PA Marcellus Digest - April 30, 2013

PA Marcellus Digest – April 30, 2013

We are still playing catch-up, and apologize for the delay in sending you some of these articles.

Commonwealth Pipeline plan officially suspended

Philly.com

Andrew Maykuth
April 20, 2013

The Commonwealth Pipeline, a $1 billion trunk-line project proposed last year by three companies to transport Marcellus natural gas from Williamsport to Washington, has officially been suspended, according to the venture's website.

http://articles.philly.com/2013-04-20/business/38676918_1_marcellus-shale-ugi-corp-marcellus-natural-gas

New companies continue to be courted by growing oil-and-gas industry

TribLive

Anthony Puko

April 19, 2013
When Mascaro Construction Co. LP first tried to sell itself to the region's Marcellus shale gas drillers two years ago, the meeting didn't last long, and the company came away empty-handed.
http://triblive.com/business/headlines/3873937-74/gas-oil-companies#ixzz2RxYurtBx 

DEP proposes to increase shale well permit fees

Times Tribune

Laura Legere

April 20, 2013

The state Department of Environmental Protection is proposing to increase permit fees for Marcellus Shale and other unconventional natural gas wells by an average of between $1,000 and $1,800 to keep pace with the growing costs of regulating new wells and pipelines.

http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/dep-proposes-to-increase-shale-well-permit-fees-1.1476064

Protesters occupy DEP's Washington Landing office

Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Don Hopey

April 22, 2013

Demonstrators came by boat and bike trail to Washington's Landing on the Allegheny River Monday, loudly protesting what they said was the state Department of Environmental Protection's failure to adequately regulate fossil fuel industries, including Marcellus Shale gas, or support renewable energy development.
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-city/protesters-occupy-deps-washington-landing-office-684552/#ixzz2RxZLPE2c

DEP: State Is Getting ‘Serious’ About Promoting Natural Gas Vehicles

State Impact

Marie Cusick

April 23, 2013

At the same time a package of bills promoting compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles is making its way through the House, the state Department of Environmental Protection is promoting a grant program to encourage more CNG use as well.

http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2013/04/23/dep-state-is-getting-serious-about-promoting-natural-gas-vehicles/

For business, climate change holds both risks and rewards but let the market decide who wins

The Patriot News

John Luciew

April 23, 2013

Be careful what you call it in certain business circles. Global warming is politically charged. Climate change is a little better, but some insist the jury is still out on whether any of the changes are being driven by mankind and its industry.

http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2013/04/for_business_climate_change_ho.html

DEP Announces Change in Location for May 1 Public Hearing in Washington County

DEP

John Poister

April 23, 2013

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection announced today a new location for an open house and public hearing on Wednesday, May 1, to discuss a proposed air quality plan approval for MarkWest Liberty Midstream and Resources LLC to install and begin temporary operation of new equipment at its Smith Compressor Station. The facility is located in Smith Township, Washington County.

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/newsroom/14287?id=19938&typeid=1

100 environmentalists march in Meadville on Earth Day

GoErie.com

Jarid Barringer

April 23, 2013

About 100 environmentalists took to the streets in Meadville on Monday, celebrating Earth Day by marching from Diamond Park in the city square to the office of the state Department of Environmental Protection, about five blocks away.

http://www.goerie.com/article/20130423/NEWS02/304229910/100-environmentalists-march-in-Meadville-on-Earth-Day

Protesters Rally Outside DEP Offices On Earth Day To Fight Marcellus Shale Fracking

CBS Philly

Kim Glovas

April 22, 2013

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection was the target of protest this Earth Day by more than 62 organizations fighting Marcellus Shale drilling or fracking.  Six DEP regional offices were protested, including the one in Norristown. 

http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2013/04/22/protesters-gather-outside-dep-offices-on-earth-day-rallying-against-marcellus-shale-fracking/

Public sessions planned on state-forest gas drilling

Philly.com

Andrew Maykuth

April 24, 2013

Pennsylvania conservation officials, who are in the hot seat over a proposal to open Loyalsock State Forest for Marcellus Shale gas development, have agreed to hold public informational sessions on drilling plans for the popular recreational area.

http://articles.philly.com/2013-04-24/business/38766030_1_dcnr-loyalsock-state-forest-surface-access

Accountability demanded by protesters

Sun Gazette

Mark Maroney

April 23, 2013

Earth Day - a day to remember the importance of clean air, land and water - became a day of protest Monday in Williamsport.

http://www.sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/591778/Accountability-demanded-by-protesters.html?nav=5011

Earth Day protesters rally against fracking -Green Party supporters call for more transparency in drilling industry

Times Leader

Jon O’Connell

April 22, 2013

On Public Square, protesters remembered Earth Day singing songs about the Susquehanna and listing demands for more responsible resource development.

http://www.timesleader.com/news/local-news/454257/Earth-Day-protesters-rally-against-fracking

Earth Day call for 'fracking' ban

PhillyBurbs.com

Margaret Gibbons

April 23, 2013

Rush-hour traffic zipped by them. The chilly wind blew through them. But that did not prevent some 30 determined environmentalists and conservationists from bringing their battle against “fracking,” a controversial drilling process using pressurized fluids to bring natural gas to the surface, to the streets of downtown Norristown in time for Monday’s Earth Day.

http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/the_intelligencer_news/earth-day-call-for-fracking-ban/article_060208fc-70c7-53f1-af4e-c9a6c176cfef.html

