Meetings and Announcements

Wyoming BLM Issues June 2008 – May 2010 Leasing EAs

Wyoming BLM has issued Environmental Assessments (EA) for the June 2008 – May 2010 lease sales with over $52 million worth of unissued leases outstanding.  There is also a letter clearing the protests from the June 2008 sale. While enabling the issuance of many of the backlog of leases, there are a substantial number of leases that will remain in leasing limbo, and are identified in the documents as “deferred.”  Please let Kathleen Sgamma know if you have any leases that are identified as deferred.  Western Energy Alliance will continue to advocate for issuance of all outstanding leases.

Energy Finance Discussion Group

A Look Back on TARP, Bailouts and Stress Tests in Banking. Why Does this Matter to Us?

September 14, 2010

Join us on Tuesday, September 14th from 7:30-9:00 AM at the DAC (Denver Athletic Club) for a presentation by Todd Berryman, Senior Vice President and Deputy Manager of the Denver National Banking Office for Bank of the West.  Todd’s presentation will review the significant  upheaval the U.S. banking industry has experienced in the last several years and put them into the context of  current events in commercial lending. This upheaval has resulted in reduced lending, bank failures, and “government bailouts” of those institutions deemed “too big to fail”. These events have also lead to Europe applying a stress test to its banks, and has  brought an international agreement within the banking industry, referred to as  Basel II, to the forefront of the banking industry. While the topic is immense in size, Mr. Berryman will try to encapsulate some of these broad issues, and illustrate how they affect both the energy industry, and the  audience as consumers.

The breakfast will be held at the Denver Athletic Club (DAC)  located at 1325 Glenarm Place.  Cost for the event is $26 per person one week prior to the event and $35 there after.  As the DAC will require a final head count one week before the event, anyone interested in attending will need to register by September 7th. As the DAC will bill us for every plate we ask them to prepare, whether or not it is eaten, you will be billed if you have registered, even if you do not attend!

Western Energy Alliance is currently going through a website upgrade and the online system is not working.  Please click here to download the registration form and send it back to bness@westernenergyalliance.org or FAX to 303-893-0709.  If you have any questions contact Becca Ness at (303)-623-0987.

Distinguished Speaker Series

The Distinguished Speaker Series along with some special engagements will offer compelling topics and speakers from all over the country. The Western Energy Alliance speaker events provide great networking and exposure opportunities for our members to develop business, reconnect and share important news with the organization at large. Key sponsorship opportunities are available today, please contact Becca Ness for details, or fill out the sponsorship form.

Western Energy Alliance is pleased to announce the fall speaking series:

SEPTEMBER

Special Event Luncheon: Natural Gas Markets, featuring Gary Schmitt
Distinguished Speakers Series, featuring President Bruce Benson, University of Colorado

OCTOBER

Small Producer’s Forum: Capital Utilization Strategies (in the Denver Tech Center)

NOVEMBER

Distinguished Speaker’s Series, featuring Susan Arigoni, Xcel Energy

Registration and event details will be available on our website the week of August 23rd.

Fundraiser for Ken Buck

Western Energy Alliance and IPAA will hold a fundraising breakfast for Colorado Senate candidate Ken Buck on Tuesday, September 21^st from 8:00 – 9:30 at our office.  The minimum contribution is $500 for individuals and $1,000 for PACs and co-hosts.  Please let me know if you would like to co-host the event or if you can attend.

Click here to view the invitation.

Bob Taylor Ecological Area Improvement Project Kick-Off Event

Western Energy Alliance and the Wildlife Habitat Council are hosting a barbeque and fishing demonstration at the Bob Taylor Ecological Area (BTEA) on Friday October 1, 2010.  The site, which is located in southwest Denver near Chatfield State Park, is owned and managed by Denver Water and is also host to the Colorado Division of Wildlife’s (DOW) Angler Education clinics.  DOW and Denver Water have identified several wildlife habitat, infrastructure, and environmental improvements needed at the site.  The kick-off event will introduce the proposed improvement projects to interested companies and other members of the community.

Click here to view a flyer. Contact Spencer Kimball for more information.

Membership Update

Western Energy Alliance is pleased to welcome the following new member:

New Frontier Member

Marshall and Winston, Inc.

