." " (Letter to editor, Owego Pennysaver) (New York)- http://owegopennysaver.com/index.php/2012/07/01/a-mistake-we-cant-afford-to-make/

"Strictly Business: When it comes to fracking rules, all should have equal say: "...In the 59 years and 11 months that I've had the pleasure of walking this earth, I've never heard of the Environmental Working Group, or EWG. But the Washington D.C.-based think tank sent an eye-opening newsletter to my in-box last week and you can bet the group is now on my radar...According to e-mails obtained through the Freedom of Information Law, New York regulators gave natural gas drilling industry representatives exclusive access to draft regulations for shale gas drilling six weeks before they were made public. The group then says "in at least one instance, a representative of one of the nation's most powerful drilling companies used this exclusive access to try to weaken rules restricting discharges of radioactive wastewater."...However, if you ask me, giving the drilling industry a good look at the regulations before they were publicly released taints the entire process. Yes, the input is important but granting that exclusive access before anyone else gives the perception of collusion. And when the topic is a hot-button issue like fracking, objectivity should be of the utmost importance. But here, it wasn't..." " (Opinion, GANNETT) (New York)- http://www.stargazette.com/article/20120630/BUSINESS/206300320/

"Balyszak: Cuomo frack plan undermines his accomplishments: "...So it’s OK to expose some poorer New Yorkers to multiple fracking hazards while protecting other New Yorkers that aren’t as poor? (This is not the same Cuomo I voted for.)...If fracking is not safe in the Catskill Park, aquifers, nationally designated historic districts and the Skaneateles watershed, it’s NOT safe ANYWHERE in New York State – period! It’s your health and your environment..." " (Opinion, The Citizen) (New York)- http://auburnpub.com/columnists/bill_balyszak/balyszak-cuomo-frack-plan-undermines-his-accomplishments/article_a5c1874d-372f-56d9-a878-84c8a846ccdd.html

"Fracking Scientists Agree: Gas Wells Leak In Canada, But Not In New York or Pennsylvania" (Chip Northrup via Bluedaze Blog)- http://www.texassharon.com/2012/06/30/gas-wells-found-to-leak-everywhere-but-in-new-york-pennsylvania-and-parker-county-texas/

"Gas Migration Study" (Saskatchewan Geological Survey via James "Chip" Northrup via Scribd)- http://www.scribd.com/doc/98730128/Gas-Migration-Study (See also "Identifying the Source of Migrating Gases in Surface Casing Vents and Soils Using Stable Carbon Isotopes, Golden Lake Pool, West-central Saskatchewan"- http://er.gov.sk.ca/adx/aspx/adxGetMedia.aspx?DocID=11826,11458,11455,11228,3385,5460,2936,Documents&MediaID=36524&Filename=szatkowski.pdf )

"Legislature to vote today on gas drilling moratorium for Bucks and Montco: "...The state legislature could vote today on a provision that would institute a temporary moratorium on gas drilling in Bucks and Montgomery counties. State Rep. Jesse White (D—46) reported on his Facebook page last night that state Sen. Chuck McIlhinney was attaching the provision to the fiscal code (SB 1263), which the House is scheduled to vote on today..."Aside from being blatantly unconstitutional, it's horrible policy," White wrote. "Drill everywhere or drill nowhere, but don't let this become a county-by-county football. Unreal." State and local environmental groups immediately took action and asked their members to contact their legislators to try to remove the provision from the fiscal code..." " (Philadelphia Media Network, Inc.) (Pennsylvania)- http://www.phillyburbs.com/my_town/palisades/legislature-to-vote-today-on-gas-drilling-moratorium-for-bucks/article_5ece9717-8d8e-5e87-ae87-2737c134a187.html

"Oil and gas drilling permits on hold for southeastern Pa.: "...A provision added to a budget measure on Friday -- and approved Saturday evening -- would temporarily prevent oil and gas drilling permits from being issued for the South Newark Basin, which stretches from New Jersey into Bucks and Montgomery counties in southeastern Pennsylvania. It is scheduled to expire in 2018. Lawmakers from Western Pennsylvania who had opposed the shale-drilling law approved in February as offering too few protections, condemned it as a special carve-out for southeastern residents. "Where was our study? Where was our six years?" asked Democratic Rep. Jesse White, who represents a portion of Washington County that hosts a significant amount of Marcellus Shale drilling. "What makes Bucks and Montgomery [counties] so special?"..." " (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) (Pennsylvania)- http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/state/oil-and-gas-drilling-permits-on-hold-for-southeastern-pa-642767/ (See also "White: Limited Drilling Ban a Bad Deal: "...Pa. state Rep. Jesse White speaks out against legislation that would allow two -- and only two -- counties in the Philadelphia suburbs to ban Marcellus Shale drilling. White says this unconstitutional bill is terrible policy that will lead to long-term problems..." " (Video, Pa. House Democratic Caucus via YouTube)- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbstQ1ERCbU )