Hydraulic fracturing: Well completion and fracture stimulation

The Daily Review

Johnny Williams

April 23, 2013

Ever since the natural-gas industry began production from the Marcellus Shale, the process of hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, has been the focus of public controversy. However, through the use of rigorous and robust safety measures, Chesapeake Energy has used the common and proven technique to successfully produce the natural gas that would otherwise be impossible to reach.

http://thedailyreview.com/news/hydraulic-fracturing-well-completion-and-fracture-stimulation-1.1477561

Local group protests against oil and natural gas well fracking

The Meadville Tribune

Keith Gushard

April 23, 2013

While chanting “DEP, can’t you see you’re the case of all this misery?” and “No fracking way,” a crowd marched peacefully from Diamond Park down Chestnut Street on Monday while carrying a coffin to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s northwest regional office in Meadville.

http://meadvilletribune.com/local/x2094920399/Local-group-protest-against-oil-and-natural-gas-well-fracking

Fracking fluid dangerous - LTE

TribLive

April 22, 2013

Re. the article “Township expects $332K influx from gas lease,” (April 12) about drilling in Clinton: The article fails to fully disclose the environmental health hazards associated with hydrofracturing, even though those hazards were clearly and thoroughly presented to your reporter during her 25-minute phone interview with me.
http://triblive.com/opinion/letters/3858716-74/gas-compounds-fluid#ixzz2Rxh4qD6l 

Shale truck sets off alarm in South HuntingdonTribLlive

Paul Peirce

April 23, 2013

A truck loaded with Marcellus shale drill cuttings that triggered a radiation alarm at a hazardous waste landfill in South Huntingdon was ordered back to a Greene County drilling site last weekend.
http://triblive.com/news/westmoreland/3888698-74/radiation-max-poister#ixzz2RxhJo9Yi

Lawmakers Urge Against Drilling In Loyalsock State Forest

State Impact

Marie Cusick

April 24, 2013

State lawmakers and environmental groups are urging the state not to pursue natural gas drilling in the Loyalsock State Forest

http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2013/04/24/lawmakers-urge-against-drilling-in-loyalsock-state-forest/

Pennsylvania’s Wind Energy Installations Nearly Doubled Last Year

State Impact

Marie Cusick

April 24, 2013

Bloomberg reports Pennsylvania’s wind energy installations nearly doubled during 2012, but wind still only makes up about one percent of the state’s overall electricity.

http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2013/04/24/pennsylvanias-wind-energy-installations-nearly-doubled-last-year/

Pa. judge conviction leads to delay in gas drilling ruling

PhillyBurbs.com

Amanda Cregan

April 24, 2013

The corruption conviction of Justice Joan Orie Melvin and her ensuing resignation from Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court might have caused a delay in the Act 13 decision, according to attorney Jordan Yeager.

http://www.phillyburbs.com/my_town/palisades/pa-judge-conviction-leads-to-delay-in-gas-drilling-ruling/article_da7f4873-5d09-5bd1-851e-fb4241c145ca.html

Shale deals in Pennsylvania reach $882 million

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Erich Schwartzel

Mergers, acquisitions and partnerships that happened across Appalachia's gas fields were enough to make the Marcellus Shale and the Utica Shale the country's second- and third-most popular formations for big-ticket deals in the first quarter of 2013, according to an analysis released Wednesday by PwC.
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/business/news/shale-deals-in-pennsylvania-reach-882-million-684759/#ixzz2RxiFptBy

A pragmatic approach to O&G policymaking

Observer-Reporter

Michael Bradwell

April 23, 2013

As deputy secretary of the state Department of Environmental Protection’s office of oil and gas management, Scott Perry acknowledges that he finds himself with a variety of leanings that could appear to be in conflict.

http://www.observer-reporter.com/article/20130423/NEWS01/130429740#.UX_ne6LU-Sp

Making progress

Daily American

April 23, 2013

It's good news to hear that energy developers and environmental groups were able to work out an agreement regarding future drilling for natural gas.

http://www.dailyamerican.com/opinion/editorials/da-ot-making-progress-20130423,0,311734.story

Marcellus Works, but renewables work better

Wallaby

April 24, 2013

State Rep. Greg Vitali said the "Marcellus Works," a package of bills advancing through the state House that is aimed at putting more natural gas vehicles on the road, takes the wrong approach because it excludes other alternative fuel vehicles.

http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2013/2013042491.HTM

Range supports disclosure, new technologies

Observer Reporter

Matt Pitzarella

April 23, 2013

A recent letter by Brian Rothermund, “Range oblivious to irony,” which appeared in the April 16 edition of the Observer-Reporter, repeated a false statement that the contents of fracturing fluid in oil and natural gas development are a secret.

http://www.observer-reporter.com/article/20130423/OPINION02/130429710#.UX_pHqLU-Sp

‘Marcellus Works’ Event Highlights Aqua’s Fleet Conversion to Compressed Natural Gas

Wallaby

April 24, 2013

DeBenedictis will discuss the company’s Pennsylvania subsidiary’s (Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc.) fleet conversion to compressed natural gas (CNG) and call attention to the state’s abundant, clean-burning Marcellus Shale natural gas resources.

