text:
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XFrom Jackie Stewart's blog post at Energy in Depth-Ohio, a pro-drilling, industry-backed group, on Monday:
You don't hear too much about Toledo, Ohio, when you read stories about the Utica Shale boom, but when you take a look at where to find the cheapest gasoline in Ohio, Toledo emerges as the winner with prices under $1.90 per gallon. As the Toledo Blade recently reported, "A significant drop in oil prices since summer was one factor expected to boost holiday road travel last week and this week." Holiday travel in turn spurs retail, restaurant, hotel, and grocery store traffic, which stimulates the economy throughout Ohio, and indeed all across the country.
Utica Shale permits are being issued for work many miles away from Toledo and Lima, but motorists all over the state can thank shale development and fracking for a decrease in prices at the pump. Over the past week alone, gasoline prices in Ohio have fallen 14.4 cents per gallon, while prices nationwide fell at an average of 9.6 cents per gallon. Some say that this drop in gas prices "is set to provide the United States economy with a multibillion-dollar boost through the holiday season and beyond."
To read more or comment...Ohio has now approved 1,735 Utica Shale permits, as of Dec. 27, says the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
That includes 1,277 drilled Utica wells and 707 producing Utica wells.
Fifty rigs are working in Ohio.
Five new Utica permits were approved: four in Guernsey County and one in Monroe County.;
To read more or comment...The number of oil and gas rigs in the United States dropped 35 to 1,840, Baker Hughes said in a report released on Monday.
That total is a drop from the 1,920 rigs ending Dec, 5.
Click here to read more.
To read more or comment...Texas-based Southwestern Energy is enlarging its capital budget for 2015 to expand in Appalachia where it recently acquired land in the Utica and Marcellus shales.
Click here to see the company's eight-page statement released on Monday.
To read more or comment...The Marcellus Shale boom has triggered a major boom in non-drilling work in six states including Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
It has resulted in more than 72 million man-hours since 2008, according to a new report.
That covers pipelines and processing plant construction plus other non-drilling job growth.
Click here to read the story on the Frack Check West Virginia blog.
To read more or comment...A press release from Trout Unlimited dated Dec. 10:
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Trout Unlimited is featuring the Lake Erie watershed in a new report highlighting outstanding public fishing and hunting areas in the Central Appalachian region that are at risk from shale gas drilling-related activities.
The organization's 10 Special Places report focuses on areas that are rich in fish, game and natural beauty, and that have for generations provided abundant opportunities for hunters and anglers. It covers threats to the specific regions and offers recommendations for the best approaches sportsmen and women can use to protect these areas from potential risks.
To read more or comment...There are about 230,000 miles of natural gas-gathering pipelines in the United States that are not covered by federal or state rules, reports the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
Pennsylvania has about 20,000 miles of such small lines, including 6,000 miles installoed during the Marcellus Shale drilling boom.
Things are different in Ohio.
Click here to read the Tribune-Review story..
To read more or comment...Drillers in southeast Ohio can draw fresh water for drilling from local streams, and that's raising concerns in some circles.
Click here to read reporter Casey Junkins story on the Shale Play blog.
To read more or comment...Pennsylvania-based Eclipse Resources Corp., a major player in Ohio's Utica shale, will spend 94 percent of its 2015 capital budget on the Utica shale operations.
The company said today that its 2015 capital budget will decline by 20 percent from 2014.
Click here to read the company's statement.
To read more or comment...From the Associated Press:
DANVILLE, Ky. — Residents and local officials are seeking answers about a plan to reuse an existing Kentucky pipeline to transport highly flammable liquids to the Gulf of Mexico.
Federal regulators are considering the proposal to repurpose a 1,000-mile pipeline owned by Kinder-Morgan Energy Partners and MarkWest that runs from Ohio to the Gulf Coast. The pipeline would convert from carrying oil and natural gas to natural gas liquids.
The pipeline traverses 18 counties in Kentucky, including 20 miles in Boyle County, the Advocate-Messenger in Danville reported.
To read more or comment...From the U.S. Energy Information Administration today:
For the next two weeks (Dec. 22 - Jan. 2), Today in Energy will feature a selection of our favorite articles from 2014. Today's article was originally published on July 17.
To read more or comment...From the Carroll Concerned Citizens:
Shale Gas Exploration and Links to Earthquakes Carrollton Ohio: Carroll Concerned Citizens will host Ray Beiersdorfer, Ph.D at its January 8 meeting. Dr. Beiersdorfer is a professor of geology at Youngstown State University who has been studying seismic activities and the association with the hydraulic fracturing (fracking) processes used in shale gas exploration. He will review recent research from Ohio and other states and share his insight about why these seismic events matter.
Paul Feezel CCC's chair said, "Understanding links between seismic events and their potential risks to well casing integrity is critical to landowners in shale gas country—especially here in Carroll County where we also have coal mines and nearly everyone relies on private water wells for their home and farm use."
To read more or comment...From the New York Department of Environmental Conservation on Dec. 24:
The public is invited to comment on permit applications the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) received for the proposed, federally regulated Constitution Pipeline and an upgrade to the Iroquois Wright Compressor station in Schoharie County that is part of the project. The Constitution Pipeline is a proposed interstate natural gas pipeline that would traverse though Broome, Chenango, Delaware and Schoharie counties.
Because the proposed pipeline and compressor station upgrade are components of an Interstate Natural Gas Transmission project, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) was responsible for conducting an environmental review of the project and has the authority to approve the pipeline route. FERC issued a final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) in October. Additional federal reviews and approvals for the project also are necessary. The FEIS can be viewed at: http://elibrary.FERC.gov/idmws/file_list.asp?accession_num=20141024-4001 (Leaving the DEC website).
DEC maintains the authority to review applications for specific permits and approvals. These include an Air Title V permit for the proposed compressor station upgrade, as well as a Water Quality Certification, a Protection of Waters permit, a Water Withdrawal permit and a Freshwater Wetlands permit for state-protected wetlands and adjacent areas for the pipeline installation.
To read more or comment...Crain's Cleveland Business offers an energy-themed 2014 year in review article.
Topics covered include a proposed cracker plant in Parkersburg, W. Va., Ohio drillers migrating to more-southern counties, American Energy Partners CEO Aubrey McClendon, the Nexus Pipeline that intends to cross the Akron area and the illegal dumping case in Youngstown.
Click here to read the story.
To read more or comment...From the Associated Press:
Dominion Resources is suing more than 40 landowners in Virginia who won't allow the energy company to survey their properties for a proposed $5 billion natural gas pipeline
Dominion filed lawsuits earlier this week in circuit courts against 20 property owners in Nelson County and 27 in Augusta County. That number is expected to double, the company said.
Dominion spokesman Jim Norvelle said Virginia law allows the company to enter the properties to conduct the surveys. He said the surveys are needed to avoid future problems, such as family cemeteries.
To read more or comment...From Ohio Citizen Action in mid-December:
COLUMBUS — Two statewide environmental groups released a report highlighting the failures of state and federal agencies to operate the state's oil and gas waste disposal well program. Ohio Citizen Action and Ohio Citizen Action Education Fund say that the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and U.S. EPA share the blame for inadequate oversight, inconsistent practice, non-enforcement and even disdain and disrespect of citizens attempting to get answers about oil and gas injection wells in their communities.
"Citizens have been locked out of anything to do with regulating the oil and gas industry by law and by the practice of these agencies," says Ohio Citizen Action organizer Nathan Rutz. "But citizens are fighting back," he adds.
Mr. Rutz alludes to the fact that 16 citizen investigators were trained to read thousands of pages of documents, including inspection reports, permit applications, permits, well completion reports and well histories to compile profiles of 43 injection wells that have been permitted and drilled since the last U.S. EPA audit in 2009.
To read more or comment...From the Associated Press:
Relief could be on the horizon for strapped public services in the Northern Plains' booming oil patch, as elected leaders in Montana and North Dakota move to steer more money into the region during the states' upcoming legislative sessions.
Tens of thousands of workers have been drawn to the region's shale oil boom in recent years. Their arrival has brought increased demands for services ranging from roads and sewage treatment to affordable housing.
Prior efforts to put more money toward those needs came up short or got delayed by political disagreement.
To read more or comment...In the wake of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo banning fracking or hydraulic fractruring, some pro-drilling New York landowners with leased lands are considering takings lawsuits agaunst the state.
Click here to read the story from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
To read more or comment...From the U.S. Energy Information Administration today:
The amount of crude oil and refined petroleum products moved by U.S. railroads increased 9% during the first seven months of this year compared with the same period in 2013. In July, monthly average carloadings of oil and petroleum products were near 16,000 carloads per week, according to the Association of American Railroads (AAR). The increase in oil volumes transported by rail reflects rising U.S. crude oil production, which reached an estimated 8.5 million barrels per day in June for the first time since July 1986.
To read more or comment...From Magnum Hunter Resources on Monroe County well blowout:
HOUSTON, TX--(Marketwired - Dec 23, 2014) - Magnum Hunter Resources Corporation (
Initial well control operations involved excavation around the well head to properly evaluate the condition of the well head flange and night cap. Fresh water was continually sprayed on the well head to reduce the chance of ignition of the natural gas. Initially, attempts to push the night cap back over the flange with a track hoe and a crane were unsuccessful. Wild Well Control then began the process of replacing the well head assembly. As part of this process, the individual casing strings were cut in a number of different places. The new well head was then installed and the well was shut in earlier today. The pad site will now be brought back to its original condition, and the Company anticipates that all wells on the Stalder Pad will be placed on production sometime in January 2015.