"Pennsylvania budget takes shape, but work continues on related bills: "...Beginning in 2017, a nickel-per-gallon tax credit would be offered to companies for purchasing and using ethane from gas wells within the commonwealth. In order to be eligible, a company must invest at least $1 billion and create at least 2,500 construction jobs. There would be no annual cap on the total credits, compared to an initial proposal for allowing up to $66 million a year. Legislative staffers said that would give flexibility in attempting to woo facilities beyond the potential Shell plant. The Corbett administration made an unusually aggressive public push for the tax credit, arguing that the incentive is necessary to ensure the company does not decide to locate instead in West Virginia or Ohio...Others remained critical of the addition, unsuccessfully pressing for further requirements in return for the lucrative tax credits. "We're giving incentives to a company whose profits last year were larger than the entire General Fund budget," said Rep. Rick Mirabito, D-Lycoming. As hours ticked away, lawmakers also gave final approval a last-minute addition that temporarily prohibits gas drilling permits from being issued in a portion of southeastern Pennsylvania. That provision first became public on Friday, and drew protests from Western Pennsylvania Democrats that it unfairly offered southeastern residents protections from potential drilling impacts that weren't available to other Pennsylvanians..." " (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) (Pennsylvania)- http://old.post-gazette.com/pg/12183/1243627-454.stm

"Fracking fracas: "...Tom Shepstone, well known as a spokesman for Energy In Depth, an industry lobbying group, resides in Honesdale. Filmmaker Josh Fox — whose film Gasland became known around the world after a famous scene depicting a Colorado man lighting the water from his kitchen faucet on fire went viral on the internet — is connected to the area through land his family owns in Damascus Township. With both sides claiming to be winning the debate based on solid science and claiming the other’s science is flawed or misleading, we contacted both Fox and Shepstone to find out if either thought there was a possibility of finding middle ground. It seems there is not..." " (Wayne Independent) (Pennsylvania)- http://www.wayneindependent.com/news/x1446666070/Fracking-fracas

"Shell’s Tioga County Methane Geyser Captured On Video: "...A group called the Responsible Drilling Alliance has obtained video of the geyser of water and methane that shot out of the ground last week near a Shell natural gas drilling site in Union Township, Tioga County. Due to the geyser, methane bubbling into a nearby creek and gas spotted in a private water well, Shell issued a voluntary evacuation request to people living within a mile of the well. The Department of Environmental Protection is investigating the incident..." " (StateImpact Pennsylvania)- http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/06/28/shells-tioga-county-methane-geyser-captured-on-video/

"Protect state’s water: "...Because out-of-state energy companies are not bringing in their own water, they need to access Pennsylvania's natural resources. sWith the help of our governor and local water "custodians," who are turning a blind eye or who are in collusion, the companies are accessing the water for free. I challenge any citizen to try this. And yet the commonwealth is "for the common good." Of whom? The citizen, not the corporation, And certainly not the out-of-state Marcellus predators..." " (Letter to editor, the Altoona Mirror) (Pennsylvania)- http://www.altoonamirror.com/page/content.detail/id/562045/Protect-state-s-water.html

"Report: Nockamixon has wealth of natural gas: "...Now the talk has an official estimate to back it up. The U.S. Geological Survey published a report last month estimating that some 876 billion cubic feet of gas is trapped in the South Newark Basin, a rock formation underlying Bucks, Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties and much of northwestern New Jersey... " " (The Morning Call) (Pennsylvania & New Jersey)- http://www.mcall.com/business/mc-nockamixon-newark-basin-gas-reserves-estimated-20120630,0,5188663.story