http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2013/2013042495.HTM

Consol makes drilling deal for park site

Trib Live

Timothy Puko

April 24, 2013

Consol Energy Inc. will get to drill for gas under Ryerson Station State Park in exchange for paying to rebuild the park's dam and settling an eight-year conflict with the state, officials plan to announce on Wednesday. The deal suggests a coming end to a troubled situation in Greene County.

http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/3897165-74/dam-consol-park#ixzz2Rxkp5tNn 

PA Marcellus Digest - April 24, 2013

PA Marcellus Digest – April 24, 2013

 

Possible Explosive Devices Found At Two Gas Drilling Sites

State Impact

Marie Cusick

April 19, 2013

Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the possible remains of small explosive devices at two natural gas drilling sites in northeastern Pennsylvania.

http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2013/04/19/possible-explosive-devices-found-at-two-gas-drilling-sites/

 

Pa. firm opens new plant to treat Marcellus waste

The Wall Street Journal

April 18, 2013

A Pennsylvania firm has opened a new plant to treat and recycle wastewater generated by Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling.

http://online.wsj.com/article/AP1210b59c44af411cad561c9046498235.html

 

Rise in U.S. Gas Production Fuels Unexpected Plunge in Emissions

Wall Street Journal

Russell Gold

April 18, 2013

U.S. carbon-dioxide emissions have fallen dramatically in recent years, in large part because the country is making more electricity with natural gas instead of coal.

http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB10001424127887324763404578430751849503848-lMyQjAxMTAzMDEwOTExNDkyWj.html?mod=wsj_valettop_email

 

DEP Proposes Increasing Gas Well Permit Fees

State Impact

Marie Cusick

April 22, 2013

The Scranton Times-Tribune reports the state Department of Environmental Protection is looking into raising the fees drillers pay for shale gas well permits, to keep up with the demands on the department:

http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2013/04/22/dep-proposes-increasing-gas-well-permit-fees/

 

Protesters to rally outside DEP office

Citizen’s Voice

Elizabeth Skrapits

April 22, 2013

To mark Earth Day, various environmental organizations led by the Pennsylvania Green Party are scheduling demonstrations in front of Department of Environmental Protection regional offices throughout Pennsylvania today to protest the agency's oil and natural gas drilling policies.

http://citizensvoice.com/news/protesters-to-rally-outside-dep-office-1.1476847

 

Pa. legislative package would boost funding for natural-gas vehicle conversions
Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Erich Schwartzel

April 22, 2013

Republican Gov. Tom Corbett's Act 13 legislation defined the state's approach to shale gas development when it was passed in 2012. The hundreds of pages of law introduced an impact fee levied against drillers, outlined what communities could regulate and promoted the use of natural gas in everyday vehicles.
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/business/news/pa-legislative-package-would-boost-funding-for-natural-gas-vehicle-conversions-684524/#ixzz2RPlgWrk9

 

PUC, Energy Association Host Workshop on Natural Gas Vehicle Market Development

Wallaby

April 18, 2013

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) and the Energy Association of Pennsylvania (EAP) today hosted a workshop focusing on the natural gas distribution company (NGDC) and Commission roles in fostering the economic development and the expansion of the necessary infrastructure for natural gas vehicles (NGVs).

http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2013/2013041836.HTM

 

Pa. Governor Corbett Cuts Ribbon at Waste Management's Compressed Natural Gas Refueling Facility in Bucks County

Wallaby

April 19, 2013

Governor Tom Corbett today attended a ribbon cutting for Waste Management's new compressed natural gas (CNG) refueling facility in Bristol, Bucks County.

http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2013/2013041966.HTM

 

U.S. Energy companies work to turn gas into liquid motor fuels
TribLive

Timothy Puko

April 20, 2013

When Roy Lipski went to Houston last month to pitch his business at one of the world's largest meetings of energy executives, he went armed with photos of a little town in Butler County.

He's one in a growing group of businessmen trying to make Pennsylvania the lab for an experiment of global importance.

http://triblive.com/business/headlines/3818064-74/gas-oil-calumet#ixzz2RPmPbnF2 

Conservation Groups oppose House bills 301-309: the so-called "Marcellus Works" package

On behalf of the undersigned organizations and their members, we oppose House bills 301-309: the so-called “Marcellus Works” package of legislation that will broadly subsidize the use of natural gas in the Commonwealth.

In order to protect our environment and public health, we must stop subsidizing and increasing our reliance on dirty fossil fuels.

The concept that natural gas is good for our environment is false—studies by the National Academy of Science showed that “a shift to compressed natural gas vehicles from gasoline or diesel vehicles leads to greater radiative forcing of the climate for 80 or 280 years, respectively, before beginning to produce benefits.” This is on top of the ongoing air and water pollution, toxic waste issues and loss of property the gas drilling industry has already contributed to across the Commonwealth.

This legislation directly goes against many of the mantras espoused in the halls of the legislature:  How often do we hear that the role of government is not to “pick winners and losers?” How often do we hear about the need for greater fiscal restraint and saving taxpayers money?

Unfortunately, this package of bills is both “picking a winner” without justification, and fiscal lack of restraint by profligate spending of taxpayers’ money.

House bills 301-309 helps corporate giants like ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell and BP get their products into the Pennsylvania marketplace—corporations that arguably need the financial assistance less than anyone else in the Commonwealth.  