Magnum Hunter continues to believe that there has been no damage to the overall structure or integrity of the Stalder 3UH well and that the loss of control of the Stalder 3UH well has not affected Magnum Hunter's three other Utica Shale wells (the Stalder #6UH, #7UH and #8UH), and the one Marcellus Shale well (the Stalder #2MH), all located on the Company's Stalder Pad.
To read more or comment...It's been a very busy week for Utica Shale permits in Ohio.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has issued 37 permits.
That includes seven in Belmont County, three in Carroll County, four in Gurnsey County, 13 in Harrison County, four in Monroe County and six in Noble County.
Ohio has approved 1,731 Utica shale permits, of which 1,272 Utica wells have been drilled. A total of 704 Utica wells are producing.
To read more or comment...A contractor late Tuesday capped a leaking natural gas well in Ohio's Monroe County.
The announcement came in a four-sentence statement from spokeswoman Bethany McCorkle of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Texas-based Wild Well Control re-established surface control of the Stadler well at 3:36 p.m..
That required the installation of a new wellhead and no more natural gas is being released, she said.
To read more or comment...By Nancy Molnar
Special to the Beacon Journal
CANTON: A petroleum engineer asked Stark County commissioners Tuesday to consider opposing the route of a proposed natural gas pipeline that he believes will go near his property.
David Eigel of Nimishillen Church Road in Lake Township told the board his concern about the proximity of the planned Nexus pipeline is based on it being a large, high-pressure line.
To read more or comment...From the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center last week:
The Shale Tipping Point: The Relationship of Drilling to Crime, Traffic Fatalities, STDs and Rents in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio
To read more or comment...
From Colorado-based Hinto Energy on Tuesday:
DENVER, CO -- (Marketwired) -- 12/23/14 -- HINTO ENERGY, INC. (OTCQB: HENI), engaged in the exploration, acquisition, and development of oil and gas properties, with producing wells in Utah and Montana, today announced the Company has drilled a new well in Ohio, located on the Appalachian geosyncline which includes both the Berea Sands and the Ohio shale stratigraphic levels.
"We continue to look at exploration and production opportunities that deliver positive results even at current oil and gas prices. We believe this new well provides such an opportunity," stated George Harris, the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
"While drilling the well, the well kicked off and produced 20 plus barrels of oil in approximately 15 minutes and natural gas at an estimated rate of 250,000 cubic feet per day," said the field operator. "The well should be placed on production in early January, following installation of oil tanks and pumping unit."
To read more or comment...From Rice Energy on Monday:
CANONSBURG, Pa., Dec. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Rice Energy Inc. (NYSE:RICE) ("Rice Energy") today announced the completion of the Rice Midstream Partners LP (NYSE: RMP) ("Rice Midstream") initial public offering of 28,750,000 common units representing limited partner interests at a price to the public of $16.50 per common unit, including the exercise in full by the underwriters' option to purchase an additional 3,750,000 common units. Rice Energy and the public each own an approximate 50.0% limited partner interest in Rice Midstream.
Rice Midstream intends to use the net proceeds of $441.6 million to make a $413.9 million distribution to Rice Energy, including a $195.3 million reimbursement for capital expenditures incurred on Rice Midstream's behalf, to fund $25.0 million of Rice Midstream's 2015 expansion capital expenditures, and to pay approximately $2.7 million of origination fees related to Rice Midstream's new revolving credit facility.
Barclays, Citigroup, Wells Fargo Securities, Goldman, Sachs & Co. and RBC Capital Markets acted as joint book-running managers for the offering.
To read more or comment...From Rex Energy:
2015 Capital Budget and Production Guidance
The company expects its 2015 operational capital expenditures to be between
From the U.S. Energy Information AQdministration today:
For the next two weeks (Dec. 22 - Jan. 2), Today in Energy will feature a selection of our favorite articles from 2014. Today's article was originally published on September 25.
To read more or comment...From the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection on Monday:
WILKES-BARRE -- The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced a settlement with Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, LLC (TGP) for multiple violations of the Clean Streams Law during the construction of a natural gas pipeline in 2011 and 2012 through four counties in northeast and north-central Pennsylvania. The violations occurred during construction of the company's "300 Line Project."
According to the agreement, TGP will pay a penalty of $210,000 and will fund a $540,000 clean-up program of illegal dumpsites in Pike, Potter, Susquehanna and Wayne Counties. The fund will be administered by the Pennsylvania Environmental Council over a four year period. TGP has also agreed to pay cost recovery monies to four Conservation Districts and the Department in the amount of $50,002.
"This civil penalty is two-fold in its benefit to the public," DEP Northeast Regional Director Mike Bedrin said. "It eliminates unsightly and illegal dumpsites that are problematic for many communities across the state and it directs more money into the Pennsylvania Clean Water fund, which is designed to protect the waterways of the commonwealth."
The Pennsylvania Clean Water Fund supports educational and environmental programs that benefit clean water efforts.
During 73 inspections of the "300 Line Project," inspectors with the Potter, Susquehanna, Wayne and Pike County Conservation Districts discovered violations including the discharge of sediment pollution into the waters of the commonwealth, some of which are protected as "High Quality" or "Exceptional Value Waters," and failure to implement required construction best management practices to protect water quality.
The clean-up project will provide a substantial public health, safety and environmental benefit; and outside of this agreement, the project is not something that TGP is otherwise legally required to do.
For more information, call 570-826-2511 or visit www.dep.state.pa.us.
To read more or comment...
From Southwestern Energy:
Houston, Texas – December 23, 2014…Southwestern Energy Company (NYSE: SWN) today announced that it has signed a purchase and sale agreement to acquire an undivided 20% of Statoil's (NYSE: STO) ownership in oil and gas assets in West Virginia and southwest Pennsylvania for a purchase price of approximately $394 million, subject to adjustments. Southwestern previously announced in October 2014 a purchase of Chesapeake Energy Corporation's (NYSE: CHK) interest in these and other oil and gas properties. This purchase from Statoil equates to approximately 30,000 net acres and increases the company's overall working interest in the assets by approximately 5.8% to approximately 73%. Statoil's net production from these properties was approximately 29 million cubic feet of gas equivalent per day as of October 2014. When combined with the acreage acquired from Chesapeake, Southwestern is obtaining approximately 443,000 net acres. This acquisition from Statoil is expected to close in early 2015 and is intended to be financed using the company's revolving credit facility.
To read more or comment...From Statoil:
Torstein Hole (left), senior vice president for US onshore in Statoil and Andy Winkle, Statoil's vice president for the Marcellus asset, at a well pad in the Marcellus area.
To read more or comment...From the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection on Monday:
On January, 16, 2014, DEP learned that landslide occurred at the well pad the previous day. DEP inspectors immediately responded and noted that the slide impacted the side of the well pad and had dropped about 40 feet downslope to where it encroached upon two streams.
The slide continued to grow substantially and eventually covered the two streams. DEP threatened to order a shutdown of all activity on the well pad. In response, the company, on March 28, agreed to voluntarily stop drilling operations and to make interim action to prevent further movement of the slide. DEP cited the company for numerous violations of the state's Oil and Gas Act and Clean Streams Law.
On July 14, Elite Well Services, a Vantage contractor, dumped two truckloads (about 200 barrels) of drilling wastewater down the side of the well pad where the interim stabilization activities were occurring. The wastewater impacted the landslide area being restored and ended up in the streams originally impacted by the slide. DEP again cited the company for further violations of various environmental statutes including the Oil and Gas Act.
To read more or comment...From New York analyst firm Sterne Agee today:
Exploration & Production
Analysts: Tim Rezvan/ Truman Hobbs
CHK Closes Appalachia Sale to SWN. Statoil Leverages Its Hard Consent by Selling Down Working Interest.
Our Call
Recent speculation on Chesapeake's ability to close its previously announced Appalachia sale to Southwestern, given JV partner Statoil's bargaining power, has proved unfounded. The companies announced last night the deal closed at a slightly lower price, and Statoil announced it was using its leverage in the deal to raise $394 million by selling down interests to Southwestern. The slightly reduced deal price ($4.975 billion vs. $5.375 billion price announced in October) paid to Chesapeake by Southwestern dovetails with the extra funds allocated to acquiring some of Statoil's interests. While the total price still appears rich to us, the inclusion of interests from Statoil improves deal optics.
• Not Necessarily a Win-Win, But Price Reduction Certainly Benefits Southwestern. In marketing meetings in recent weeks, conversations with Southwestern Energy (SWN, $29.31, Buy) shareholders revealed a near unanimous view that the company was overpaying for the acquisition announced in October from Chesapeake. Recall that the announced deal was a $5.375 billion price for 336 mmcfe/d of production over 413K net acres in West Virginia and southwest Pennsylvania, with some firm transportation contracts included. The deal came before the most recent sharp moves down in both oil and gas prices, and before extensive multiple compression for both oily and gassy E&Ps. While metrics still look expensive, the company is acquiring more acreage than previously announced, when you incorporate the Statoil (STO, $18.15, NR) assets. We will receive additional deal details on a conference call Southwestern is hosting on December 30 at 11 AM EST.
• Summarizing Southwestern's Acquisition. Including details provided by Statoil last night, Southwestern is acquiring a total of 443K net acres with 360 mmcfe/d of production for $5.369 billion. We estimate the price paid for current production is $1.8 billion, implying a residual acreage value of $8.1K/acre. We note that deal metrics clearly improve from the addition of 24 mmcfe/d of production and 30K net acres from Statoil.
