Free Enterprise – Energizing Manufacturing

Current North American energy abundance is the result of innovation and private-sector investment, writes FE. “Government policies that restrict development or prevent the market from working effectively may reduce the benefits this energy competitive advantage offers to Americans and to our manufacturing industries.”

Project Syndicate – Frack to the Future

Harvard professor and former Clinton administration economic advisor Jeffrey Frankel argues the environmental benefits of increased natural gas use, noting that “one can virtually prove that shale gas is the major factor behind the fall in US emissions.”

Forbes – Energy Reality Check: Keystone XL Crude Won’t Be Exported

Contributor Loren Steffy debunks the myth that Keystone XL crud... more »

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 »

The energy stimulus from shale development last year in Pennsylvania is big – big as in approaching a number with nine zeroes:

• $202.4 million collected in state impact fees from energy producers.
• $731 million in rents and royalties paid to land and mineral rights owners.

That’s nearly $1 billion from the oil and natural gas industry in terms of tax revenues for government to allocate (more below) and payments to individuals.

Pennsylvania officials announced this week $202,472,000 was collected in producer-paid impact fees in 2012. About $204 million was collected for 2011, bringing the two-year total to more than $406.6 million, state officials said. Public Utility Commission Chairman Robert F. Powelson:

“The PUC is entrusted by the Governor and the legislature with th... 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 »