Photo Contest

Western Energy Alliance is looking for scenic photographs featuring wildlife, oil and gas operations, or any picturesque scenes from around the West. The winner will have his/her photo appear on the cover of the 2011 Calendar, which is distributed to member companies, media, other trade organizations, government officials, and business associations. The calendar has proven to be a very helpful tool in demonstrating industry talking points and illustrating visually that oil and natural gas development has a small and temporary environmental impact. The calendar will feature photos of former development areas that have since been reclaimed, wildlife near development, technological advances, etc. Each month will also include a fact that highlights the importance of our industry and the steps we take to minimize environmental impacts.

Please submit all photos (300 dpi or better) to Jon Haubert no later than October 9, 2010.

Western Energy Alliance in the News

Wind Power Won’t Cool Down the Planet

published in: Wall Street Journal on: 08/24/2010 by: Robert Bryce
The wind industry has achieved remarkable growth largely due to the claim that it will provide major reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. There’s just one problem: It’s not true. A slew of recent studies show that wind-generated electricity likely won’t result in any reduction in carbon emissions or that they’ll be so small as to be almost meaningless.

Other Upcoming Meetings

Montana Basin Advisory Committee (MBAN) – August 30th, 1:30 p.m.

Utah Basin Advisory Committee (UBAN) – September 7th, 10:00 a.m. (PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE)

Visit westernenergyalliance.org for the latest news affecting the Intermountain West’s oil and natural gas industry. Headlines are updated daily from local, national and international news sources.

The West

Rally for Jobs

The Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is holding rallies to raise awareness of the impact of legislation being considered in the wake of the Gulf oil spill.  The Rally for Jobs is an opportunity for those whose livelihoods depend on the oil and natural gas industry and American consumers to express their concerns with proposals that Congress and the administration are debating that, if approved, could cost American jobs, drive small- and mid-sized firms out of business, threaten our fragile economic recovery and jeopardize our energy security.

The New Mexico rally will take place on September 8^th from 11 am – 1 pm in Farmington (McGee Park, 41 Road 5568, Farmington, NM 87401)

The Colorado rally will take place on September 11^th from 11 am – 1 pm in Grand Junction (Two Rivers Convention Center, 159 Main Street, Grand Junction, CO 81501)

CEA is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that supports the thoughtful utilization of energy resources to help ensure improved domestic and global energy security and stable prices for consumers. CEA seeks to improve consumer understanding of our nation’s energy security, including the need to reduce reliance on imported oil and natural gas, maintain reasonable energy prices for consumers, properly balance our energy needs with environmental & conservation goals and continue efforts to diversify our energy resources.

Click here for more information.

Little Snake Proposed RMP

Colorado BLM has released the Little Snake Proposed Resource Management Plan (RMP) and Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which will prohibit future leasing in the 77,000 acre Vermillion Basin.  The deadline to submit protests is September 13^th.  Western Energy Alliance will protest the proposed RMP/EIS.  If you have points of protest to include, please contact Spencer Kimball at 303-623-0987.

Rocky Mountain land plan gets new push from ex-forest chiefs (subscription required)

published in: E&E News on: 08/25/2010 by: Staff
Three past U.S. Forest Service chiefs have written in support of an act that would protect the Rocky Mountain Front, a region where the mountains meet the Great Plains between East Glacier and Lincoln in Montana.

Company regrets Ruby Pipeline conservation deal

published in: Casper Star Tribune on: 08/24/2010 by: Dustin Bleizeffer
An El Paso Corp. spokesman expressed regret that the company struck a deal setting aside some $22 million in conservation trusts to alleviate environmental opposition to a Wyoming-to-Oregon natural gas pipeline.

Pickens, Turner push gas at confab

published in: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel on: 08/23/2010 by: Dennis Webb
Oilman T. Boone Pickens and media giant Ted Turner joined Saturday in touting natural gas as an important part of the nation’s energy future and a resource Pickens says can be cleanly produced.

Western Election News

Fundraiser for Matt Mead

QEP Resources is hosting a fundraiser for Wyoming Gubernatorial candidate Matt Mead on Thursday September 2^nd, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., at their office (1050 17^th St., 7^th Floor, Denver, CO).