• Chesapeake's Road to Investment Grade Credit Opens Up. Chesapeake announced a $1 billion repurchase program (8% of shares outstanding). We estimate residual net proceeds of approx. $3.9 will pay down debt, and calculate year-end 2014 net debt of $8.4 billion, (1.6x net debt/TTM EBITDA multiple). While our current commodity price deck ($81/b WTI and $4.25/mcf Henry Hub gas in '15/'16) looks aggressive, we note Chesapeake can execute a $5.5 billion capital program in '15 without stretching its debt/EBITDA multiple.
• Statoil Proves to Be Less of a Fly in the Ointment for Deal Closure Than Previously Anticipated. Deal closure extended farther into December than we anticipated. In addition to having a 30-day window to match Southwestern's offer (which expired in mid-November), Statoil had to provide a hard consent on the sale, which Chesapeake needed to deliver to Southwestern by March 15. Complicating matters was the resignation of Statoil CEO Helge Lund on October 15, the evening before deal announcement. Statoil had a bargaining chip it could leverage, and it appears this leverage was exerted in the form of a sell-down of their Appalachian interests as well to Southwestern. The sale lowers Statoil's Appalachia capital obligations in 2015 and beyond.
From Chesapeake Energy on Monday:
OKLAHOMA CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 22, 2014-- Chesapeake Energy Corporation (NYSE:CHK) today announced the closing of its asset sale to Southwestern Energy Company (NYSE:SWN) and initiatives to further enhance shareholder value.
Chesapeake closed the previously announced sale of its assets in the Southern Marcellus Shale and a portion of the Eastern Utica Shale to Southwestern for net proceeds of $4.975 billion. The $400 million adjustment to the previously reported $5.375 billion sale price is attributable to a settlement for various items, including Southwestern's waiver of any future claims related to title defects and environmental liabilities. The properties sold to Southwestern consist of approximately 413,000 net acres and approximately 1,500 wells located in northern West Virginia and southern Pennsylvania, along with related property, plant and equipment. Net production of the divested properties in mid-December was approximately 57,000 barrels of oil equivalent (boe) per day. This represents approximately 7% of a new company record for total production that was achieved last week of 770,000 boe per day.
Doug Lawler, Chesapeake's Chief Executive Officer, commented, "This transaction marks another significant event in Chesapeake's transformation and solidifies our strong financial position. With the closing of this transaction and the available borrowing capacity under our unsecured revolving credit facility, Chesapeake now has a liquidity position of approximately $9 billion, putting Chesapeake in an advantageous position to enhance shareholder value in this volatile commodity price market. Consistent with our financial strength and our focus on enhancing shareholder value, Chesapeake's Board of Directors has authorized a $1 billion common stock repurchase program. Further, building on our outstanding operational momentum of 2014, we will be focused on additional strategic growth opportunities to enhance our asset portfolio and continue to improve our ability to deliver top quartile growth metrics and shareholder returns."
To read more or comment...From the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Monday:
XTO Energy, Inc. to Restore Areas Damaged by Natural Gas Extraction Activities
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced today that XTO Energy, Inc. (XTO), a subsidiary of ExxonMobil and the nation's largest holder of natural gas reserves, will spend an estimated $3 million to restore eight sites damaged by unauthorized discharges of fill material into streams and wetlands in connection with hydraulic fracturing operations. XTO will also implement a comprehensive plan to comply with federal and state water protection laws at the company's West Virginia oil and gas extraction facilities that use horizontal drilling methods.
The company will also pay a civil penalty of $2.3 million for violations of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA), which prohibits the filling or damming of wetlands, rivers, streams, and other waters of the United States without a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). The settlement resolves alleged violations of state law asserted by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP). The state of West Virginia is a co-plaintiff in the settlement and will receive half of the $2.3 million civil penalty.
To read more or comment...It takes a lot of electricity to run plants to process natural gas and separate liquids from the Utica shale.
And that's good financial news for Akron-based FirstEnergy Corp. and its subsidiaries.
Another utility that stands to benefit from Ohio's Utica shale boom is Columbus-based American Electric Power.
FirstEnergy has seen its shale-related electric use jump by 70 megawatts from July 2011 to July 2014.
To read more or comment...From the Associated Press:
By MARY ESCH
Associated Press
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — While environmental groups are doing a victory dance over New York's decision to ban fracking, farmers such as apple grower David Johnson are grieving for dashed hopes and dreams.
To read more or comment...From Saturday's Akron Beacon Journal:
Fighting against a giant interstate project can be frightening.
Take it from Caitlin Knop, a 32-year-old mother of three from New Franklin and a newly minted "pipeline activist." She is among the small but growing number of people in southern Summit County who are battling the $2 billion Nexus Transmission Pipeline that would move natural gas from Ohio's Utica Shale through Ohio and Michigan and into Ontario.
It has been called a David-versus-Goliath battle, but as Knop points out: "Remember who won that one."
To read more or comment...From the Associated Press
SARDIS, Ohio (AP) — Families evacuated after an eastern Ohio gas well began leaking uncontrollably are waiting to learn whether they'll be cleared to fully return before Christmas Day.
The problem began Dec. 13 as workers tried to resume production at a well that had been temporarily plugged in Monroe County, near Sardis. About two dozen families within a 1.5-mile radius were told to leave.
The Columbus Dispatch (http://bit.ly/13qSNyo ) reports some have stayed put, and others have returned to pick things up while spending nights with relatives or friends. A former elementary school has been used as a daytime shelter.
To read more or comment...From the U.S. Energy Information Administration today:
For the next two weeks (Dec. 22 - Jan. 2), Today in Energy will feature a selection of our favorite articles from 2014. Today's article was originally published on July 23.
To read more or comment...From Food and Water Watch on Friday:
At the moment when Governor Cuomo revealed his decision to exercise caution and ban fracking in New York, a fracked well in Ohio was spewing natural gas into the air for the third straight day from a leak that well crews could not stop. This is the reality facing our air, water, climate, and communities as long as fracking continues in states without a ban.
Governor Cuomo's decision was backed by the science described at length in the Health Department's extensive study of the risks fracking poses to public health. New York Health Commissioner Howard Zucker summed up the study simply: he wouldn't want his child to play outside in a community that allows fracking.
To read more or comment...From Appalachia Resist on Saturday:
Immediate Release: New Meigs County Frack Waste Injection Well Proposed Without
Community Input or Consent.
[Chester Township, Meigs County, Ohio] J.D Drilling Company has applied for a
permit to convert an old gas well into a Class II injection well in Meigs
County, Ohio. The injection well, located in rural farmlands and near homes,
would receive approximately 1000 barrels of fracking waste per day. Although
frack waste is hazardous, containing undisclosed quantities of highly toxic
chemicals, including benzene, xylene, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, and radium,
Class II injection wells are not designed to contain hazardous waste. JD
Drilling, by law, is not required to disclose the chemical content of the frack
waste to ODNR. Should the proposed well be permitted, the community of Chester
Township will be subject to the hazards associated with an injection well. This
proposed well will not be involved with the production of any natural gas but
will deal only with accepting the fracking waste from other states and from Ohio
frack wells. Concerned community members have very little redress, as the
permitting process does not include a public discussion or public hearing, and
the comment period has closed.
From U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan on Friday:
Congressman Tim Ryan issued the following statement and summary regarding this week's natural gas leak in Monroe County:
"My thoughts and prayers go out to the families who were forced to evacuate their homes so close to the holidays as a result of the recent natural gas leak in Monroe County. I am extremely concerned with the frequency in which these accidents have occurred in Ohio this year, and even further disturbed by the slow response time in resolving these situations. It is clear that a more thorough, statewide policy needs to be put into place, along with the necessary funding, to more quickly address these kinds of accidents that are forcing Ohioans from their homes and causing potential damage to our air and water.
"Natural gas development can be a great economic driver for our State, but it must be done with the proper safety protocols, oversight, and preparation. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I welcome input from Governor Kasich if further federal funds or technical assistance are needed to bolster Ohio's efforts in maintaining safety around the natural gas and oil development taking place throughout Ohio."
To read more or comment...From Cheniere Energy on Thursday.
Note: Range Resources has a signed agreement to ship some natural gas from Pennsylvania's Marcellus SWhale to the Cheniere facility in Louisiana.
Under the SPA, EDP will purchase LNG on a free on board basis (FOB) for a purchase price indexed to the monthly Henry Hub price plus a fixed component. LNG will be loaded onto EDP's vessels. The term of the SPA will extend for twenty years beyond the date of first commercial delivery of the third train of the
The decision by New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to continue the state's ban on fracking could have ripple effects in eastern Pennsylvania.
That's because the two states are members of a commission that oversees the Delaware River Watershed, and New York's decision could mean no drilling in eastern Pennsylvania.
Click here to read the full story from NPR's StateImpact Pennsylvania.
To read more or comment...Royal Dutch Shell affiliate SWEPI LP has sold its former Appalachian Basin headquarters in Pittsburgh to XTO Energy Inc. for about $3.7 million, the Pittsburgh Business Times reported this week.
The acquisition allows XTO to consolidate its regional headquarters into a single building at Thorn Hill Industrial Park, said XTO spokeswoman Suann Guthrie.
XTO is to move into its new digs by the end of Q1 2015, Guthrie said.
The company is a player in Ohio's Utica Shale plus in the Marcellus hale in western Pennsylvania.