Some of these proposals are particularly egregious, including:

House Bill 304: This legislation sets mandates for purchases for the Commonwealth’s larger mass transit agencies (SEPTA, the Port Authority and LANTA in the Lehigh Valley).  Instead of Harrisburg making these decisions, we should allow these agencies to use their expertise to decide—about what’s economically best for their fleet, about the cleanest sources of public transit, and about what is cost effective for the agencies and their riders.

House Bill 306: In its current form, HB306 would effectively end the AFIG (Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant) program as we know it for all alternative fuel sources except natural gas. This does a disservice to a program created by Republican legislators in 2004 (Sen. Tomlinson was the primary sponsor of Act 178), and a program championed by longtime House member Ellen Bard. To reduce this program to nothing more than a taxpayer handout for some of the largest corporations on the planet does a disservice to the program and the legislators who championed its origin. 

House Bill 301, 305 and 309: These bills essentially provide a set of taxpayer funded subsidies to the oil and natural gas industries, adding up to $180 million in specialized tax breaks and incentives for natural gas consumption over the next three years. 

Lastly, this is the worst type of corporate welfare: policies meant to help some of the largest, dirtiest companies on the planet get their products into the marketplace. For example, the oil giant ExxonMobil’s reported net income for the fourth quarter of 2012 was $9.95 billion, up 6 percent from the year before. [ii] Shell reported $7.3 billion in profits during the same time period,[iii] while Chevron Corp posted a larger-than-expected rise in quarterly profits for the same time period, with net income at $7.2 billion.[iv]  According to the IMF, overall fossil fuel companies receive over $1.9 trillion per year in direct subsidies.[v]  Do these companies really need the sort of corporate welfare promoted by the “Marcellus Works” plan? Does the legislature really need to spend time on this type of package of legislation when there are so many more pressing issues facing the Commonwealth?

Ironically, this legislation gains tractions on the heels of the legislature slashing budgets for DEP, killing legislation that would assist the Commonwealth’s suffering solar energy providers (HB1580 of the 2011-2012 session), and gutting energy conservation standards in the Commonwealth (Act 1 of 2011) in recent years.

For these reasons, we call upon the legislature to oppose House Bills 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308,-309.

Sincerely,

Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter, Thomas Au, Conservation Chair

PennEnvironment Director, David Masur
Berks Gas Truth, Karen Feridun, Founder
Clean Air Council, Joe Minott, Executive Director
Clean Water Action, Steve Hvozdovich, Marcellus Shale Coordinator
Conservation Voters of Pennsylvania and Conservation PA, Josh McNeil, Executive Director
Damascus Citizens for Sustainability, Barb Arrindell, Director
Delaware Riverkeeper Network, Maya van Rossum, the Delaware Riverkeeper
Earthworks Oil & Gas Accountability Project, Nadia Steinzor, Eastern Program Coordinator
Food & Water Watch, Sam Bernhardt, Pennsylvania Organizer
Gas Drilling Awareness Coalition, Carol Culver, Executive Board Member
GreenPeace USA, Phil Radford, Executive Director
Mountain Watershed Association, Beverly Braverman, Executive Director
Pennsylvania Public Interest Research Group (PennPIRG), Phineas Baxandall, Director for Tax and Policy
Physicians for Social Responsibility-Philadelphia, Cherie Eichholz, Executive Director
Shale Justice, Susan Laidacker, Executive Committee Member

DCNR to Participate in Web-based Information Session on Possible Gas Development in Loyalsock State Forest, Lycoming County

FRIDAY AFTERNOON PRESS RELEASE

NOTE THEY CLAIM THEY ARE GOING TO HOLD A PUBLIC MEETING, TOO

Sent: Friday, April 19, 2013 2:56 PM

Subject: DCNR to Participate in Web-based Information Session on Possible Gas Development in Loyalsock State Forest, Lycoming County

News for Immediate Release 

April 19, 2013

DCNR to Participate in Web-based Information Session on Possible Gas Development in Loyalsock State Forest, Lycoming County

Harrisburg – Department of Conservation and Natural Resources officials will participate in a free, web-based seminar offered by Penn State Extension on Marcellus Shale issues in the Loyalsock State Forest, Lycoming County, on Thursday, April 25.

“Information on Potential Loyalsock State Forest Natural Gas Development” is being offered from 1 to 2 p.m. as part of a series of one-hour webinars conducted by Penn State on natural gas drilling.

“DCNR has heard from numerous individuals and organizations on this issue through letters, phone calls and in a meeting this month with local stakeholders,” DCNR Secretary Richard Allan said. “This webinar gives us an additional opportunity to exchange information and respond to questions about potential gas development in the Loyalsock, where the state does not own the subsurface gas rights.”

Allan added that DCNR is in the process of planning an upcoming public meeting. Details will be shared in the coming weeks.

Registration for this webinar is not necessary and all are welcome to participate.

Moderated by Penn State Extension's Marcellus Education Team, the session will begin with a slide presentation about the Loyalsock situation by Marcellus Program Manager Arianne Proctor. Following that, questions will be answered by Proctor, Allan and State Forester Dan Devlin.

The session eventually will be archived and available on the Penn State Extension natural-gas website at http://extension.psu.edu/naturalgas.

For more information about possible gas development on the Loyalsock State Forest, visit the DCNR website, choose “Forestry” under “Quick Links,” and scroll down to the Clarence Moore Fact Sheet.

To participate in the webinar, log in to https://meeting.psu.edu/marcelluswebinar/.

For more information, contact Carol Loveland at Penn State at 570-320-4429 or by email at cal24@psu.edu.