"Tax experts question credits for Pa. Shell plant : "...Gov. Tom Corbett and union leaders want lawmakers to approve a $1.7 billion tax credit to lure a new petrochemical plant to western Pennsylvania, but some tax experts say that would run counter to sensible tax practices and would be unfair to other businesses...Shell's plans could be slowed or derailed by competitors or even national politics, added Fadel Gheit, an oil and gas analyst with Oppenheimer & Co. in New York City. A political decision, for example, could allow the export of natural gas liquids, he said. The market price for the gas in Europe or Japan is double or triple the price in the U.S. Even factoring in the difficulty and cost of transportation, some companies still want to export the bounty..." " (Associated Press) (Pennsylvania)- http://online.wsj.com/article/AP9c032ff5331b4934ab083ba8806fbbb4.html

"Pa. Senate gives $27.6 billion budget final OK: "...Work continues today on key bills before spending plan goes to Corbett...As the Senate debated some measures and wrapped up work on others, including one to create a 25-year tax credit for Shell Oil Co. and other ethane-processing facilities, the House was making a last-minute addition that would temporarily prevent oil and gas drilling permits from being issued in southeastern Pennsylvania. The new provision would require a study by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and votes in Bucks and Montgomery counties before drilling permits could be approved for the South Newark Basin..." " (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) (Pennsylvania)- http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/state/pa-senate-gives-276b-budget-final-ok-642611/ (See also "What's left for Pa. lawmakers to approve?: "...Ethane tax-credit: A proposed tax incentive aimed in part at securing Shell Oil Co.'s proposed petrochemical plant awaits a final vote in the state House. That proposal would create a nickel-per-gallon tax credit for purchasing and using ethane from gas wells within the commonwealth, provided that a company invests at least $1 billion and creates at least 2,500 construction jobs..." " (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)- http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/state/whats-left-for-pa-lawmakers-to-approve-642629/ )

"Senate gives final approval to budget bill: "...A tax code bill provides a state business tax credit for a planned $4 billion natural gas ethane "cracker" plant in Southweast Pennsylvania starting in 2017. It stipulates that Shell Oil Co. must invest $1 billion and create 2,500 construction jobs to start receiving the tax credit. The cracker plant will benefit dozens of plastic manufacturers in Northeast Pennsylvania that currently import ethane products from Canada and the Gulf of Mexico, said Ms. Baker. She said having access to ethane products from the cracker plant will cut shipping costs for Proctor and Gamble's plant in Mehoopany and help it be more competitive..." " (Times-Shamrock Communications) (Pennsylvania)- http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/senate-gives-final-approval-to-budget-bill-1.1336890

"Ethane Cracker Deal Lifts Spending Cap: "...The most important development is that legislators are lifting the annual $66 million cap on the break, which means the benefits could exceed the $1.65 billion price tag that has been tied to the credit since it was first announced..." " (StateImpact Pennsylvania)- http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/06/29/ethane-cracker-deal-lifts-spending-cap/

"Officials unveil options for 'second life' of Marcus Hook refinery: "...Local officials yesterday presented a road map for what Delaware County Councilman Tom McGarrigle called the "economic second life for Marcus Hook," which looks remarkably like its first life - processing hydrocarbons extracted from the earth into fuel and chemicals. Only in its new life, the raw material feeding the facility would be Marcellus Shale natural gas, not petroleum..." " (Philadelphia Media Network, Inc.) (Pennsylvania)- http://articles.philly.com/2012-06-29/news/32458007_1_marcus-hook-refinery-oil-refinery-philadelphia-refinery

"Woman sues gas company for father's death: "...A Colorado woman is suing Cabot Oil & Gas Corp. and three other companies after her father was killed while working on a gas rig platform in Dimock Twp. Cherie Leatherman, 469 Meadow Road, Grand Junction, Colo., is also suing Pioneer Drilling Services Ltd., Pioneer Drilling Inc. and Dean's Casting Services, according to a lawsuit filed in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County on April 23. Gregory Walker, 41, a Caliber Oil Field Services employee, was "catastrophically injured" when he was struck in the head attempting to rotate a casing pipe May 10, 2010, according to the lawsuit. Mr. Walker's death was caused by carelessness, negligence and reckless disregard by the defendants, according to the lawsuit..." " (Times-Shamrock Communications) (Pennsylvania)- http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/woman-sues-gas-company-for-father-s-death-1.1334873