Click here to view the invitation

Democrats could have candidates in all five Wyoming statewide election races

published in: Casper Star Tribune on: 08/26/2010 by: Jeremy Pelzer
The Democrats will likely field a candidate in each of Wyoming’s five statewide races this November, after the state canvassing board Wednesday certified Democratic candidates for state auditor and treasurer.

Tipton: Use natural gas in vehicles

published in: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel on: 08/25/2010 by: Gary Harmom
The United States should follow the lead offered by Texas oilman T. Boone Pickens and look to natural gas as a transportation fuel, Republican congressional candidate Scott Tipton said.

Energy vote costly for Harry Teague

published in: Politico on: 08/23/2010 by: Staff
Rep. Harry Teague made an expensive decision last June when he supported Democratic leaders on climate change.

Energy issues divide Montana lawmakers

published in: Daily Inter Lake on: 08/23/2010 by: Jim Mann
Energy issues are heating up again in Montana, and the state’s power cooperatives will be paying close attention in the months to come.

Lee’s wilds idea

published in: Salt Lake Tribune on: 08/23/2010 by: Matt Canham
Washington • For decades, one of Utah’s defining characteristics — its tremendous landscapes — also has been its biggest political problem. It seemed no one could agree which lands deserved protection and which should be opened to developers, miners and recreationists.

Gov’s energy expertise difficult to replace

published in: Casper Star Tribune on: 08/23/2010 by: Dustin Bleizeffer
Whether Wyoming’s next governor is Democrat Leslie Peterson or Republican Matt Mead, there will be a steep learning curve to match Gov. Dave Freudenthal’s knowledge of the energy industry.

Colorado

Mesa County OKs natural gas facility

published in: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel on: 08/26/2010 by: Mike Wiggins
Despite objections from neighbors, Mesa County commissioners unanimously approved a conditional-use permit Tuesday for the construction and operation of a natural-gas-treatment facility in extreme northeastern Mesa County.

Public comment sought on emissions

published in: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel on: 08/25/2010 by: Gary Harmon
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission will take public comment this month on plans by Xcel Energy to meet new emissions requirements.

Gas companies face new water-supply plan

published in: Trinidad Times on: 08/24/2010 by: Randy Woock
Las Animas County’s four largest gas-extraction companies — Pioneer Natural Resources, El Paso E&P Company, XTO Energy and Red River Ranch Holdings — are working to implement a substitute water-supply plan (SWSP) as required by the State Engineer’s Office (SEO) to continue gas production from area coalbed methane (CBM) wells.

Montana

Montana Leasing Environmental Assessments

Montana BLM has released eight EAs that are available on their website. They are taking public comment until September 13^th.  All EAs have a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI), and will enable the suspensions of 2008 leases to be lifted and a lease sale to take place at the end of the year.  Western Energy Alliance will discuss comments at the Montana Basin Advisors Network (MBAN) meeting on August 30^th at 1:30.  Since the EAs include deferrals for several leases nominated for 2010 sales, we need to hear from companies with information on the leases being deferred.  Due to the sensitivity of nominations, please contact Kathleen Sgamma directly.

Michigan, Gulf of Mexico oil spills intensify scrutiny of Montana’s pipelines

published in: Great Falls Tribune on: 08/23/2010 by: John Adams
Even before an oil pipeline in Michigan burst last month — spilling an estimated 800,000 to 1 million gallons of Canadian crude oil into a tributary of the Kalamazoo River — Montana emergency management officials began taking a closer look at the safety of Montana’s pipeline network.

New Mexico

Report: Former BLM manager took oil company gifts

published in: Washington Post on: 08/24/2010 by: Susan Montoya Bryan
An investigation has found that a former Bureau of Land Management official in New Mexico who oversaw one of the largest onshore mineral production areas in the U.S. took gifts from an oil company and misused travel funds.

North Dakota

Southwest Pipeline nears end of project

published in: Bismarck Tribune on: 08/24/2010 by: Lauren Donovan
In one swoop, the Southwest Pipeline Project will take on its most expensive work to date, its first ever and its last major project to finally complete delivery of treated Lake Sakakawea water to a 12-county area in southwestern North Dakota.

ND oil lease auctions double last year’s record

published in: Associated Press on: 08/23/2010 by: James McPherson
The amount of state land available for drilling in North Dakota’s oil patch is diminishing, with companies snatching almost all available acreage at auction for premium prices.