Media contact: Christina Novak, DCNR, 717-772-9104

PA Marcellus Digest - April 15, 2013

PA Marcellus Digest – April 15, 2013

Drilling's impact

Pittsburgh-Post Gazette

April 15, 2013

Gas industry shills, as witnessed in the April 9 letter by Dan Garcia, "Media Leap to Assumptions About Marcellus Health Impacts," are desperate to squash any news of sick families being created by Marcellus Shale gas production.
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/opinion/letters/drillings-impact-683503/#ixzz2QYyAOcV1

Pa. House bills back natural gas as automotive fuel of the future

York Dispatch

Christina Kauffman

April 15, 2013

Local legislators are among those pushing a series of bills to increase consumption of the state's abundant supply of natural gas, with York representatives authoring components of the Marcellus Works package.

http://www.yorkdispatch.com/ci_23027844/pa-house-bills-back-natural-gas-automotive-fuel

Roundup: Gas rigs near 14-year low; PNC shareholder wants “climate risk” study; moreTribLive

April 6, 2013

Gas rigs near fewest in 14 years with price at 20-month high
http://triblive.com/business/businessbriefs/3788247-74/gas-bank-rigs#ixzz2QYzTlT1x 

EIA Projects Flatlining Of Natural Gas Consumption Through 2014

John Hanger

April 9, 2013

Natural gas usage is flatlining, according to the latest EIA data.  EIA projects demand of 70.1 Bcf/d in 2013 and 70.3 Bcf/d in 2014. Increases for heating and industry are being offset by sharp reductions in gas used to make electricity.  EIA projects an 8% decline in gas used for power in 2013.

http://www.johnhanger.blogspot.com/2013/04/eia-projects-flatlining-of-natural-gas.html

Reversal Of Fortune: Coal Generation Surges 7% and Gas Slumps 3% In January 2013

John Hanger

April 9, 2013

The intense competition for generation market share continues and the latest available EIA data shows a reversal of fortune for coal and gas in the power markets took place in January 2013.

http://www.johnhanger.blogspot.com/2013/04/reversal-of-fortune-coal-generation.html

Renewable Energy & Gas Supply 100% Of New Generation Capacity In First Quarter

John Hanger

April 8, 2013

Get used to this fact. It is going to be repeated time and again for the next 20 years in the USA.
Renewable energy and gas provided 100% of all new capacity in the USA during the first quarter of 2013.

http://www.johnhanger.blogspot.com/2013/04/renewable-energy-gas-supply-100-of-new.html

Total Carbon Emissions From Natural Gas May Exceed Coal By 2016

John Hanger

April 8, 2013

Within the next 4 years, total carbon emissions from natural gas probably will exceed emissions from coal, but America's total carbon emissions will likely fall further as a consequence.  Here is why.

http://www.johnhanger.blogspot.com/2013/04/total-carbon-emissions-from-natural-gas.html

Corbett Signs Joint Declaration With Brazil to Promote Energy Investments

State Impact

Marie Cusick

April 10, 2013

Governor Corbett signed a joint declaration with the governor of the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro today to promote collaboration and investments in energy, particularly in oil and natural gas development.

http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2013/04/10/corbett-signs-joint-declaration-with-brazil-to-promote-energy-investments/

Construction of frack water treatment plant starts in Standing Stone Twp.

The Daily Review

James Lowenstein

April 10, 2013

Eureka Resources LLC's planned waste water treatment plant in Standing Stone Township for the gas industry will not cause problems for the environment, company officials said a recent informational meeting for the public.

http://thedailyreview.com/news/construction-of-frack-water-treatment-plant-starts-in-standing-stone-twp-1.1470655

Hydraulic Fracturing: Beyond Name Calling to Real Environmental Protection

Water World

April 15, 2013

After the drilling, fracturing, and producing of water and gas cease, what happens next? What steps should be taken to ensure the watershed is restored to previous condition, public health is protected, and community relations are maintained or improved?  Experts will describe well closure and site reclamation, highlighting issues, opportunities, and special considerations in different areas throughout the U.S.

http://video.webcasts.com/events/pmny001/viewer/index.jsp?eventid=45674&adid=em

Dueling Fracking Films Battle for Pennsylvanian’s Hearts and Minds

State Impact

Susan Phillips

The pro-fracking answer to “Gasland” is on the road in Pennsylvania and will be screened in hostile territory tonight — the Philadelphia suburbs. “Fracknation,” a film by Phelim McAleer and Ann McElhinney, has already been shown in several theaters in Northeast Pennsylvania, including astanding-room only crowd in Montrose, Susquehanna County. The Scranton Times-Tribune reported a handful of protestors outside the theater engaged Irish journalist and filmmaker Phelim McAleer in a lively debate. But inside, the crowd was supportive.

http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2013/04/10/dueling-fracking-films-battle-for-pennsylvanians-hearts-and-minds/

Protesters Criticize DEP’s Oversight of Gas Industry

State Impact

Marie Cusick

April 10, 2013

A small group of protesters gathered outside the Harrisburg headquarters of the state Department of Environmental Protection today. They say the agency is failing to protect the public from the risks associated with natural gas development.

http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2013/04/10/protesters-criticize-deps-oversight-of-gas-industry/