"Chesapeake Energy providing $25K donation to Lackawanna College's Towanda Center: "...TOWANDA - Brian Evans of Towanda is taking a five-week course at Lackawanna College in Towanda in order to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL). "I wouldn't be able to do this (take the CDL course)" if it wasn't for funding that had been provided for the school's CDL program by Chesapeake Energy Corp., Evans said..." " (Times-Shamrock Communications) (Pennsylvania)- http://thedailyreview.com/news/chesapeake-energy-providing-25k-donation-to-lackawanna-college-s-towanda-center-1.1335345

"Two charged in burglaries of gas drilling company: "...Two Bradford County men have been charged in a series of burglaries over the past month at T3 Energy Services on U.S. Route 220 in Ulster Township, in which gas well equipment valued at between $92,000 to $128,500 was stolen, police said. The items stolen included valves, casing heads, casing spools, and tree caps, state police at Towanda reported...Callear told the police that he and Rudloff had loaded items from T3 Energy Services into a pickup truck approximately five times over the past two weeks, and had then sold the items as scrap metal to Sutton's Scrap Yard in Athens Township, according to a criminal complaint filed in Towanda District Court. Callear said they made approximately five trips to Sutton's Scrap Yard, and were paid approximately $250 to $300 each time for the scrap metal, according to the complaint..." " (Times-Shamrock Communications) (Pennsylvania)- http://thedailyreview.com/news/two-charged-in-burglaries-of-gas-drilling-company-1.1335316

"Review sought of pipeline approval: "..."They did not look at the impacts to human health and water supply, endangered species, open space and historic resources," said Jeff Tittel of the Sierra Club's New Jersey chapter, one of the groups that filed the request. The proposed pipeline expansion, he said, would be "a scar across the Highlands that destroys our woodlands and jeopardizes our water supplies. You cannot mitigate for this kind of destruction." The project, proposed by Tennessee Gas, would expand the capacity of an existing pipeline with a new "loop" line that would run for 7.6 miles from West Milford through Ringwood and into Mahwah. It would require tunneling under the Monksville Reservoir, a backup reservoir for a system that supplies drinking water to several million North Jersey residents..." " (The Record) (New Jersey)- http://www.northjersey.com/news/160930485_Review_sought_of_pipeline_approval.html

"Groups join forces to appeal pipeline approval: "...Three environmental groups have joined with Montague resident George Feighner and the commissioners of Pike County, Pa., in petitioning for a rehearing of the Tennessee Gas pipeline project approved last month by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The move, which was jointly announced Friday by the New Jersey Sierra Club, the Delaware Riverkeeper and the New Jersey Highlands Coalition, seeks to undo the commission's approval of the final phase of Tennessee Gas' Northeast Upgrade Project. Also joining the three groups in their appeal of the project's approval by the commission was the Columbia Environmental Law Clinic..." " (New Jersey Herald)- http://www.njherald.com/story/18924625/groups-join-forces-to-appeal-pipeline-approval

"Athens protest over fracking ends quietly: "...A woman protesting an Athens County injection well by locking her arms in concrete-filled barrels voluntarily released herself at about 11:30 a.m. Tuesday. Madeline Fitch was handcuffed and placed in a cruiser to be taken to the Athens County Sheriff's Office. Sheriff's Capt. Bryan Cooper said Fitch will be charged with misdemeanor counts of trespassing and obstructing official business, and a felony count of inducing panic..." " (The Marietta Times) (Ohio)- http://www.mariettatimes.com/page/content.detail/id/545045/Athens-protest-over-fracking-ends-quietly.html

"Fracking protester peacefully removed from injection well site southwest of Athens: "...Shortly before noon Tuesday, a "fracking" protester who had secured herself to two concrete barrels at an oil and gas waste-water injection well in Alexander Township was separated from the barrels and hauled away by a sheriff's cruiser..." " (The Athens News) (Ohio)- http://www.athensnews.com/ohio/article-37204-fracking-protester-unattached-from-inj..ection-well-site-southwest-of-athens.html

"Environmental group explains risks of fracking: "...The state has not done a good job of promoting the risks that are associated with shale drilling, he said. The companies drilling within the shale do not have a clear idea what is going on thousands of feet below the surface, said Jim Logan, director of agricultural programs for the OEC. The process puts significant amounts of pressure on rocks to cause fracturing..." " (The Vindicator) (Ohio)- http://www.vindy.com/news/2012/jun/28/environmental-group-explains-risks-of-fr/