To read more or comment...From Republic Services today:
PHOENIX, Dec. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG) and Calgary, Alberta-based Tervita Corporation announced today that the companies have entered into a definitive agreement whereby a subsidiary of Republic Services will acquire Tervita, LLC ("Tervita"), a subsidiary of Tervita Corporation. Tervita is a leading pure-play environmental waste solutions provider serving oil and natural gas producers in the United States.
Tervita's geographic footprint spans across some of the most attractive domestic basins, including the Permian, Eagle Ford and Bakken. Tervita provides oilfield waste services to its diverse customer base and operates three types of waste management and disposal facilities: treatment, recovery and disposal (TRD) facilities; engineered landfills; and salt water disposal (SWD) injection wells. Additionally, Tervita provides closed loop solids control systems and transportation services.
"The acquisition of this vertically integrated operation allows Republic Services to establish a significant platform in the E&P waste sector and positions us well for future growth opportunities," said Donald W. Slager, president and CEO of Republic Services. "Additionally, Tervita's environmentally committed operations complement our core competency and expertise in waste handling, recovery and disposal."
To read more or comment...U.S. oil companies could see the amount of money they can borrow shrink significantly next April when banks reassess credit conditions amid falling oil prices.
That will reduce the available cash they need to drill pricey wells into shale basins, a painful prospect for firms that rely on high spending levels to maintain oil production and their income levels.
Unless crude prices climb back up by next spring, financial institutions will reset their assumptions about the value of oil reserves, which were last set in October, when oil traded above $80 a barrel. If that happens, the energy sector will experience a shortfall in borowing capacity, according to experts.
Click here to read the full story from Houston's Fuel Fix blog.
To read more or comment...Tumbling oil prices have exposed a weakness in the insurance that some U.S. shale drillers bought to protect themselves against a crash, Bloomberg reports.
At least six companies, including Pioneer Natural Resources Co. and Noble Energy Inc., used a strategy known as a three-way collar that doesn't guarantee a minimum price if crude falls below a certain level, according to company filings. While three-ways can be cheaper than other hedges, they can leave drillers exposed to steep declines.
"Producers are inherently bullish," said Mike Corley, the founder of Mercatus Energy Advisors, a Houston-based firm that advises companies on hedging strategies. "It's just the nature of the business. You're not going to go drill holes in the ground if you think prices are going down."
Click here to read the full story.
To read more or comment...From the American Petroleum Institute on Thursday:
WASHINGTON, December 18, 2014 ─ Total U.S. petroleum deliveries (a measure of demand) rose last month by 1.9 percent from November 2013 to average 19.9 million barrels per day, the highest level for the month in seven years.
"It has been several years since we've seen this level of demand in November," said API Chief Economist John Felmy. "The economy overall appeared to be in good shape last month, and production of crude, natural gas and refined products all remained quite strong."
Gasoline demand also grew by 1.9 percent from November 2013 to average 9.1 million barrels per day. These were the highest deliveries for the month since 2007. Distillate deliveries were the highest in eight months, increasing by 1.2 percent above the prior year to 3.9 million barrels per day. Demand also rose over the same period for jet fuel (3.8 percent) and "other oils" (7.1 percent) while residual fuel deliveries fell 26.0 percent to set a new record low for the month.
Crude production jumped 14.9 percent from last year to its highest November output since 1973. The production level of 9.1 million barrels per day marked the first time above 9.0 million barrels per day since March 1986. The Bakken, the Eagle Ford, and the Permian regions posted record levels of production last month, averaging 1.2 million barrels per day, 1.6 million barrels per day, and nearly 1.8 million barrels per day, respectively.
Natural gas liquids (NGL) production, a co-product of natural gas production, reached its highest output on record at nearly 3.2 million barrels per day, an increase of 15.3 percent from last year. Production of natural gas in the Marcellus region, the largest natural gas producing region, reached a record high of nearly 15.9 billion cubic feet per day in November, up 17.9 percent from last year and was up 74.0 percent from November 2012.
According to the latest reports from Baker-Hughes, Inc., the number of oil and gas rigs in the U.S. in November was 1,925, the same from October, but was up 169 counts from November 2013. This was the second highest count since July 2012.
Total petroleum imports last month were down by 5.2 percent from November 2013 to average just below 8.9 million barrels per day. This was the second lowest level since February 1996. Crude imports rose slightly by 0.7 percent from last year to average nearly 7.5 million barrels per day – the second lowest level for the month since 1996. Imports of refined products dropped 27.3 percent over the same period to the lowest level since May 1995 at 1.4 million barrels per day.
Production of gasoline gained 0.6 percent from the prior year to average a new high for the month of November at 9.5 million barrels per day. At nearly 4.9 million barrels per day, distillate production rose by 4.9 percent from October but was down by 3.7 percent from November 2013. Year to date production of both products was the highest on record.
November records were also set in refinery gross inputs and exports of refined products. Gross inputs grew 0.9 percent from last year to average 16.3 million barrels per day while exports were up 5.5 percent to average 4.2 million barrels per day.
With several refineries back up from their scheduled turnaround, the refinery capacity utilization rate averaged 91.4 percent in November. This was up 2.6 percentage points from October, up 0.8 percentage points from the year ago levels, and the highest November rate in 10 years. API's latest refinery operable capacity was 17.805 million barrels per day.
Crude oil stocks ended the month at 374.9 million barrels, up 0.3 percent from the last year. These were the second highest November inventories in 84 years, since 1930. Stocks of motor gasoline fell 3.9 percent from last year to their lowest inventories in six years at 208.3 million barrels. Stocks of distillate, jet fuel and "other oils" all fell from year ago levels.
API is a national trade association that represents all segments of America's technology-driven oil and natural gas industry. Its more than 625 members – including large integrated companies, exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms – provide most of the nation's energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 25 million Americans. The industry also supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy, delivers $84 million a day in revenue to our government, and, since 2000, has invested over $2 trillion in U.S. capital projects to advance all forms of energy, including alternatives.
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To read more or comment...From Jackson Kelly PLLC on Thursday:
Jackson Kelly PLLC attorney Elizabeth B. Elmore was appointed as the head of the Akron law firm's Oil and Gas Industry group.
Elmore is a Member of the Firm and Co‑Leader of the Land and Natural Resource Development Practice Group. With more than 20 years of legal experience, Elmore focuses her practice on energy law, including claims of underpayment of royalties, joint ventures between producers for the acquisition and development of oil and gas leases and rights of way for pipeline systems.
Jackson Kelly was recently named the 2015 U.S. News – Best Lawyers® "Law Firm of the Year" for Mining Law. Jackson Kelly was the first law firm to ever receive this honor by being named "Law Firm of the Year" for Mining Law in U.S. News – Best Lawyers® 2011-2012.
To read more or comment...There's been very little news available on the blowout at the out-of-control Triad Hunter natural gas well in Monroe County since the problem occurred on Saturday.
According to one report, the initial steps failed and an alternative plan is now being implemented and that may take a week to complete, says Rachael Dierker of WTRF News 7.
Click here to read the account at Frack Check West Virginia.
To read more or comment...
NEW FRANKLIN: City Council on Wednesday voted to oppose a new natural gas pipeline that would cross southern Summit County, much to the delight of a standing-room-only crowd of 120 residents.
The vote against was 5-0, with two councilmen absent.
To read more or comment...From amp Trillium LLC on Wednesday:
AMP TRILLIUM Opens Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Station in Canton, Ohio
Frito-Lay North America to anchor station providing easy fueling access to CNG fleets on US 30/US 65
To read more or comment...
A Pennsylvania lawmaker is pushing a new severance tax plan, after the industry resisted an earlier severance tax proposal.
State Sen. Jim Brewster wants to impose a 5 percent tax on Marcellus Shale production with the proceeds going to education.
He said the plan would generate between $700 million and $1 billion for schools.
Click here to read the full story from NPR's StateImpact Pennsylvania.
To read more or comment...From Food & Water Watch on Wednesday:
Annapolis, MD — Concerned by both the rapidly expanding evidence of harm and by the growing uncertainties caused by unconventional natural gas development and production, a number of health and advocacy organizations have announced support for a long-term moratorium on drilling and fracking for natural gas in Maryland.
Earlier today, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that his administration will ban fracking in New York, heeding the strong recommendation from the public health officials in his administration that there is no scientific evidence showing that fracking can be done without risk to public health.
To read more or comment...From Encana on Tuesday:
CALGARY, AB --(Marketwired -
"Following the launch of our new strategy, we took aggressive action and transformed our portfolio, significantly reduced our cost base and built a culture that drives efficiencies throughout our business," says
From ProPublica Communications on Wednesday:
New York State Bans Fracking
Today, six and a half years after ProPublica first raised concerns that the process of "hydraulic fracturing" could threaten both New York's water supply and its residents' health, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has banned the process across the state.
The ban makes New York the largest and most significant region to bow out of the nation's energy boom because of concerns that its benefits may be outweighed by the risks, ProPublica's Abrahm Lustgarten reports.
Key takeaways from Lustgarten's story:
Read the full story here: http://www.propublica.org/article/new-york-state-bans-fracking.
From the American Petroleum Institute today:
ALBANY, NY, December 17, 2014 ─ API New York State Petroleum Council Executive Director Karen Moreau today said Governor Cuomo acted irresponsibly by issuing a statewide ban on hydraulic fracturing, putting the state's economy on a reckless path and ignoring the needs of New York families, economic opportunity, job creation, revenue to the government, and America's need for energy security.
"Today's action by Governor Cuomo shows that New York families, teachers, roads and good-paying jobs have lost out to political gamesmanship. This is the wrong direction for New York.