Lawyer tells audience at pipeline workshop: Don't roll over

Reading Eagle

Ford Turner

April 10, 2013

"Act in haste, repent at leisure."  Those words, which appeared as the final image in a video presentation Tuesday night by lawyer John A. Shoemaker, captured the heart of his message to Berks County residents on dealing with pipeline companies.

http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=467652

House panel approves Marcellus tax credits

The Times Tribune

Robert Swift

April 10, 2013

Bills to provide millions of dollars of state tax credits to develop natural gas markets were approved by a House committee Tuesday after a debate over favoritism to Marcellus Shale companies and job creation strategies. The bills advanced by the Finance Committee are part of the "Marcellus Works" package to develop more uses in Pennsylvania for in-state natural gas production, a top priority of House Republicans.

http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/house-panel-approves-marcellus-tax-credits-1.1470874

PA Marcellus Digest - April 16, 2013

PA Marcellus Digest – April 16, 2013

DEP Allows Fracking To Resume At Spill Site Before Investigation is Complete

State Impact

Marie Cusick

April 11, 2013

The state Department of Environmental Protection hasn’t finished its investigation into a gas well spill that caused the evacuation of three homes in Wyoming County last month, but in the meantime the agency has allowed the drilling company to resume fracking operations.

http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2013/04/11/dep-allows-fracking-to-resume-at-spill-site-before-investigation-is-complete/

Pickett proposal to apply incentives for natural gas vehicle purchases heads to House floor

The Daily Review

April 11, 2013

The House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee on Wednesday endorsed Rep. Tina Pickett's (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna) proposal to provide grants to municipalities, schools and the private sector for the purchase of natural gas vehicles.

http://thedailyreview.com/news/pickett-proposal-to-apply-incentives-for-natural-gas-vehicle-purchases-heads-to-house-floor-1.1471320

Pa. Fish and Boat Commission mulls charging industry for water

Pittsburgh Post Gazette

John Hayes

April 13, 2013

What's water worth? Depends on whom you ask.

To some 850,000 trout anglers expected to hit Pennsylvania's lakes and streams for today's statewide opening of trout season, that's like asking the value of a day out fishing with your dad.

http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sports/hunting-fishing/fish-and-boat-commission-mulls-charging-industry-for-water-683256/#ixzz2QerbEhRS

Say no to gas industry subsidies

Citizens Voice

April 11, 2013

Gov. Tom Corbett and like-minded members of the state Legislature scoff at the notion that taxpayers should subsidize the development of an alternative energy industry. They have killed a once-promising solar manufacturing industry in the state and have slowed wind development.

http://citizensvoice.com/opinion/say-no-to-gas-industry-subsidies-1.1471661

Fracking Resumes Less Than a Month After 200,000+ Gallon Spill

Keystone Politics

April 11, 2013

Last month, seven homes in Wyoming County, PA had to be evacuated when a natural gas drilling rig had a blowout, and gallon after gallon of fracking waste-water began spilling out uncontrollably. Now, not even a full month later, fracking has resumed on the site with the full endorsement of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.

http://www.keystonepolitics.com/2013/04/fracking-resumes-less-than-a-month-after-200000-gallon-spill/

PUSH GOES ON FOR HIGH STANDARDS

The Intelligencer

Casey Junkins

April 14, 2013

Some environmental groups are concerned about the Center for Sustainable Shale Development. So are some industry groups.

http://www.news-register.net/page/content.detail/id/584023/PUSH-GOES-ON-FOR-HIGH-STANDARDS.html?nav=515

Energy-starved Chile covets Pennsylvania's natural gas

Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Karen Langley

April 13, 2013

If the Pennsylvania trade delegation heard a message on its first day in Chile, a growing economy without sufficient or reliable energy sources, it was an unabashed interest in the state's natural gas.
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/state/energy-starved-chile-covets-pennsylvanias-natural-gas-683245/#ixzz2QesSDQJh

Misstatement

Williamsport Sun-Gazette

April 7, 2013

There is a critical misstatement in your recent article on drilling in the Loyalsock State Forest ("Rock Run drilling still a big question," March 24).

http://www.sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/591111/Misstatement.html?nav=5008

Growth in Natural Gas Vehicles Will Have ‘Minimal Impact’ on Prices

Environmental Leader

April 15, 2013

A transition to natural gas-fueled heavy duty and light duty vehicles over the next decade will have a minimal impact on natural gas prices, according to research by the American Clean Skies Foundation.

https://www.environmentalleader.com/2013/04/15/growth-in-natural-gas-vehicles-will-have-minimal-impact-on-prices/

DCNR denies public a say in gas drilling: PennLive letters

PennLive

April 15, 2013

For months, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has been unresponsive to repeated requests for public meetings on gas drilling proposals within a very unique and environmentally special area of the Loyalsock State Forest.

http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2013/04/pennlive_letters_dcnr_loyalsock_state_forest_gas_drilling_public_meetings_corbett.html#incart_river

Pennsylvania should pass a natural gas severance tax: As I See It

Patriot News Op-Ed

Katie Mattern

April 14, 2013

The environmental impact of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) used in Marcellus shale exploration are already known -- as well as disputed -- by scientists and industry leaders alike. Scientists argue that the toxic chemicals in fracking fluid –up to three hundred tons added to a water and sand mixture-- can pollute both aquifers and wells if it migrates into those areas. 

http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2013/04/pennsylvania_should_pass_a_natural_gas_severance_tax_as_i_see_it.html