"Columbiana County businesses hear how to prep for shale boom: "...Todd Alexander, vice president of the East Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, spoke Friday morning to membership of the Columbiana Chamber of Commerce about what he learned on a trip to central Pennsylvania to explore how businesses are developing around gas drilling. He went to Lock Haven, Williamsport and Towanda. These three communities are all at different levels of shale development..." " (The Vindicator) (Ohio)- http://www.vindy.com/news/2012/jun/30/columbiana-county-businesses-hear-how-to/

"Gas under graveyards raises moral, money questions: "...Opponents say cemeteries are hallowed ground that shouldn't be sullied by drilling activity they worry will be noisy, smelly and unsightly. Defenders say drilling is so deep that it doesn't disturb the cemetery and can generate needed revenue to enhance the roads and grounds. Cemeteries join state parklands, playgrounds, churches and residential backyards among unusual places targeted in the region's shale drilling boom..." " (Associated Press) (Ohio)- http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-06-30/gas-drilling-cemeteries/55945368/1 & http://www1.whdh.com/news/articles/national/midwest/12007878552531/gas-under-graveyards-raises-moral-money-questions/

United States & Canada:

"US may be India's future gas source: "...Gas-abundant US could emerge as the future supply source for energy-starved India. With the crash in US gas prices, a dozen of gas importing terminals are in the process of converting to export terminals. For India, which faces an increasing demand-supply gap, it makes sense to explore gas imports from the US...." " (Ajay Modi/New Delhi)- http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/us-may-be-indias-future-gas-source/479022/ & http://smartinvestor.business-standard.com/market/Marketnews-123155-Marketnewsdet-US_may_be_Indias_future_gas_source.htm

"Oil and Gas Truck Hours-of-Service Exceptions May Cause Driver Fatigue: "...Truckers working the oilfields may operate their rigs longer than other commercial drivers because of industry-specific exceptions to driving-time limitations, and it could be placing you in danger..." " (The Law Offices of Arnold S. Levine)- http://www.energydigital.com/press_releases/oil-and-gas-truck-hours-of-service-exceptions-may-cause-driver-fatigue

"Energy companies seeking gas under graveyards meet mixture of welcome, anti-drilling disdain" (Associated Press)- http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/energy-companies-seeking-gas-under-graveyards-meet-mixture-of-welcome-anti-drilling-disdain/2012/06/30/gJQAWHJ2DW_story.html & http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-us-gas-drilling-cemeteries-20120630,0,5052046.story

"Human Health Impacts Associated with Chemicals and Air Pathways of Exposure from the Development of Shale Gas Plays: "...Presentation to the US Environmental Protection Agency Community Air Conference June 27, 2012...These chemicals released into the environment by shale gas activities are toxic and pose a threat to human health. The EPA new air regulations dealing with shale gas only apply to new wells and do not require emissions controls for a number of years. Thus, the communities in the shale development areas need to be aware of what is being released into their environment and the health impacts associated with those emissions..." " (Subra Company/Louisiana Environmental Action Network)- http://leanweb.org/our-work/water/fracking/human-health-impacts-associated-with-chemicals-and-air-pathways-of-exposure-from-the-development-of-shale-gas-plays

"With Our Abundance Of Natural Gas, Let’s Export: "...The EIA reported today that U.S. natural gas production set new monthly record highs in April for gross withdrawals and marketed production, on a 12-month moving average basis (to smooth out monthly variations), see chart above. Thanks to fracking technology and the shale revolution, American now has such an abundance of natural gas, that it makes economic sense for producers to export gas overseas to Europe and Japan, where prices are typically 5-6 times higher than in the U.S...." " (Daily Markets)- http://www.dailymarkets.com/economy/2012/06/29/with-our-abundance-of-natural-gas-lets-export/

"Fight escalates over chemical secrecy in hydraulic fracturing: "...The Burgett well in the Marcellus Shale gas area southeast of Canton, Ohio, was fractured Oct. 3 with 8.3 million gallons of water and a relatively small percentage of chemicals that were pumped deep underground to free the gas and smooth its flow to the surface. About two dozen of the chemicals were identified on a public website by their unique formulations, together with their maximum concentration in the mix. But the identities of four other chemicals, including a "gelling" agent and a corrosion inhibitor, were concealed from the public as trade secrets by the supplier, Weatherford International Ltd..." " (EnergyWire)- http://www.eenews.net/public/energywire/2012/06/25/1