"Robust regulations exist at the federal and state levels nationwide for natural gas development and environmental protection. A politically motivated and equally misinformed ban on a proven technology used for over 60 years – throughout the country to great success – is short-sighted and reckless, particularly when New York depends on safely produced natural gas just over the border in Pennsylvania.
"New York is sitting on a major opportunity to help fuel America's future. Just next door in Pennsylvania, more than $630 million has been distributed to communities since 2012 – including more than $224 million in just 2014. These once economically challenged areas are now thriving. The commonwealth has also benefited from over $2.1 billion in state and local taxes generated by the shale energy industry. Revenue from natural gas production supports road and bridge improvements, water and sewer projects, local housing initiatives, environmental programs and rehabilitation of greenways. We are resolved to continue to fight for these benefits in New York.
"We look forward to continuing to work with the landowners and our labor allies, who are focused on creating jobs. This is a missed opportunity to share in the American energy renaissance, and for New York's future prosperity."
The NYSPC and API represent all segments of America's technology-driven oil and natural gas industry. Its more than 625 members provide most of the nation's energy. The industry also supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs, represents 8 percent of the U.S. economy, and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 25 million Americans
Here's the Bloomberg story on New York's decision to continue to ban fracing/drilling: Click here to read the full story.
To read more or comment...From the Sierra Club today:
New York governor Andrew Cuomo announced today that hydraulic fracturing will be banned in New York, following the release of a long-anticipated study that concluded fracking could pose "significant public health risks."
In response, Sierra Club executive director Michael Brune issued the following statement:
"The Sierra Club applauds Governor Cuomo for recognizing what the science has made consistently clear: fracking is a hazard to human health that endangers communities wherever it is allowed. By banning fracking, Governor Cuomo has set himself apart as a national political leader who stands up for people, and not for the interests of the dirty fuel lobby. Today's decision will shake the foundations of our nation's flawed energy policy, and we can only expect that it will give strength to activists nationwide who are fighting fracking in dozens of states and hundreds of cities and counties.
To read more or comment...From the NRDC today, after New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says no to fracking/drilling:
HG Energy LLC has sold off its Ohio acreage to American Energy Partners and is leaving Ohio's Utica Shale, according to to Columbus Business First.
American Energy Partners got two of Ohio's Top 10 producing natural gas wells in the $465 million deal that was announced last summer, the publication said.
American Energy Partners' role was not disclosed at that time.
Click here to read today's story.
To read more or comment...Dominion Transmission has agreed to pay a $55,470 fine to West Virginia for water-pollution problems from Novemver 2012 in Marshall County.
Click here to read the full story.
To read more or comment...From ForestEthics today:
US Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx and Canadian Minister of Transport Lisa Raitt are scheduled to meet in Ottawa on Thursday, December 18, to discuss ways to harmonize safety regulations for trains hauling crude oil according to a report by Reuters newswire.
Todd Paglia, ForestEthics executive director, released the following statement:
"Canada is far ahead of the US on oil train safety. In two and half years Canada's plan to ban DOT-111 tank cars, the most dangerous cars on the tracks, could take effect. Under the US Department of Transportation's draft rules the rail industry won't even have begun removing DOT-111s by then.
To read more or comment...As many as 550 U.S. drilling rigs may be idled in the coming months, due to the slide in oil prices, said the Houston-based Fuel Fix blog.
Click here to read the full story.
To read more or comment...From the Associated Press:
A 36-year-old man who spent about 10 hours inside an oil pipeline under construction in southern Michigan has been found guilty of trespassing and resisting police.
The Battle Creek Enquirer reports that Christopher Wahmhoff told a Calhoun County judge Tuesday that if he "was getting put away for 50 years it would be worth it."
Wahmhoff, of Kalamazoo, was a Green Party candidate for U.S. Senate. He was charged with obstructing police and trespassing during the June 24, 2013, protest at an Enbridge site near Marshall.
To read more or comment...Dallas-based Exco Resources has suspended dividend payments, due to the drop in oil prices.
The company has operations in Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale.
Click here to read the company's Monday statement.
To read more or comment...Spanish-based Repsol SA is buying Canada's Talisman Energy Inc. for $8.3 billion.
That announcement came on Tuesday.
Talisman is the fifth largest independent energy producer in Canada. It is based in Calgary.
Click here to read the full story from Bloomberg.
To read more or comment...From Williams last week:
Williams (NYSE: WMB) received the Deal of the Year award last night at the Global Energy Awards in New York for its acquisition of controlling interest in Oklahoma City-based Access Midstream Partners, L.P. on July 1, 2014.
Williams was recognized for the strategic significance and successful closure of the Access Midstream acquisition, a transaction that poises Williams to reach its goal of becoming North America's top provider of natural gas infrastructure.
"This award underscores the magnitude of the Williams-Access combination in the natural gas infrastructure space," said Williams' Chief Executive Officer Alan Armstrong. "I appreciate the recognition and most importantly want to thank employees at Williams and Access for their tremendous work integrating the organizations. What's emerging is a best-in-class energy infrastructure provider with superior assets, enhanced positions in key basins and more service and market opportunities for our customers."
To read more or comment...From Rice Energy today:
CANONSBURG, Pa., Dec. 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Rice Energy Inc. (NYSE:RICE) ("Rice Energy") today announced the pricing of the Rice Midstream Partners LP ("Rice Midstream") initial public offering of 25,000,000 common units representing limited partner interests at $16.50 per common unit. Rice Midstream has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 3,750,000 common units. The common units are expected to begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange on December 17, 2014 under the symbol "RMP." The offering is expected to close on December 22, 2014, subject to customary closing conditions.
Upon conclusion of the offering, the public will own an approximate 43.5% limited partner interest in Rice Midstream (or approximately 50.0% if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional common units). Rice Energy and its affiliates will own the remaining approximately 56.5% limited partner interest in Rice Midstream (or approximately 50.0% if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional common units). Rice Energy will own the general partner of Rice Midstream and all of its incentive distribution rights.
Rice Midstream intends to use the net proceeds of approximately $383.7 million (or approximately $441.6 million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional common units) to make a $356.0 million (or $413.9 million if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional common units) distribution to Rice Energy, including a $195.3 million reimbursement for capital expenditures incurred on Rice Midstream's behalf, to fund $25.0 million of Rice Midstream's 2015 expansion capital expenditures, and to pay approximately $2.7 million of origination fees related to Rice Midstream's new revolving credit facility.
To read more or comment...Ohio has permitted 1,700 Utica Shale wells, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
That total includes 1,258 Utica wells that are drilled and 704 Utica wells that are producing, as of Dec. 13, it reported.
Ohio has 59 rigs at work.
A total of 15 new permits were approved: eight in Belmont County, two in Columbiana County, three in Harrison County and two in Monroe County.
To read more or comment...From the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission today:
The U.S. Senate last night confirmed the nomination of Colette Honorable to join the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).
Honorable, chairman of the Arkansas Public Service Commission since 2011 and the former president of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, will serve out the remainder of a term that ends in June 2017.
FERC Chairman Cheryl A. LaFleur congratulated Honorable on her confirmation:
"Colette brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the important issues we are facing. She and I worked together closely during her time as the President of NARUC, and I very much look forward to continuing that strong relationship when she joins the Commission."
From the U.S. Energy Information Administration today:
Based on crude oil market assessments in the Short-Term Energy Outlook, EIA estimates that members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), excluding Iran, will earn about $700 billion in revenue from net oil exports in 2014, a 14% decrease from 2013 earnings and the lowest earnings for the group since 2010. OPEC earnings declined in 2014 largely for two reasons: decreases in the amount of OPEC oil exports and lower oil prices, with the 2014 average for Brent crude oil projected to be 8% below the average 2013 price.
To read more or comment...From EnLink Midstream today:
DALLAS,December 17, 2014 — Ohio River Valley Pipeline, LLC, an affiliate of the EnLink Midstream companies, EnLink Midstream Partners, LP (NYSE:ENLK) (the Partnership) and EnLink Midstream, LLC(NYSE:ENLC) (the General Partner), today announced the start of a binding open season for volume commitments for interstate common carrier transportation service on a new condensate pipeline system (the "ORV Condensate Pipeline"). The ORV Condensate Pipeline will transport condensate from points in Harrison, Belmont, Guernsey, Noble, Monroe, and Washington Counties, Ohio to Bells Run Station in Washington County, Ohio, Black Run Station in Muskingum County, Ohio, and, if Ohio River Valley Pipeline, LLC elects to construct extension(s) of its system, to one or more connecting facilities in Holmes, Coshocton, and Harrison County, Ohio. The design capacity of the ORV Condensate Pipeline will be dependent upon the level of interest shown by potential committed shippers during the open season. The open season begins today at 8:00 a.m. Central Time and will close at 5:00 p.m. Central Time on January 15, 2015.
A complete description and additional details regarding the ORV Condensate Pipeline, including a Notice of Open Season, are available by contacting Scott Walker at 214-721-9468 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
To read more or comment...From the National Wildlife Federation on Tuesday:
Pipeline Leak 'Highlights Danger to Great Lakes'
To read more or comment...On Nov. 25, activist Robin Mahonen of the Wheeling Water Warriors mailed a petition with 3,820 signatures on drilling under the Ohio River to West Virginia Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, along with a personal letter to the governor which has been released.
Here is Robin Mahonen's open letter to Tomblin:
To read more or comment...
A press release on Tuesday from Ohio-based Millwood Natural:
Shale Drilling Development Leads to Millwood Natural Expansion
Local supplier provides environmental solutions to customers
To read more or comment...