Utah

2010 Utah Call-up

We have scheduled the annual Utah Call-Up in Salt Lake City on October 19^th – 20^th to coincide with the interim legislative session.  In addition to leasing, Uinta Basin air quality, and other important issues, a surface owner’s protection act bill will be the focus of the Call-Up.  We’re asking Utah operators to join us in Salt Lake City to help address concerns related to surface owner notification and compensation for E&P activities on split estate lands in Utah.  We need to proactively engage on the issue in order to avoid a bad SOPA bill this upcoming session. Our Utah Representative Lowell Braxton has taken the lead in engaging landowners, legislators, trade groups, landmen, and others, but we’ll need operators to help us resolve these issues during the Call-Up. Please join us for the September 7 UBAN meeting at 10:00 to learn more and get involved in the planning of this year’s Call-Up.

Wilderness debate: Is Utah at a turning point?

published in: Salt Lake Tribune on: 08/26/2010 by: Christopher Smart
They used to meet, it seems, only in court. Now they meet, too, at the bargaining table. They used to issue dueling news releases. Now they pen companion newspaper columns. They used to push competing bills. Now they sign cooperative deals.

Commissioners join fight against pipeline agreement

published in: Vernal Express on: 08/26/2010 by: Mary Bernard
Uintah County is opposing a $20 million so-called “secret agreement” between energy company El Paso Corp. and two conservation groups.

Gulf oil spill affects Utah

published in: Standard Examiner on: 08/23/2010 by: Staff
The massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has had a trickledown effect in Utah.

Wyoming

Wyoming revamps sage grouse core areas plan

published in: Casper Star Tribune on: 08/25/2010 by: Dustin Bleizeffer
Gov. Dave Freudenthal this morning issued a revised executive order updating Wyoming’s sage grouse Core Population Area strategy, first implemented in 2008 to help avoid a listing of the bird under the Endangered Species Act.

Pinedale Anticline operators aim to clear the air

published in: Casper Star Tribune on: 08/23/2010 by: Dustin Bleizeffer
In a tone of gloom-and-doom, H. James Sewell of Shell Upstream Americas commiserated with several colleagues from QEP Resources Inc. and Ultra Petroleum — the three main operators of the Pinedale Anticline natural gas field.

BLM Study: Pipeline Would Cut Traffic, Pollution

published in: Associated Press on: 08/23/2010 by: Staff
An environmental assessment by federal land managers says a proposed pipeline from a Pinedale natural gas field to LaBarge could reduce truck traffic and pollution.

Meetings To Focus On Effects Of A SE Wyo Oil Boom

published in: Associated Press on: 08/20/2010 by: Mead Gruber
How an oil boom could affect the people and environment of southeast Wyoming will be the focus of upcoming meetings in three cities.  The meetings Aug. 31 in Cheyenne and Sept. 1 in Wheatland and Torrington will be hosted by the Wheatland-based High Plains Economic Development District.

Washington Watch

MMS slowly morphed from watchdog to industry partner (subscription required)

published in: E&E News on: 08/25/2010 by: Staff
The Minerals Management Service addressed its charge to “meet the nation’s energy needs” by publicly and formally working as a partner to the energy industry, a transition that took decades but ultimately gave the industry too much power.

With Hill hopes dashed, advocates circle wagons at EPA (subscription required)

published in: E&E News on: 08/25/2010 by: Robin Bravender
With global warming legislation sidelined, advocates are bracing for battle over U.S. EPA climate rules, the only game in town for curbing emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases.

Obama admin urges Supreme Court to vacate ‘nuisance’ ruling (subscription required)

published in: E&E News on: 08/25/2010 by: Gabriel Nelson
The Obama administration has urged the Supreme Court to toss out an appeals court decision that would allow lawsuits against major emitters for their contributions to global warming, stunning environmentalists who see the case as a powerful prod on climate change.

UAW joins labor-enviro alliance (subscription required)

published in: E&E News on: 08/24/2010 by: Jason Plautz
The United Auto Workers has announced that it will join the BlueGreen Alliance, a partnership of labor and environment groups pushing for policies that create green jobs.