"ExxonMobil CEO Defends Manmade Global Warming, Says Humans are Able to Adapt" (DailyTech)- http://www.dailytech.com/ExxonMobil+CEO+Defends+Manmade+Global+Warming+Says+Humans+are+Able+to+Adapt/article25068c.htm

"ExxonMobil CEO assailed for claims on climate change" (MSNBC Blog)- http://bottomline.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/06/28/12460198-exxonmobil-ceo-assailed-for-claims-on-climate-change?lite

"Pressure test seeks to locate gas source: "...State and parish officials are using the process of elimination to find the source of natural gas bubbling up in about dozen spots on Grand Bayou and Bayou Corne.Residents also reported mysterious tremors on June 8 and this week but authorities have no answers yet on whether possible movement of the earth is tied to the gas bubbles...Phyllis Darensbourg, DNR spokeswoman, said inspectors visited seven of 17 orphan wells Friday that officials identified after checking well records. She said they did not have special Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality camera equipment to detect invisible gases venting from the capped wells..." " (The Advocate) (Louisiana)- http://theadvocate.com/news/3228043-123/pressure-test-seeks-to-locate

"Efforts intensify to find gas leaks in Assumption waterways : "...BAYOU CORNE — Speaking to concerned and frustrated residents in a boat launch parking lot Thursday, state and parish officials said they planned to start additional air monitoring on Friday and begin inspecting abandoned wells to hone in on the source of leaking natural gas in the area. Authorities have been investigating whether pipelines, the 51 underground salt dome caverns carved from the vast Napoleonville Dome or other oil and gas infrastructure could be the source of natural gas escaping into the atmosphere..." " (The Advocate) (Louisiana)- http://theadvocate.com/news/3219113-123/efforts-intensify-to-find-gas

"Perdue mixed on fracking bill: "...RALIEGH, N.C. — It's unclear how Gov. Bev Perdue will respond to a bill awaiting her signature that would legalize in North Carolina a controversial method of natural gas drilling called "fracking." "I support fracking for natural gas, because it is part of a comprehensive mix of energy sources that creates jobs, reduces costs for businesses and families, and keeps our economy growing," she said in a statement Wednesday. "Before we 'frack,' however, we need strong safeguards in place which are specifically adapted to conditions in North Carolina."..." " (WRAL) (North Carolina)- http://www.wral.com/news/state/nccapitol/story/11257691/

"ONG offers rebate program for CNG vehicle owners: "...The Oklahoma Corporation Commission approved ONG's surcharge of 25 cents per gallon of gasoline equivalent on June 18, and many residents who have purchased a pure CNG or bi-fuel vehicle back to that date are eligible for rebates up to $2,500. The utility also will offer a $2,500 rebate for installing home CNG fueling systems..." " (Tulsa World) (Oklahoma)- http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/article.aspx?subjectid=49&articleid=20120630_49_E1_Buyers157586

"Green lobby castigates OG&E’s litigation over EPA policy: "...Count us as being in league with the Sierra Club on at least one tenet: Too many policy issues these days are delayed by legal challenges. Of course we’re not in league with the Club for Ungrowth on a specific legal challenge mounted by Oklahoma Gas & Electric Co. to an overreaching Environmental Protection Agency policy..." " (Opinion, The Oklahoman) (Oklahoma)- http://newsok.com/home-groan-green-lobby-castigates-utilitys-policy-litigation/article/3688367

"The 'boom' and you: "...Dodge City resident Leslee Davis has major concerns about the oil boom. While it's true that prosperity is winking from the horizon as the new gas and oil boom gets underway, there are other factors to consider, she said. “With our area so heavily invested in farming, it seems to me that farmers will want to be thoroughly informed about potential long term risks to their lands and crops,” Davis said..." " (Dodge City Daily Globe) (Kansas)- http://www.dodgeglobe.com/topstories/x425600295/The-boom-and-you