House panel approves Marcellus tax credits

Wallaby

April 12, 2013

Bills to provide millions of dollars of state tax credits to develop natural gas markets were approved by a House committee Tuesday after a debate over favoritism to Marcellus Shale companies and job creation strategies. The bills advanced by the Finance Committee are part of the "Marcellus Works" package to develop more uses in Pennsylvania for in-state natural gas production, a top priority of House Republicans.

http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2013/2013041585.HTM

New gas industry newspaper debuts

Williamsport Sun Gazette

April 14, 2013

"Central PA Shale Play," a new publication dedicated to information about the natural gas industry in Pennsylvania, debuted on Thursday, April 11. The next edition will be published on Thursday, April 25.

http://www.sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/591422/New-gas-industry-newspaper-debuts.html?nav=5002

Finally - Waste water to be tested for radioactivity

Herald Standard

April 12, 2013

Years into the Marcellus shale boom, Pennsylvania is finally going to begin testing drilling waste water and equipment for unsafe levels of radiation. We do not know if radiation contamination from drilling is a problem — but it sure is not something we believe should be left to chance.

http://www.heraldstandard.com/opinion/editorials/finally/article_7872ce6d-3d92-5d2d-9917-8ea4c07c5efb.html

Global natural gas boom fuels local Air Products business

The Morning Call

Sam Kennedy

April 14, 2013

On the wooded outskirts of Wilkes-Barre, Air Products owns a cavernous, century-old brick factory building. Perhaps three or four times a year, the building's sliding doors part, giving birth to something utterly incongruous: A huge white NASA rocket two-thirds the length of a football field.

http://www.mcall.com/news/local/mc-air-products-benefits-from-natural-gas-boom-20130413,0,952941.story

Inquirer Editorial: Even in gas country, there's common ground

Philly.com

April 15, 2013

Like much in the country today, the debate over Pennsylvania's shale-gas boom often seems hopelessly polarized - an endless and largely useless standoff between environmentalists who want the gas to stay in the ground and energy executives who think it's theirs to exploit unhindered.

http://articles.philly.com/2013-04-15/news/38531823_1_consol-energy-heinz-endowments-sustainable-shale-development

State DEP halts blasting plan at Fayette County coal waste dumpTribLive

Timothy Puko

April 12, 2013

State environmental regulators are taking more action at a troubled Fayette County coal waste dump, stopping a seismic testing company that had planted underground explosives there, a Department of Environmental Protection spokesman said on Thursday.

http://triblive.com/news/allegheny/3825190-74/company-coal-dep#ixzz2Qev84hgL 

Pa. lawmakers consider incentives for natural gas vehicles, fueling stations

Newsworks

Carolyn Beeler

April 15, 2013

The Pennsylvania House this week is considering a package of bills to encourage bus systems and businesses to switch their fleets to natural gas. The "Marcellus Works" package of bills would provide tax breaks, loans and grants for municipal bus systems and private companies to buy natural-gas powered vehicles.

http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/local/item/53572-pa-lawmakers-consider-incentives-for-natural-gas-vehicles-fueling-stations?Itemid=3&linktype=hp_topstorylist

Companies agree to improve safety measures at natural gas operations in Western PA

Wallaby

April 16, 2013

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced today two separate settlements with companies that have agreed to improve operation of their natural gas facilities in western Pennsylvania. EPA alleged that the companies failed to comply with federal clean air regulations to prevent accidental releases of flammable substances.

 http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2013/2013041687.HTM

Natural Gas: Powering Pennsylvania’s Transportation Sector

Wallaby

April 16, 2013

Pennsylvania’s abundant, clean-burning Marcellus Shale natural gas resources are laying the foundation for a manufacturing rebirth in the Commonwealth, creating tens of thousands of well-paying local jobs, enhancing air quality and lowering energy costs for consumers, all while generating much-needed tax and fee revenue for important investments, especially for our environment.

http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2013/2013041678.HTM

Fracking coalition draws industry, environmentalist ire

EnergyWire

April  15, 2013

A plan to bolster regulations on hydraulic fracturing has united several oil and gas companies and environmentalist groups. But the effort has also heightened tensions on both sides of the fracking debate.

The Pittsburgh-based Center for Sustainable Shale Development aims to bring drillers together with fracking skeptics to hash out mutually agreeable, voluntary regulations on air and water pollution. The CSSD would issue a seal of approval to well operators in Appalachia that are found to abide by the group's list of 15 stringent standards (EnergyWire, March 25).

The coalition already counts petroleum giants Royal Dutch Shell PLC and Chevron Corp. among its members, alongside the Environmental Defense Fund, the Clean Air Task Force and other groups. But attempts to include more organizations have run up against the wall that divides the fracking debate's most disparate factions.

The Sierra Club dubbed the effort "akin to slapping a Band-Aid on a gaping wound," while the anti-drilling website No Fracking Way issued a sarcastic "WHOOO-HOOO, Frackers and Environmentalists collaborate!" in a blogged response to the CSSD's overtures.

Range Resources Corp. spokesman Matt Pitzarella issued a curt "no" when asked about any plans to participate, although he added they "commend the groups for coming together." The pro-drilling website Marcellus Drilling News issued a less accommodating response, writing that if companies such as Shell and Chevron "want to craft an organization that compromises (too far) with eco-nuts, go right ahead and disadvantage yourselves. But don't require everyone else to follow your lead."