Waste Not, a new report by the NRDC from leading climate advocates, shows how the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can cut climate warming methane pollution in half, while dramatically reducing harmful, wasteful air pollution from the oil and gas industry at the same time, by issuing federal standards for methane pollution based on available, low-cost technologies and practices.
The oil and gas sector is the largest U.S. industrial emitter of methane, which is the second-biggest driver of climate change after carbon dioxide. Smog-forming and toxic chemicals that leak from oil and gas sites along with methane also harm air quality, endangering the health of people in neighboring communities.
Click here to access the report.
To read more or comment...A press release received today from a coalition of Ohio groups:
Who: 400 Ohioans, including health professionals and first responders, Buckeye Forest Council, Ohio Organizing Collaborative/Communities United for Responsible Energy, Ohio Citizen Action, Center for Health and Environmental Justice, and Ohio Environmental Council
What: Helped defeat HB 490, which would have put first responders at risk
A coalition of environmental organizations, community organizing groups and concerned citizens including health professionals and first responders mobilized to help defeat HB 490, killing it in the Ohio Senate Agriculture Committee before it could move to the floor for a vote.
To read more or comment...From the Pernnsylvania Department of Environmental Protection last week:
"XTO's failure to obtain proper authorization before commencing earth disturbance activities at the truck area portion of the Cratty Unit Project violated state regulation and created a danger of pollution to the waters of the commonwealth," DEP Deputy Secretary for the Office of Oil and Gas Management Scott Perry said.
XTO requested on two separate occasions during 2014 to begin the Cratty Unit Project, which would include drilling unconventional gas wells and constructing related facilities. In both applications to DEP, the company only defined the scope of the project to include activities at the well site. XTO did not indicate within either application or any of the project's other associated documents that it planned to conduct earth disturbance activities at the intersection of Election House Road and West Old Route 422 to create a truck access area.
Recently, XTO informed the department that the construction of a truck area was necessary in order for large trucks to access the well site. However, DEP inspectors determined that the company had already begun earth disturbance activity at the truck area without a permit or other authorization from the department.
To read more or comment...From Dominion Resources today:
Dec 16, 2014
RICHMOND, Va., Dec. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Dominion Resources, Inc. (NYSE: D), today announced that it has agreed to purchase Carolina Gas Transmission (CGT) from SCANA Corporation (NYSE: SCG) for approximately $492.9 million. CGT owns and operates nearly 1,500 miles of FERC-regulated interstate natural gas pipeline in South Carolina and southeastern Georgia. The company plans to close on the acquisition in January 2015.
To read more or comment...From the U.S. Energy Information Administration today:
The average U.S. household is expected to spend about $550 less on gasoline in 2015 compared with 2014, as annual motor fuel expenditures are on track to fall to their lowest level in 11 years. Lower fuel expenditures are attributable to a combination of falling retail gasoline prices and more fuel-efficient cars and trucks that reduce the number of gallons used to travel a given distance.
To read more or comment...From the Rover Pipeline LLC today:
(North Canton, Ohio) December 15, 2014– Rover Pipeline LLC (Rover) announced today updated maps for the proposed natural gas pipeline are now available in multiple locations in each of the Ohio counties through which the route currently passes. The approximately 830-mile Rover Pipeline project will primarily serve domestic consumers by transporting natural gas from multiple gas processing facilities located in Eastern Ohio, Northwest West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania to markets throughout the United States, including Ohio and Michigan. Approximately 78% of the 3.25 billion cubic feet of natural gas moved daily through the Rover Pipeline will be utilized by domestic consumers. The remainder of the gas not consumed in the United States will be transported to the Union Gas Hub in Canada for trade in the open market which can either be used back into the United States, in Michigan, into the Northeast such as New York and New Jersey or to customers in Canada.
To read more or comment...From Range Resources on Monday:
FORT WORTH, TX -- (Marketwired) -- 12/15/14 -- RANGE RESOURCES CORPORATION (NYSE: RRC) announced today that its Board of Directors has appointed Jeff Ventura Chairman of the Board of Directors effective January 1, 2015.
Mr. Ventura will replace John Pinkerton, who has served as the Company's Chairman since 2008. Mr. Ventura will continue to serve as the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer.
Mr. Pinkerton will continue to serve as a director, while Mr. V. Richard Eales will continue to serve as the Company's lead independent director.
To read more or comment...From Food and Water Watch on Friday:
Governor O'Malley Opens Maryland to Fracking
Statement by Food & Water Watch Executive Director Wenonah Hauter
To read more or comment...A press release from Colorado eco-groups:
Conservation Groups Call on Oil and Gas Commission to Strengthen Proposed Rules
New COGCC Rules Need to Better Protect Public Safety, Health and Environment and Allow Public to Hold Industry Accountable
To read more or comment...From Summit Midstream today:
Dallas, Texas (December 15, 2014) – Summit Midstream Partners, LLC ("Summit Investments"), the privately held company that owns and controls the general partner of Summit Midstream Partners, LP (NYSE: SMLP) and also owns a 49.5% limited partner interest in SMLP, today announced that it has reached an agreement with XTO Energy Inc. ("XTO") to develop and operate a new natural gas gathering system servicing XTO's natural gas production from Belmont and Monroe counties in southeastern Ohio. The gathering system will be owned and developed by a new indirect subsidiary of Summit Investments, Summit Midstream Utica, LLC ("Summit Utica"). XTO will serve as the anchor shipper and has dedicated approximately 29,000 acres to Summit Utica under a long-term, fee-based gathering agreement.
To read more or comment...From Dominion East Ohio today:
CLEVELAND, Dec. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Dominion East Ohio expects increased production from the Marcellus and Utica shale formations in Ohio and nearby states to provide ample supplies of natural gas at moderate prices this winter.
"Once again, customers can set their thermostats with confidence this winter," said Jeff Murphy, General Manager – Commercial Operations.
Murphy noted that natural gas prices for the remainder of the winter heating season could be lower than those of last winter, when repeated Polar Vortex weather events drove Dominion East Ohio's Standard Service Offer (SSO) and Standard Choice Offer (SCO) rates to more than $6 per thousand cubic feet (mcf) in February.
To read more or comment...From Magnum Hunter Resources on Sunday in the wake of a blowout at a well in Ohio's Monroe County on Saturday:
HOUSTON, TX--(Marketwired - Dec 14, 2014) - Magnum Hunter Resources Corporation (
Triad Hunter has contacted all necessary regulatory authorities and evacuated field personnel and the residents in the immediate area. Currently, all field personnel are accounted for, and no injuries have been reported. Only critical personnel remain at a command center near the well site to mitigate the incident. Wild Well Control of Houston, Texas has been mobilized and is currently on site preparing for well control operations. Additional details will be released as they become available.
About Magnum Hunter Resources Corporation
To read more or comment...From Range Resources today:
Range Announces 2015 Capital Budget and Record Utica Well ResultsFORT WORTH, TX -- (Marketwired) -- 12/15/14 -- RANGE RESOURCES CORPORATION (NYSE: RRC) announced today its 2015 capital budget and the initial results from its Utica/Point Pleasant well located in Washington County, Pennsylvania.
Range has set its 2015 capital spending budget at $1.3 billion, a decrease of 18% versus its 2014 capital budget. As a result of improving capital efficiencies from its Marcellus activities, Range expects to continue to deliver year-over-year production growth in the 20% to 25% range despite the reduction in its capital budget.
The 2015 capital budget includes approximately $1,065 million for drilling and recompletions, $155 million for leasehold and renewals, $55 million for pipeline tie-ins and facilities and $25 million for seismic and other.
To read more or comment...Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners wants to build the Rover Pipeline, an 830-mile project that would cost $4.4 billion.
It includes a 186-mile leg from Leesville in Carroll County west to Defiance. That leg could be completed by December 2016. Part of that leg runs through Stark and Wayne counties locally. Another leg would run to Detroit and Ontario. That could be completed by mid-2017. Other legs would extend into West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
The Rover Pipeline could expedite natural gas shipments to the Midwest, Ontario and the Gulf Coast.
Here is today's news:
To read more or comment...A press release received on Thursday:
BOSTON, Dec. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A handful of the 30 largest oil and gas companies engaged in hydraulic fracturing, or 'fracking', have improved their standing in an annual investor scorecard analyzing whether companies report their practices and progress in reducing risks of their fracking operations. However, the majority of oil and gas companies continue to receive failing scores, preventing investors from accurately assessing how, or whether, these companies manage key risks of fracking, including use of toxic chemicals, water consumption and water quality, waste management, air emissions, and community impacts
"Disclosing the Facts 2014:Transparency and Risk in Hydraulic Fracturing Operations," (DTF 2014) was released today by As You Sow, Boston Common Asset Management, Green Century Capital Management, and the Investor Environmental Health Network --- a coalition of investment advisory firms and advocacy organizations. The second annual investor scorecard is available online at www.disclosingthefacts.org.
Prompted in part by the DTF 2013 shareholder scorecard and engagements with investors, three oil and gas companies have made notable turnarounds in their 2014 disclosures. BHP Billiton emerged as the highest scoring company and the first to score points on more than half the report's indicators; it rose from near the bottom of 2013's rankings to the top this year. Hess, the second-highest scorer, more than doubled its score from 2013 and EQT, the third-highest scorer, more than tripled its score following a shareholder proposal from Green Century last fall.
