Chicago Tribune – Illinois Governor Signs Bill to Regulate Fracking

Illinois is one step closer to  hydraulic fracturing after bipartisan legislation regulating the process was signed into law by Gov. Pat Quinn. Lawmakers say they hope the new regulations will encourage the oil and natural gas industry to invest in Illinois, helping to create jobs.

Fuel Fix Blog – Colleges Plan Training for Gas Drilling Jobs

Two colleges in southern Illinois are getting a jumpstart on possible oil and natural gas development in the state. Southeastern Illinois College and Rend Lake College are planning to provide training programs focused on safety and other areas related to  energy development.

ExxonMobil Perspectives – A Funny Idea of What “Back In Business” Means

Ken P. Cohen writes that oil... more »

Great question during the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s annual energy conference this week – paraphrasing: Given the technologies, the innovation and risk-taking that mark today’s oil and natural gas industry, what‘s the ceiling for oil and gas development over the next few decades? The U.S. Geological Survey’s Donald Gautier took a crack at it:

“Every time I look at world oil or gas resources, I start adding things up, and I end up with enormous numbers. It just seems like an unavoidable fact, and the issue is about human activities and the contraptions they’re using for getting this out. There is certainly no shortage of molecules out there.”

In other words, oil and natural gas potential will be defined by us – through energy leadership, vision and policy. It will be... more »

Fuel Fix Blog – Report: Renewables, Natural Gas Should Work Together On the Grid

According to a new report by the Texas Clean Energy Coalition, natural gas and renewables “have a strong complimentary relationship” that is beneficial for providing the energy Americans need every day.

Today in Energy – U.S. Crude Oil Production Could Reach 10M Barrels Per Day By 2040

EIA projects that thanks in large part to increased tight oil production – shale development – domestic production could continue to expand to 10 million barrels per day or higher by 2040.

Savannah Morning News – Let’s Admit the Ethanol Mistake

In a guest post, J. Winston Porter writes that “the ethanol in our gasoline increases the cost to fill our cars, is heavily subsidized by taxpayers and has considerable enviro... more »

Wall Street Journal – U.S. Oil Notches Record Growth

In the latest sign that  the shale revolution is remaking world energy markets,  the WSJ cites BP’s 2012 Statistical Review showing crude production in the U.S. jumped 14 percent last year to 8.9 million barrels a day. (subscription publication).

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – Pennsylvania to See $202.47 Million in Per-Well Fracking Impact Fees

A new Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission report notes that more than $200 million from hydraulic fracturing impact fees will be distributed to local governments across the state. Bradford County in the state's northeast will collect the most at $7.3 million while Washington is second at $4.7 million. Lycoming and Tioga counties follow with $4.4 million each.

The Hill – GOP Warns of $1 Tri... more »

Fuel Fix Blog – U.S. Led World in Oil Growth in 2012

According to a new BP report, U.S. oil production growth,  the largest in the country’s history, helped keep global crude prices from rising sharply. Shale development had the biggest impact on this increase in oil production.

Washington Times – U.S. Gains Global Competition as Shale Revolution Heats Up

While the U.S.  has been “the dominant player in the shale revolution until now,” the newspaper cites new estimates showing that Russia and China have potential to rise in the global market by exploiting their own shale resources.

Forbes – International Investment Could Be Coming to Oil and Natural Gas Midstream Sector

Thanks to the surge in U.S. shale production, investments from international companies could be making its wa... more »