White House, Critics Reach Stalemate in Dispute Over Oil Budget in Gulf

published in: New York Times on: 08/24/2010 by: Katie Howell
Neither the White House nor critics of an Obama administration report is crying uncle in a dispute over a government report suggesting that three-fourths of the oil in the Gulf of Mexico is “gone.”

White House website hushes cap-and-trade rhetoric (subscription required)

published in: E&E News on: 08/23/2010 by: Robin Bravender
The White House has recently revised its energy and environment website, stripping references to a cap-and-trade program for greenhouse gases and a pledge to funnel $150 billion into clean energy research.

Markey predicts Senate passage of House energy bill (subscription required)

published in: E&E NEws on: 08/23/2010 by: Robin Bravender
Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) predicted last week that the Senate will eventually clear the House-passed climate bill and blamed Senate Republicans for hamstringing the effort.

Senator proposes fracking regulations

published in: Associated Press on: 08/19/2010 by: Staff
Sen. Bob Casey said Thursday that Pennsylvania’s emerging natural gas industry has the potential to create jobs and wealth, but also carries environmental risks that must be addressed.

Media Watch

Letter to the Editor: Sportsmen back energy bill

published in: Casper Star Tribune on: 08/24/2010 by: Dave Sweet
Editor:As sportsmen and women who treasure the hunting and fishing opportunities we find on our nation’s public lands, we urge anyone who hunts, fishes or enjoys the outdoors to support the bipartisan renewable energy legislation introduced by Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada in the Senate, and by Rep. Dean Heller of Nevada in the House.

Editorial: Hold government accountable for moratorium’s harm

published in: Shreveport Times on: 08/24/2010 by: Editorial Board
Supporters of the Gulf of Mexico drilling moratorium are quick to note that it has yet to produce the thousands of job losses predicted. For instance, Louisiana had only 595 first-time claims for jobless benefits in June and July from people who had just lost jobs in the mining sector, which includes mostly petroleum, according to the state work force commission.

West can lead the new energy economy

published in: Salt Lake Tribune on: 08/23/2010 by: Craig Cox
The West, with its wealth of wind, solar, geothermal and other clean, renewable energy resources, is poised to lead the nation toward a new energy future. But achieving that vision will require continued collaboration and a balanced approach that offers tremendous new economic and environmental benefits.

Full reviews for offshore oil drilling applications

published in: Denver Post on: 08/23/2010 by: Editorial Board
Requiring full environmental reviews — at least for the time being of new deepwater oil and gas drilling is a move in the right direction as the country recalibrates its regulation of deep sea energy exploration.

Hydraulic fracturing critical

published in: Bismark Tribune on: 08/23/2010 by: Ron Ness
The recent documentary “Gasland” has created a variety of misconceptions recently cited in an Aug. 10 letter to the editor about hydraulic fracturing, a process that has been used safely for more than 60 years in more than 1 million wells to produce oil and natural gas, which are critical to our nation’s energy security.

State needs to keep worker safety a priority

published in: Casper Star Tribune on: 08/23/2010 by: Editorial Board
Wyoming is no longer the deadliest state in the nation in which to work. That’s certainly good news, but it’s absolutely not a reason for anyone to think that we should stop working on ways to reduce workplace fatalities. Our commitment to improve our safety record needs to be stronger than ever.

Environment and Wildlife

States, industry sue EPA over SO2 standards (subscription required)

published in: E&E News on: 08/26/2010 by: Gabriel Nelson
Texas and North Dakota filed lawsuits in federal court this week over U.S. EPA’s newly tightened limits on sulfur dioxide (SO2) pollution, joining industry groups in challenging the rule before the Monday deadline.

N.M. counties, ranchers sue over wolf reintroduction program (subscription required)

published in: E&E News on: 08/25/2010 by: Staff
Two New Mexico counties and several ranching groups are suing to stop the reintroduction of the endangered Mexican gray wolf into the wild in New Mexico and Arizona.

Group seeks protection for 4 mountain-dwelling species (subscription required)

published in: E&E News on: 08/25/2010 by: Dina Fine Maron
Three birds and a squirrel that live on high-elevation mountaintops are at risk of being wiped out by climate change, according to an organization that works to protect threatened creatures.