To read more or comment...From the U.S. Energy Information Administration today:
The recent decline in crude oil prices has created the potential for weaker crude oil production. EIA's Drilling Productivity Report (DPR) includes indicators that provide details on the effect low prices may have on tight oil production, which accounts for 56% of total U.S. oil production. Analyzing these indicators and the changes in oil production following the drop in crude oil prices during the 2008-09 recession may offer some insight into possible near-term oil production trends.
To read more or comment...A congressional investigation in the handling of fracking wastes may be expanded to include Ohio and West Virginia, not just Pennsylvania.
U.S. Rep. Matthew Cartwright, a Democrat from eastern Pennsylvania, had announced plans last October for the investigation.
Now Cartwright wants to look at what happens with fracking wastes in Ohio and West Virginia.
Click here to read the latest from InsideClimate News.
To read more or comment...From a group of Ohio Valley activist groups today:
Groups Coalesce Against Fracking Activity in Ohio River Valley
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Late in November, representatives of citizen groups from West Virginia and Ohio gathered in Huntington, W.Va., to discuss the growing threats to the Ohio River Basin, which provides drinking water for five million people.
The impetus for the meeting came from the dramatic rise in the oil and gas industry's activities and proposals slated for the Ohio River Basin. The industry is proposing to build docks and barge toxic, radioactive waste along the Ohio River. The waste is generated by the deep shale hydraulic fracturing (fracking) method of extracting natural gas. Millions of gallons of liquid waste would be unloaded at dock sites for transport to injection wells in Southeast Ohio. The Coast Guard has yet to announce approval of barge transport for this kind of industrial waste, but such facilities are already being permitted and built along the river.
To read more or comment...From the Associated Press on Tuesday:
By James MacPherson
North Dakota regulators set new rules Tuesday that will require oil companies that are sending out millions of gallons of crude a week by rail to reduce the oil's volatility before it's loaded onto train cars.
The rules, developed over several months, have been criticized by North Dakota's oil industry, which says the commodity is being unfairly singled out and warns that the new standards could slow production and increase costs.
To read more or comment...Oilfield contractors hired to drill wells and fracture rock to raise crude and natural gas to the surface will have to lower prices by as much as 20 percent to help keep their cash-strapped customers working.
Ultimately, that could carve out more than $3 billion from the 2015 earnings outlined by analysts for the world's four biggest oil-service companies -- Schlumberger Ltd., Halliburton Co.;, Baker Hughes Inc. and Weatherford International Plc.
The potential losses loom just as the service providers were looking ahead to higher rates after a glut in pressure-pumping gear dragged prices down in past years. Now, crude oil prices that have fallen more than 40 percent since June are squeezing them once again.
Click here to read the full story from bloomberg.com. er
To read more or comment...Billionaire Kinder Morgan Inc. founder Richard Kinder intends to turn over the CEO reins to his No. 2, shedding day-to-day duties at the world's biggest pipeline company by market value.
Chief Operating Officer Steven J. Kean, 53, said he will be named chief executive officer to succeed Kinder, 70, a founding partner who has led the company 15 years.
Kinder will continue as executive chairman, Kean said at an industry conference in New York.
The board still must approve the transition, and no timeline has been set.
To read more or comment...From the Associated Press on Wednesday:
A liquefied natural gas company plans to build a more than $4 billion processing complex and export terminal in southwestern Louisiana.
The plans were announced Wednesday by Gov. Bobby Jindal's office and Venture Global LNG LLC. The completed project at Calcasieu Pass is expected to result in 100 new long-term jobs for the area. Construction is expected to involve 1,500 workers.
The announcement said the company is expected to take advantage of Louisiana's property tax exemption for new investment plus a program that provides tax rebates for companies that create jobs. The Louisiana Economic Development department began formal discussions about the project with Venture Global in 2013.
To read more or comment...From the Associated Press on Wednesday:
The Canadian company responsible for a 2010 oil spill in southwestern Michigan has agreed to pay about $6.8 million to settle a class-action lawsuit.
A federal judge must still approve the settlement reached last week by Enbridge, based in Calgary, Alberta. The company has agreed to pay about $2.2 million to residents and land owners of properties within 1,000 feet of the Kalamazoo River. Those who lived within 200 feet of the river will split a total payment of $250,000 and those who lived further away from the river, will each receive several hundred dollars, depending on the proximity.
The lawsuit was filed more than three years ago by five people seeking damages, injunctive relief and attorney fees.
Some cases filed separately against the company have been dismissed and will not be eligible for the payments, while nearly 30 have already been settled in Calhoun County Circuit Court. Four more cases are scheduled to go to trial next year.
From Southwestern Energy on Wednesday:
Houston, Texas – December 10, 2014…Southwestern Energy Company (NYSE: SWN) announced today that Bill Way has been promoted to President of the company. Mr. Way will also continue to serve in his current role as Chief Operating Officer, which he has held since joining the company in September 2011. Mr. Way earned his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University in Industrial Engineering and has an MBA from The Massachusetts Institute of Technology and has over 30 years of international oil and gas industry experience serving in multiple operational and technical leadership roles prior to joining Southwestern at BG Group plc and ConocoPhillips.
To read more or comment...From the American Petroleum Institute on Wednesday:
WASHINGTON, December 10, 2014 ─ A new report from the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) confirms that removing export barriers for U.S. crude oil could incentivize higher domestic production, grow the economy, increase federal revenues, and put downward pressure on gasoline prices.
"The CBO report makes it clear that lifting America's outdated export restrictions will help to grow the economy and save consumers money," said API Director of Upstream and Industry Operations Erik Milito. "This is the same conclusion supported by study after study, including those from the Government Accountability Office and the Energy Information Administration. It's time for policymakers to embrace free trade, so that we can maximize the benefits of America's energy revolution.
"America's growth as an energy superpower has been a game changer, creating a more competitive global market, where one group cannot easily control prices. By giving producers access to a free market for America's crude, we can grow that momentum, create more jobs, and support our allies overseas."
The CBO report, which examines the economic benefits of America's shale energy revolution, concludes that exports would have "positive economic and budgetary effects" and "U.S. consumers of gasoline, diesel fuel, and other oil products would probably benefit ... because those prices depend primarily on the world price of crude oil, which would decline slightly once lower-priced U.S. crudes were available in the international market." The CBO cited a potential decline in gasoline prices ranging from 5 to 10 cents per gallon.
API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 9.8 million U.S. jobs and 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API's more than 625 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation's energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 25 million Americans.
From CONSOL Energy on Wednesday:
From the Ohio Environmental Council on Wednesday:
Telecom industry had company in sinking Kasich reform bill:
Large water users and oil+gas industry had own toxic overreaches
To read more or comment...
From American Petroleum Institute Ohio on Wednesday:
API Ohio comments on passage of Senate Bill 378
COLUMBUS – (Dec. 10, 2014) API Ohio Executive Director Chris Zeigler today offered the following comments on the passage of Senate Bill 378, the 811 Call-Before-You-Dig legislation:
To read more or comment...Here's the third quarter 2014 breakdown on Ohio's 717 producing Utica Shale wells by counties and by companies:
Company by county
To read more or comment...
A industry-based blog has named this blog as being one of the 50 best in the United States dealing with the gas and oil drilling industry.
Thank you, Delphian Ballistics and its Well Perforating System blog.
To see the complete list, click here: http://blog.delphianballistics.com/50-best-oil-and-gas-blogs/
To read more or comment...From the American Bird Conservancy today:
(Washington, D.C., December 10, 2014) A leading bird conservation group, American Bird Conservancy (ABC), says that two recent Congressional actions will thwart west-wide efforts to protect iconic grouse species, the Greater and Gunnison Sage-Grouse, and may eventually doom the birds.
To read more or comment...A press release from grass-roots group in Summit County opposed to the Nexus Pipeline:
To read more or comment...From the Associated Press on Tuesday:
And the "almost unspeakable" amount of natural gas found in recent years in the U.S. and elsewhere in North America will be enough to make the region one of the world's biggest exporters of that fuel by 2025, even as domestic demand for it increases, according to Bill Colton, Exxon's chief strategist.
"The world has such an improved outlook for supplies," Colton said in an interview. "Peak oil theorists have been run out of town by American ingenuity."
In a forecast that might make economists happy but environmentalists fret, Exxon's two chief products, oil and natural gas, will be abundant and affordable enough to meet the rising demand for energy in the developing world as the global middle class swells to 5 billion from 2 billion and buys energy-hungry conveniences such as cars and air conditioners.
To read more or comment...


text:
Hello, we recently purchased a home just north of Atlanta that is about 15 years old. The home had the foam around the foundation which the previous owner removed because of the possible termite issues. I noticed today that due to the removal of the foam, I can put my fingers up underneath the siding pretty far in some places. I think this might be a reason why we have so many bugs in the house. I was planning on using expanding foam and then topping it off with caulking to waterproof it a little. But I was wondering, is it better to just stop at the foam? Does the house need the foam behind the siding to "breath" or get rid of moisture? Or any other suggestions on what I should do with this gap? Thanks for your help! |
Follow-Up Postings:
What kind of siding? What else is under the siding? Siding is not waterproof by itself, but there should be another layer of something (possibly even tar paper) that is the actual drainage plane behind the siding. If you seal the bottom of the siding any water that penetrates will not be able to drain. |
- Posted by energy_rater_la (My Page) on Wed, May 12, 10 at 22:21
Like brickeye asked..whats behind the siding? is the siding vinyl? Houses don't need to 'breathe', most are not tight In our location (hot humid climate) houses dry to But foam next to the ground is a termite interstate. best of luck. |
- Posted by jamesmrosas (My Page) on Tue, May 18, 10 at 15:09
I think that the house should not be too tight so that it will have a good ventilation. |
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Hoping to build on the success of the immensely popular Star Wars trilogy, ABC decided to fill the void until the next film with cartoons based on the Star Wars characters. The two toon adaptations were Ewoks, starring the furry little fellas from Return of the Jedi, and Droids: The Adventures of R2-D2 and C-3P0.