"Blackfeet women join together to oppose oil, gas 'fracking': "...Dozens of exploratory well pads already checker the landscape and proposals for others continue to stack up in the offices of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, including one at the base of Divide Mountain. “The oil companies have pretty much had carte blanche access to our land, but there hasn’t been any free flow of information to those of us with a strong connection to the land,” she said. “People are signing away their leases and they don’t understand the consequences.” Virtually all of the Blackfeet Reservation’s 1.5 million acres are leased for oil and gas exploration, and there has been renewed interest in development on a tract of land directly adjacent to Glacier National Park’s eastern border..." " (Missoulian) (Montana)- http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/blackfeet-women-join-together-to-oppose-oil-gas-fracking/article_03494728-c262-11e1-8b14-0019bb2963f4.html , http://www.ravallirepublic.com/news/state-and-regional/article_538b0bb8-c0aa-5b99-be37-78a111fe22c6.html & http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/montana/article_6c746fc4-e979-57ae-bc38-f487b43798a1.html

"Oil drilling brings opportunities for local companies: "...For the past year, Colorado Springs and El Paso County have been wrestling with the regulatory and policy questions raised by the sudden influx of interest in oil exploration in the area. More recently, however, a number of local companies have seen the burgeoning oil industry as a business opportunity. For the past year, Colorado Springs and El Paso County have been wrestling with the regulatory and policy questions raised by the sudden influx of interest in oil exploration in the area. More recently, however, a number of local companies have seen the burgeoning oil industry as a business opportunity..." " (The Gazette) (Colorado)- http://www.gazette.com/articles/companies-140992-oil-millions.html

"Court: No drilling on Roan Plateau: "...The U.S. District Court in Denver passed down a ruling Monday prohibiting oil and natural gas exploration on the Roan Plateau near Grand Junction. The ruling, made by U.S. District Court Judge Marcia S. Krieger, denies a 2007 Bureau of Land Management resource management plan approved during President George W. Bush’s administration that would have permitted the drilling of “thousands” of oil and natural gas wells on 55,000-acres of the Roan Plateau, according to an Earthjustice news release..." " (Craig Daily Press) (Colorado)- http://www.craigdailypress.com/news/2012/jun/30/court-no-drilling-roan-plateau/

"Wyoming groups, governor laud fracking rules delay: "...Wyoming's governor, its oil and gas industry, a key legislator and a conservation group in the state agree on at least one thing: A federal decision to delay rules for hydraulic fracturing is a good thing. They lauded the Obama administration's decision this week to extend the public comment period for regulation of the practice, a critical method used in nearly all oil and natural gas wells drilled on federal and Indian lands..." " (Casper Star-Tribune) (Wyoming)- http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/wyoming/wyoming-groups-governor-laud-fracking-rules-delay/article_d1ded9c4-df36-5608-a2ac-8ccdebd2d89e.html

"Coal Vs. Natural Gas: "..."The use of coal here in North Dakota probably isn`t going to mirror what`s happening in the rest of the country because the plants are here, there`s demand here, there`s electricity being produced," said Basin Electric spokesman Daryl Hill. Instead of looking at it as natural gas and coal are in competition, Hill says they both serve a unique purpose..." " (KFYR TV) (North Dakota)- http://www.kfyrtv.com/News_Stories.asp?news=57932

"California growers join greens to query frack safety: "...(Reuters) - Hydraulic fracturing has brought together greens and growers in California through a shared concern about the impact of the practice on water in a state where it is often in short supply. The strawberry industry lined up alongside environmentalists to voice their fears over fracking at a public hearing in Salinas at the Steinbeck Institute, named for a renowned author whose writing immortalized the region's agricultural history..." " (Reuters) (California)- http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/06/29/us-fracking-california-idUSBRE85S0WJ20120629

"Fracking moratorium advances in California Legislature" (Los Angelas Times) (Cailfornia)- http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/california-politics/2012/06/fracking-moratorium-advances-in-california-legislature.html

"B.C. Energy: Going east, far east: "...Natural gas resources in northeast British Columbia could attract billions of dollars of investment, creating jobs and a long-term flow of cash to the provincial government through exports of LNG to the Pacific Rim..." " (The Vancouver Sun) (Canada)- http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Energy+Going+east+east/6866806/story.html

"‘We’re all concerned about our health’: "...LAKE AINSLIE — Bill and Charlotte Woodhouse have a binder full of reasons why Nova Scotia shouldn’t allow an oil and gas exploration near its largest natural freshwater lake. The couple lives about four kilometres from a Lake Ainslie property that has been staked by PetroWorth Resources for the drilling of a 1,200-metre test well. Today, the seniors await word on whether or not the Nova Scotia Supreme Court will accept an appeal made by the Margaree Environmental Association that seeks to reverse the province’s decision to allow the exploratory drill to take place..." " (Cape Breton Post) (Canada)- http://www.capebretonpost.com/News/Local/2012-06-26/article-3017771/%26lsquoWe%26rsquore-all-concerned-about-our-health%26rsquo/1