Feds appeal grizzly bear relisting

published in: Billings Gazette on: 08/24/2010 by: Staff
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service filed an appeal earlier this month to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn the relisting of the estimated 600 grizzly bears in the Yellowstone ecosystem.

EPA delays release of final ozone standards (subscription required)

published in: E&E News on: 08/24/2010 by: Gabriel Nelson
U.S. EPA won’t meet its goal of releasing new nationwide standards for ground-level ozone this month, the agency told a federal court Friday.

EPA delays hearing on state GHG permitting (subscription required)

published in: E&E News on: 08/24/2010 by: Robin Bravender
U.S. EPA has delayed a hearing slated for Wednesday on its plans to take over permitting programs for states that can’t or won’t comply with greenhouse gas regulations.

Global warming debate is scuttled and barbs fly (subscription required)

published in: E&E News on: 08/24/2010 by: Robin Bravender
Director James Cameron blasted global warming deniers yesterday after a prominent climate change skeptic accused the filmmaker of backing out of a public debate on climate science.

Technology, Alternative & Renewables

New DOE process may unlock access to stranded resources (subscription required)

published in: E&E News on: 08/26/2010 by: Katherine Ling
The National Energy Technology Laboratory has developed a method of freezing natural gas that could lower the cost of transportation to access vast amounts of the world’s gas resources.

Green Exchange rides GHG offsets to trading milestone (subscription required)

published in: E&E News on: 08/24/2010 by: Nathanial Gronewold
Environmental commodities trading in New York reached a milestone yesterday.

Nevada OKs Natural Gas-Diesel Alt Fuel Combination

published in: Associated Press on: 08/24/2010 by: Scott Sonner
A Sparks refinery that produces a cleaner-burning, more efficient fuel made from a combination of low-sulfur diesel and natural gas has become the first of its kind in Nevada to win approval from state environmental regulators.

Richardson, Ritter: States lead way on green energy

published in: Grand Junction Daily Sentinel on: 08/23/2010 by: Dennis Webb
If the federal government isn’t going to take on domestic energy problems, then it falls to states to do so, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson said Saturday.

Markets

Shale resources set to double market share in 20 years — report (subscription required)

published in: E&E News on: 08/26/2010 by: Nathanial Gronewold
Unconventional natural gas sources will double their share of the U.S. market in the next 20 years, say analysts at Deloitte in a new report.

Ruby Pipeline to exceed Wyoming gas exports

published in: Associated Press on: 08/26/2010 by: Staff
The executive director of the Wyoming Pipeline Authority says a Wyoming-to-Oregon pipeline should finally provide more than enough capacity to export the state’s natural gas.

Pipeline to widen markets for gas

published in: Casper Star Tribune on: 08/26/2010 by: Dustin Bleizeffer
Assuming construction of the Ruby natural gas pipeline does not get delayed in the current storm of legal proceedings, completion of the line in March should provide enough additional access to the Western market to ensure that Rockies gas flows westward for decades.

Enbridge pipeline expansion will get export tankers off roads in 2013

published in: Bismarck Tribune on: 08/25/2010 by: Lauren Donovan
The largest ever expansion of pipeline leaving North Dakota’s oil fields will take pressure off the blacktop, but not for several years.

Frontier Oil To Restart Wyoming Refinery Crude Unit This Week (subscription required)

published in: Wall Street Journal on: 08/24/2010 by: Staff
Frontier Oil Corp. (FTO) said repairs have been completed on the crude unit of its refinery in Cheyenne, Wyo., that was closed because of a fire July 28.

U.S. Oil and Gas Drilling Accelerates, Led by Oklahoma, Baker Hughes Says

published in: Bloomberg on: 08/23/2010 by: Margot Habiby
The total of oil and natural-gas rigs operating in the U.S. rose for an 11th consecutive week to the highest level since the end of 2008, according to data published by Baker Hughes Inc.

Analysis: Big bets on U.S. oil bonanza after shale gas boom

published in: Reuters on: 08/23/2010 by: Selam Gebrekidan
As the U.S. shale gas revolution enters its third year, companies are making big bets to try to recreate that success with the billions of barrels of oil locked in the sedimentary rock even though geologists doubt the actual production potential.

