The New York Times published a story yesterday about drilling that does a major disservice to its readers. The front-page article poses several questions about drilling and drinking water, and implies that water supplies in some northeastern cities could be tainted. It is an implication that isn't supported by the facts.

We are looking at the article in its entirety (as are many others, including the Marcellus Shale Coalition and Hot Air), but we did want to quickly address the part that mentions API. Regarding the draft version of an API study, the article states:

"The Times also found never-reported studies by the E.P.A. and a confidential study by the drilling industry that all concluded that radioactivity in drilling waste cannot be fully diluted in rivers and other waterways." (Empha... more »

The Calgary Herald: Opinion: U.S. must build on its oil ties with Canada: Perhaps no two countries have a stronger - and more special - partnership than do the United States and Canada. It is the world's largest trading relationship, and Canada plays a tremendous role in our nation's economic and energy security. Canada is already our country's largest supplier of imported oil. As Americans watch the unsettling events unfolding in Egypt and elsewhere in the Middle East, it should be comforting to note that most of the oil we import comes from our friendly and reliable next-door neighbour. And that neighbour is poised to provide even more of the energy America needs as it develops its vast oilsands resources. Canadian oilsands can support significant U.S. economic growth and job creation, a... more »

The U.S. State Department is evaluating a permit application to extend TransCanada's Keystone Pipeline to refineries in the U.S. Gulf Coast. If the project is approved, the pipeline would transport oil-sands derived oil from Alberta, Canada, to U.S. Gulf Coast refineries where it can be turned into products for American consumers. Although the pipeline has been on the drawing board for years, its importance to the United States is becoming clearer with every passing day.

In terms of energy security we are fortunate that the largest oil importer to the United States is right next door. As Raymond J. Keating, chief economist for the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council, reminded his readers in a Feb. 22 blog post, Canada is the United States' "number one source" for oil:

"[J]ust one n... more »

Oil & Gas Journal: Study lists Alaska Arctic OCS development's potential benefits: Development of resources in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas off Alaska's Arctic coast would create an average 54,700 jobs/year nationwide with a $145 billion total payroll and generate $193 billion in federal, state, and local revenue over 50 years, according to a study by Northern Economics Inc., Alaska's largest private economic consulting firm, and the University of Alaska at Anchorage's Institute of Social and Economic Research. Commercial production of Arctic Alaska offshore oil and gas resources would generate government revenue estimated at $97 billion (in 2010 dollars) in the Beaufort Sea and $96 billion in the Chukchi Sea over 50 years, said the Feb. 18 study, which was commissioned by Shell Explorati... more »

Bloomberg: EPA Overhauls Boiler Rules After Complaints About Cost: The Obama administration said it issued pollution rules for industrial boilers that are 50 percent less expensive than regulations proposed last year that drew industry opposition. The Environmental Protection Agency's final rules for boilers and incinerators will provide health benefits comparable to the previous standards while cutting costs, EPA Assistant Administrator Gina McCarthy said today on a conference call with reporters. The EPA had estimated the earlier rules would cost $9.5 billion, while the Council of Industrial Boiler Owners set the cost at $20 billion and as many as 300,000 lost jobs. The agency's revamping of the rules followed President Barack Obama's pledge to review regulations that companies call exce... more »