International:

"06-30-12 Natural Gas Daily Report" (The Carbon Capture Report)- http://gas.carboncapturereport.org/cgi-bin//dailyreport?DATE=2012-06-30

"Fracking firm denies €20k payout ‘a bribe’ to buy support: "...The company behind a plan to extract shale gas using the controversial method known as fracking has been accused of trying to influence opinion by “bribery”...“Can you understand why locals will look at that as influencing local people over the process? Some may call it a bribe,” the Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA said. But Tamboran CEO Richard Moorman insisted it was an example of how the area will benefit from a community fund set up to channel investment. .." " (Belfast Telegraph) (United Kingdom)- http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/fracking-firm-denies-euro20k-payout-lsquoa-bribersquo-to-buy-support-16179143.html

"Attwood remains cautious after fracking report : "...POLITICIANS have voiced renewed concern over fracking in Northern Ireland after it emerged yesterday that the UK Government could give the go-ahead to the controversial gas extraction process. A review of hydraulic fracturing, which uses high-pressure liquid pumped deep underground to split shale rock and release gas, found the process could be undertaken safely here if it was done to the highest standards and was properly regulated..." " (Belfast Newsletter) (Ireland/United Kingdom)- http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/local/attwood-remains-cautious-after-fracking-report-1-4007939

"Lucas and Meacher press for fracking action: "...Green MP Caroline Lucas and Labour MP Michael Meacher are to table an Early Day Motion in Parliament to raise awareness of the introduction to Britain of fracking — the process of deep drilling into shale rock and releasing trapped gas by blasting it with high pressure water, sand and chemicals. Early day motions are not discussed: they are a way of flagging up an issue and gauging, by the number of MPs who sign up to it, potential interest and support. The two MPs indicated that they would take the action at a public meeting in London this week to discuss the problems created by fracking, or hydraulic fracturing. Lucas told the meeting that fracking was widespread in the US and posed “a very real threat” in the UK, with four drilling sites already approved in Lancashire..." " (OneWorld) (United Kingdom)- http://uk.oneworld.net/article/view/167134/1/7232

"Natural Riches at Heart of Myanmar Civil War: "...The building of a twin oil and gas pipeline from western Rakhine state, across rebel-held territory, to China’s Yunnan province is currently in progress. The government has allegedly sold off rights to timber and other valuable resources such as jade to Chinese companies and local businessmen seen as loyal to the regime..." " (Agence France-Presse)- http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/international/natural-riches-at-heart-of-myanmar-civil-war/527788

"Landowner wins coal seam gas battle: "...There's been a victory for landholders in the fight with the booming coal seam gas industry. A Queensland cattle producer has won a battle in the Supreme Court to stop the Queensland Gas Company from building a pipeline on his property. Rural lobby groups say it's a reminder to coal seam gas companies to respect landholders' rights and provide the full information about what they're planning on their properties. .." " (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) (Australia)- http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2012/s3533127.htm

"No fracking until report completed: "...FRACKING plans for Gisborne are on hold for now, with Apache Corp deferring any application for hydraulic fracturing until after a report is presented to Parliament later this year. Anti-fracking activists are not holding their breath, though, saying now is the time for Apache and T AG Oil to open up on their oil exploration plans for the district. Apache senior adviser of regulatory affairs Alex Ferguson told The Herald they had modified their plans for hydraulic fracturing, pending the results of the report by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment..." " (The Gisborne Herald) (New Zealand)- http://www.gisborneherald.co.nz/article/?id=28305

"Fracking in Southland exposed: "...In the warmer months, Orauea stream in Southland is a great trout fishing spot. In the 1990s it was also a great dumping spot for fracking fluid and waste water. “The industry's very much assuring people it's got everything under control but when you look at some of the things that have happened in the past - this incident you’re talking about and up in the Taranaki - I think it pays for the public to be very watchful,” says Environment Southland councillor Robert Guyton. A now-defunct company set up two wells in 1995 to prospect for coal seam gas just south of Ohai in Southland..." " (NZ News) (New Zealand)- http://www.3news.co.nz/Fracking-in-Southland-exposed/tabid/423/articleID/259325/Default.aspx