Industry News and Events

SM Energy to raise $300-$500 mln via divestitures

published in: Reuters on: 08/24/2010 by: Staff
Oil and gas company SM Energy Co (SM.N) plans to raise at least $300-$500 million over the next 12 months via joint venture agreements and sale of assets, including its Marcellus shale positions.

U.S. research vessel sees few signs of spilled oil

published in: Reuters on: 08/24/2010 by: Anna Driver
Scientists above a U.S. research ship have started an around-the-clock search for elusive signs of oil lurking beneath the Gulf of Mexico’s surface in what they jokingly call “Operation Dipstick.

API discloses industry standards

published in: Washington Post on: 08/24/2010 by: Juliet Eilperin
The nation’s top oil and gas group has agreed to let the public see dozens of federal offshore drilling rules online for free — though they’ll still have to pay to print them out

Dominion, Marathon Oil pay $6.9 million settlement

published in: Associated Press on: 08/23/2010 by: Staff
Marathon Oil Co. and Dominion Oklahoma Texas Exploration and Production Inc. will pay $6.9 million to resolve claims the two Houston-based energy companies separately underpaid natural gas royalties to the government and Native Americans, the Department of Justice said Friday.

U.S. Saw Drill Ban Killing Many Jobs

published in: Wall Street Journal on: 08/23/2010 by: Stephen Power
Senior Obama administration officials concluded the federal moratorium on deepwater oil drilling would cost roughly 23,000 jobs, but went ahead with the ban because they didn’t trust the industry’s safety equipment and the government’s own inspection process, according to previously undisclosed documents.

Denver Petroleum Club Mentorship Program

Denver Petroleum Club announces its 2010-2011 mentorship program. Designed to bring established oil and gas industry leaders together with young industry professionals, this is a great opportunity to foster new leaders and develop relationships. Click here for more information and to fill out an application for the program. Help bridge the leadership gap in our industry by encouraging young professionals in your office to participate in this fulfilling professional development opportunity!

If you are interested in being a mentor, please contact Susan Fakharzadeh or 303-623-0987.

Entries for the 2010 IOGCC’s Chairman’s Stewardship Award

Must be received by Sept. 13, 2010

Energy Education

This award is resented to a group or organization that has created a program to educate the public about oil and natural gas and hundreds of ways it affects the lives of Americans.

Environmental Partnership

The Environmental Partnership award recognizes an innovative project led by a non-industry organization(s) in cooperation with industry partner(s).

Small Company

This award recognizes an innovative project by a small oil and natural gas company that demonstrates positive environmental stewardship. Small companies are those that operate in a limited area or region.

Large Company

This award recognizes an innovative project by a large oil and natural gas company that demonstrates positive environmental stewardship. Large companies are those that operate nationwide and in many instances internationally.

Click here for more information or to make an entry.

North Dakota Petroleum Council Annual Meeting

September 21-23, 2010 in Minot, ND

This year’s Annual Meeting has many great speakers and panels along with several networking opportunities including golf and sporting clays. Steven Wuori, President of Enbridge Pipelines, will deliver the keynote address during the Thursday industry luncheon. There are also several Bakken-related talks on the agenda.  Click here to register.

Front Range Energy Career Expo and Forum

September 24, 2010

The 2010 Front Range Energy Career Expo and Forum, which takes place at Red Rocks Community College, is designed as an educational event for high school students in the Denver Metro area to bring college representatives, energy companies, and students together in one location, to present information about college options and career opportunities to the future generation of leaders. This year’s event will be co-hosted by High Plains Communications, LLC and Red Rocks Community College.  Click here for a summary of the event.

Lunch will be provided for all attendees, and we will have separate break-out sessions for teachers and counselors. Please contact Jaime Gardner or (970) 597-0696 for more information. Click here to download the Expo/Booth registration form. Click here to download the sponsor form.

RPSEA 2010 Small Producer Program Request for Proposals Released

Proposals will be accepted well in advance of the due date, which is September 28, 2010, 4 p.m., Central Time.

The International Conference on Energy, Logistics and the Environment

October 7 – 9, 2010 in Denver, CO

Please visit www.globalconferenceforum.org for agenda, registration and sponsorship details.

Energy Moving Forward 2010

Presented by the GEM Program, University of Colorado Denver Business School

Sheraton Hotel, Denver CO

September 14, 2010

Click here for agenda, registration and sponsorship details

Content Policy

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