As the title suggests, Droids starred the metallic duo of the films, prim C-3P0 and sassy R2-D2. Most episodes saw the pair getting stuck in an awful "life" threatening situation, upon which Threepio would admonish Artoo (since it was always, "all [his] fault"), and eventually the droids would find a way to save themselves and move on to their next adventure.
Some might wonder why the entire Star Wars cast wasn't brought to the small screen in animated form, and if you are one of those people, here's your one-word answer: "overexposure." Star Wars creator George Lucas was smart enough to hold back on telling the audience too much about the other characters, enabling him more freedom in future movies. Besides, most kids got enough of Luke, Han, and Darth Vader when playing with their wildly popular action figures.
Unfortunately, Droids lacked the staying power of Lucas' film creations. The show lasted only one original season- the second season was all reruns- forcing the mechanical marvels into retirement until the next Star Wars film installment thirteen years later.
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Mon Julpa: The Lost Prince
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- Nelvana Limited
- Animated Characters: C-3PO, Jann Tosh, Uncle Gundy, Yorpa, Vinga, Jyn Obah, Jessica Meade, Sollag.
- First Aired in 1985.
- Running Time: 30 minutes.
- Color
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Traditional, Hand-drawn Animation.
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text:
The hike in petrol price is totally unjustified and unwarranted, Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Brinda Karat said here on Thursday.
The United Progressive Alliance government is burdening people with its faulty economic policies. The fuel price hike and the weakening of the rupee are entirely the government's creation, she told reporters after leading the party's protest to condemn price rise.
If the government was concerned about people, it should roll back the hike. The government should also reduce or remove the tax on petrol as this constituted more than 50 per cent of the cost.
Blaming the UPA constituents for the hike, she said that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the Trinamool Congress were as much responsible for it as the Congress.
The parties had endorsed the move to deregulate the price of petrol. But, in their respective States they feigned ignorance saying they did not know that prices would be increased.
Ms. Karat condemned the timing of the hike. Without the courage to face Parliament, the Congress-led UPA had asked the oil marketing companies to announce the hike a day after the both the Houses were adjourned sine die. The move was undemocratic.
The hike had come when the UPA was celebrating the completion of three years in office. "The UPA is celebrating and people are mourning the disastrous rule." The CPI (M) would hold a nation-wide protest on May 31 against the price hike.
On the Presidential election, the CPI(M) leader said that her party was considering Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's choice, P.A. Sangma. Ms. Jayalalithaa had spoken to the CPI (M) general secretary in this regard and the party was yet to take a decision. She also said that the CPI (M) expected the ruling party to come up with a name that had wider acceptance and helped build a consensus.
Earlier at a press conference, party's State Secretary G. Ramakrishnan said that the Centre must review its decision to decontrol petrol price. "When the government does not let farmers decide the price of paddy or sugarcane, why should it let the oil marketing companies decide the price of petrol, which affects the lower and middle class" he asked, demanding a rollback of the hike.
He said that the people would see through the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader M. Karunanidhi's statement demanding the withdrawal of the increase in petrol price. This was because the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government took the decision to decontrol prices at the Empowered Group of Ministers' meeting.
Keywords: fuel price hike, petrol price hike, UPA government


text:
I love these doorknobs at Anthropologie. I'm thinking about using them on my first floor.
(1) Does anyone other than Anthro make a similar doorknob?
Follow-Up Postings:
- Posted by beaglesdoitbetter (My Page) on Thu, May 31, 12 at 10:27
We looked at the anthropologie door knobs for our house too (the regular glass not bubble glass). The problem was they don't come with the parts that actually make the door work- they are just dummy knobs. If you want the knob to actually turn and be functional, you need to get the parts for that and attach the knobs to them. The doors will just be standard, you don't need custom doors, but it is the door knob part that you need. Something like this in the appropriate color: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Install-Spindle-type-Glass-knobs-in-any-pre-dilled-Door-/400004624105?pt=Architectural_Garden&hash=item5d22222ee9#ht_803wt_1268 The kits for the door knobs to make them work cost as much, if not more, than the door knob. We didn't end up using the anthropologie ones because we found some antique glass ones, but the ones we used also were just dummy knobs and needed the knob parts. Because we needed 83 door knobs, it would have cost us almost $2500 to get the knob kits. We ended up buying $8 builder-grade door knobs from Home Depot, disassembling them and stripping them for parts and then attaching the antique glass door knobs we bought to them (my father-in-law did this for us because he is handy... I would not have been able to do it). |
- Posted by minneapolisite (My Page) on Thu, May 31, 12 at 14:46
83 doorknobs---wow!!! I think I only need 6! (I would only do them on the first floor.) :) Here are two reviews from anthro that explain what's required to get these doorknobs to work... Review #1 Here's what we had to do to make these work. First - we had to order custom doors with specially cut "antique" style holes for the handle. this is basically a 1/2" hole with a connecting shaft through to the frame. Second - you'll need a "standard tubular back set conversion latch" that will fit a square spindle. We got some from "house of antique hardware" online for about $10 each. Lastly, the square spindle that comes with the knob is too short for a standard door width. You will need to get one that is about 1/2" longer to get the knobs to securely attach. This knob needed a course thread. We got ours from Weeks in Portland Oregon for about $8. So all in all, our new knobs cost us: Custom Door slab: $60, retro latch kit: $10, longer square spindle: $8 Review #2 These doorknobs are gorgeous, but they don't play nice with many modern doors. Modern doors have a bigger hole around where the rosette plate goes, so there's nowhere to screw these rosettes in. Also, these knobs come with NO HARDWARE at all (no screws, no latch), and your existing modern latches will not fit the older square spindle in these glass knobs. I'm wondering if this is something I would need to mention to my builder now? Or can we figure it out down the road? |
- Posted by beaglesdoitbetter (My Page) on Thu, May 31, 12 at 22:21
I'd ask your builder. We got charged by our builder for the extra labor involved in making the door knobs work and all they had to do was install them (it took more work b/c the set screw had to be tightened just so in order for the knobs to turn properly). What you would need to do if the rosette plate is too small is either get a door that is not pre-drilled and then get the door hardware kits I would think. The easiest way to do it, and cheapest, if you can, would probably be to do something like we did and just use the knob part itself and buy your own door knob so you wouldn't need custom doors and all those parts. Take the door knob you buy apart, then attach the new door knob to the rosette you have. You will need to be handy or your builder will need to be willing to do that for you. If your builder has to assemble all of those, drill into the door for the insert, etc. and you need to get custom doors, even your six knobs might become pretty expensive. |
- Posted by minneapolisite (My Page) on Fri, Jun 1, 12 at 11:43
Thank you for the advice! My husband and I are very handy--I think we can handle that now that we have a rough idea of how to do it! :) |
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A.M. Best Affirms Ratings Of Colina Insurance Limited
A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and issuer credit rating of "a-" of Colina Insurance Limited (Colina) (Nassau, Bahamas). The outlook for both ratings is stable. Colina is a wholly owned subsidiary of its publicly traded parent, Colina Holdings Bahamas Limited (CHBL) (BISX: CHL), which is majority owned by AF Holdings Ltd. (AFH).
The rating affirmations are based on Colina's leading market share in the life/health market in The Bahamas, its improved operations in the health line of business, favorable risk-adjusted capitalization and conservative reserving practices. As a life/health market leader with more than 50% market share in The Bahamas, Colina continues to leverage its competitive advantages by expanding within the islands of The Bahamas and into other Caribbean and Latin American markets. A.M. Best notes that while Colina's earnings performance and growth in assets have primarily been achieved through several acquisitions in the past, the company's potential for new business growth and earnings sustainability will depend on its ability to attract new business organically in a mature Bahamian life/health insurance market.
Offsetting these strengths are the risks associated with the company's mortgage loan portfolio and its delinquencies, which increased further in 2009, despite Colina implementing aggressive measures to address the rising delinquencies and provide for potential losses in that portfolio. The mature nature of the Bahamian life/health market and the recent erosion in the Bahamian economy, primarily resulting from a decline in the tourism sector, also is a concern to A.M. Best as it could impede not only Colina's potential for growth, but its ability to stabilize its troubled mortgage loan portfolio.
For Best's Credit Ratings, an overview of the rating process and rating methodologies, please visit www.ambest.com/ratings.
The principal methodologies used in determining these ratings, including any additional methodologies and factors that may have been considered, can be found at www.ambest.com/ratings/methodology. Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is a global full-service credit rating organization dedicated to serving the financial and health care service industries, including insurance companies, banks, hospitals and health care system providers. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.Check Out Our Best Services for Investors
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text: I see people comparing the intelligence of crows and ravens, while both are equally intelligent along with magpies and the rest of the corvid family. Also technically a raven is not a crow; they are both part of the corvid family. This is sometimes called the crow family but does not mean that a raven is a crow.


text:
Any of several large, common North American species of hares (e.g., Lepus townsendii, L. californicus). Jackrabbits have very long ears and long hind legs. They are widespread, particularly in the West, but are found most often in prairie and plains environments.
This entry comes from Encyclopædia Britannica Concise.
For the full entry on jackrabbit, visit Britannica.com.
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