Polarized vitriol has long accompanied arguments over fracking, an unconventional extraction technique that blasts water, sand and chemicals down well bores to free up trapped shale oil and gas. Some see an opportunity for the CSSD to marginalize the most extreme partisans in the debate while furthering important regulatory goals.

Robert Vagt, president of the Pittsburgh-based Heinz Endowments and an important underwriter of the CSSD, said in an email that the group could have the "secondary consequence" of isolating such uncompromising voices. But he said the coalition's primary motivation "is to engage directly the challenges of developing" shale oil and gas, "which are being argued primarily in sound bites for the media rather than in constructive dialogue" (Kevin Begos, AP/Philadelphia Inquirer, April 12). -- BS

Marcellus Digest 4/11/13

PA Marcellus Digest – April 11, 2013

DEP Allows Fracking To Resume At Spill Site Before Investigation is Complete

State Impact

Marie Cusick

April 11, 2013

The state Department of Environmental Protection hasn’t finished its investigation into a gas well spill that caused the evacuation of three homes in Wyoming County last month, but in the meantime the agency has allowed the drilling company to resume fracking operations.

http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2013/04/11/dep-allows-fracking-to-resume-at-spill-site-before-investigation-is-complete/

Protesters Criticize DEP’s Oversight of Gas Industry

State Impact

Marie Cusick

April 10, 2013

A small group of protesters gathered outside the Harrisburg headquarters of the state Department of Environmental Protection today. They say the agency is failing to protect the public from the risks associated with natural gas development.

http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2013/04/10/protesters-criticize-deps-oversight-of-gas-industry/

No fine for compressor station operator

The Times Tribune

Laura Legere

April 4, 2013

The Department of Environmental Protection will not fine the operator of a Susquehanna County natural gas compressor station that was damaged by an explosion and fire last year because state regulators determined that the incident did not violate the station's air quality permits or federal air pollution laws.

http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/gas-drilling/no-fine-for-compressor-station-operator-1.1467447

Ed Rendell’s fracking ties deeper than originally thought

Salon

Justin Elliott

April 8, 2013

Recently, we wrote about former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell’s connections to the natural gas industry after he published a pro-fracking op-ed in The New York Daily News.

http://www.salon.com/2013/04/08/ed_rendells_fracking_ties_deeper_than_originally_thought_partner/

Another Connection Between Rendell and the Gas Industry

State Impact

Marie Cusick

April 9, 2013

Former Governor Ed Rendell faced criticism after he published a pro-fracking op-ed in the New York Daily News last month and failed to mention his connections to the natural gas industry.

http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2013/04/09/another-connection-between-rendell-and-the-gas-industry/

Canada's drilling laws hold lessons for Pennsylvania

Patriot News

Nathaniel Foote

April 9, 2013

Pennsylvania boasts more than 2,500 local governments. Each has authority over land use and zoning within its boundaries. This allows locals to determine what gets built where; keep schools and factories apart, for example. Zoning is also used to restrict oil and gas drilling, particularly in residential areas.

http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2013/04/canadas_drilling_law_hold_lesson_for_pennsylvania.html#incart_river

West Wyoming council urged to attend meeting on fracking

Times Leader

April 11, 2013

Members of the Luzerne County Citizens for Clean Air urged borough council on Monday to attend a meeting to hear a presentation from a representative of the Community Environmental Defense Fund regarding the banning of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for natural gas production and related activities.

http://www.timesleader.com/news/local-news/418598/West-Wyoming-council-urged-to-attend-meeting-on-fracking

Our take: Frackers in Pennsylvania get another break

York Daily Record

April 8, 2013

Many have rightly criticized Gov. Tom Corbett and a majority of state legislators for their deferential treatment of natural gas drillers in Pennsylvania:

http://www.ydr.com/opinion/ci_22977756/our-take-frackers-pennsylvania-get-another-break

White files right-to-know request with DEP regarding Range waste impoundment in CecilWallaby

April 8, 2013

State Rep. Jesse White filed a right-to-know request with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection on Friday in an effort to ascertain the circumstances leading to a natural gas drilling impoundment’s reclassification from a freshwater impoundment to a hazardous waste site.

http://wallaby.telicon.com/PA/library/2013/2013040865.HTM

Triple Divide Premieres Online for 13 Days -Investigative fracking documentary available April 8-20

For a $5 donation, online users can watch the film for 48 hours atrent.tripledividefilm.org. This 18-month, cradle-to-grave investigation by Public Herald, an investigative news nonprofit co-founded by journalists Joshua Pribanic and Melissa Troutman, features uncovered state documents, never before seen interviews with industry giants and advocates, exclusive reports with impacted landowners, and expert testimonies.

With stunning cinematography, the film reveals how state regulators are using compliance as a

means of “regulating” without enforcing the law, abandoning the public and environment in the wake

of shale gas development.

Organizations United for The Environment call it the “best documentary on fracking, ever!”

Writer Elizabeth Hoffman said, “Troutman and Pribanic document several cases of people sickened by

fracking...violations with no consequences...drillers proceeding without authorization...drillers with

violations nevertheless getting new permits...[and] scientists raising serious questions about the whole

mess.” Judy Bear, a water well driller and the first female director of Pennsylvania Groundwater

Association, provides her insight in Triple Divide and asks what should concern every citizen: “Who is

protecting the residents of this state if our own state is not willing to do it?”