Exposing The Myth Of "Gasland"...It Is Just So Much Flatulence

A hat tip and thanks to Jim Kinser for this link to an important and very much-needed documentary reporting on the positive aspects of hydraulic fracturing.  Almost as important as "fracking" is to the production of oil and gas from "unconventional", previously uneconomic shale rocks is the film's exposure of the notoiously inaccurrate, distorted, inflamatory (pun intended) recent documentary film titled "Gasland".

From Jim Kinser, "FYI, there is also a documentary in post-production right now that claims to present our side of the fracking story entitled FrackNation and is soliciting contributions to finish the project. It's purpose is to counter Gasland's propaganda and deception. Check it out at"

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1009530098/fracknation

Gasland is, sad to say, is as biased and phony as Al Gore's now completely discredited documentary film, "An Inconvenient Truth".  See here for more on Al Gore and his decades-long hoax and pillage of the public's pocketbooks.

This new, pro-truth documentary about hydraulic fracturing sounds like a very worthwhile project and I encourage all who can to support it.  If we don't fight for the truth, who will?  Certainly not the environmental extremists who want to further damage America's economy.

As a personal aside, one of my first jobs in the oil and gas business was the exploration for, drilling and fracking of wells in the Wasatch Formation in Utah's Uinta Basin about 30 YEARS ago!
Pass this around.  People need to know the truth, or at least the other side of the story.
Peter

Al Gore should have been exposed and discredited long before he caused so much harm.  Nobel Peace Prize, Acadamy Award?  What a collasal joke!

Geologists Selling A Prospect Idea

Any geologist who has ever tried to sell a prospect to his boss or supervisor can relate to the following video about selling advertising.  Imagine the first geologists and engineers proposing a "horizontal well", or using "hydraulic fracturing".  I am certain they didn't have an easy time of it.  Yet look how far we have come. 

Watch the following video, I had to laugh and I bet you will too.  I think it is funny.  A geologist must be creative and creativity can sometimes be very difficult to sell.  We all know a snotty little supervisor like the character portrayed by Tom Cruise in the video.  Have a laugh and follow the links.  (oh, and join the Fellowship Of Scientific Truth
Peter

The TRUTH About Advertising

Clever, funny, and maybe with a bit of truth. We've all had a boss or a supervisor like young Tom Cruise. Click on the following youtube link.
Peter

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYEf8XZKlUU&feature=share

the truth about advertising.....(funny and clever)

Recognizing The Success And Development Of Gas Production From The Marcellus Shale

The development and application of the resources and technology to drill and produce gas and oil from formerly uneconomic rock formations like the Marcellus Shale is very, very significant and should be applauded.  The more this is recognized and shared, the more likely some of our political leaders will wake up and begin to create a better plan for America's energy needs.  I do believe we, geologists, engineers, investors.......everyone can play a role in creating a better future for America by educating others about how important this revolutionary ability to produce oil and gas from shale rocks really is.

An immediate hurdle is getting over the opposition to hydraulic fracturing.  Everyone knows that, but it is difficult overcoming the fear the so-called environmentalists are so adept at creating.  I think it can be done, by careful, patient, and clear education.
Peter

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Patrick Creighton; Travis Windle February 23, 2012 | PERMALINK | @MarcellusGas 724.745.0100 MSC Founder and First Chairman, Ray Walker, Named “Engineer of Year” Engineers' Society of Western Pa. honors Range’s Walker for outstanding Marcellus achievements   Pittsburgh, PA – At its 128th Annual Banquet, the Engineers' Society of Western Pennsylvania (ESWP) last night named Ray N. Walker, Jr. “Engineer of Year” for his pioneering Marcellus Shale natural gas development work. Walker, who co-founded the Marcellus Shale Coalition (MSC) and served as the organization’s first chairman, is Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Range Resources Corporation. Led by Walker, Range successfully drilled and completed the first Marcellus Shale natural gas well. “It’s a real privilege to receive this recognition, and I thank the Engineers' Society of Western Pennsylvania for its great work. More than anything, though, this award is truly a testament to and an affirmation of the tremendous talent and dedicated professionals we are fortunate to have at Range, including some of the industry’s best and brightest engineers,” said Walker. “Natural gas development from the Marcellus Shale has proven to be one of the most transformative and pivotal energy breakthroughs of our lifetime. It’s been an incredible experience, both professionally and personally, to be so closely involved in this positive progress for the region and our nation.” “Ray’s enthusiasm for the responsible development of clean, American natural gas is matched only by his passion to ensure that our industry remains committed to getting this historic opportunity right,” said Marcellus Shale Coalition president Kathryn Klaber. “This important recognition is well-deserved, and on behalf of the organization he helped to build, I thank Ray again for the enormous steps forward our industry has made, and continues to make, because of his thoughtful leadership and vision.” Click HERE to watch the tribute video presented at last night’s ceremony.

Marcellus Shale Coalition | 4000 Town Center Boulevard | Canonsburg, PA 15317 | www.marcelluscoalition.org

"Unconventional" Resources? No, New And Exciting!

Exactly what we need, a multidisciplinary approach, people working together and solving problems, making the world a better place.  Bravo.  I would love to see you all there.
Peter

Unconventional Resources Technology Conference — a new event from SPE, AAPG and SEG Tulsa, OK, February 22, 2012: Three of the world’s leading oil and gas professional societies will launch the Unconventional Resources Technology Conference (URTeC) 12-14 August 2013 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. A joint venture between the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG), and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), URTeC will for the first time bring together the key disciplines and technologies engaged in the development of North American unconventional resource plays. “URTeC will offer multidisciplinary technical and applied science sessions of broad interest,” said Ganesh Thakur, SPE 2012 President “and the accompanying exhibition will showcase cutting-edge developments in applications such as horizontal drilling, fracture technology, testing, logging and geophysics.” “Successful resource plays demand a multidisciplinary approach; it’s the way we’re all working,” said SEG President Bob Hardage. “Geology, geophysics and engineering are essential components, but individual expertise is no longer enough. In order to effectively develop these resources, our members must collaborate across disciplines. URTeC is designed to support that objective.” The URTeC concept was developed with direction from an industry advisory group led by representatives from Chesapeake, Devon, Anadarko, Shell, Statoil, ConocoPhillips, Schlumberger and many others. “The oil and gas industry has been encouraging AAPG, SPE and SEG to collaborate in this area for some time,” said Paul Weimer, AAPG President. “Although our societies frequently work together, URTeC may rank as our most significant joint venture in the United States since we all joined the Offshore Technology Conference in the late 1960s.” Collectively, the three societies represent more than 170,000 members worldwide. Recruitment for the URTeC technical program committee is under way. For more information and/or to participate on the committee visit the URTeC website at www.urtec.org.  About the societies American Association of Petroleum Geologists AAPG has been a leading organization for the science of geology worldwide. AAPG fosters scientific research and promotes technology in the field of geology. The Association serves members in more than 120 countries with publications, meetings, professional development and networking opportunities. Society of Exploration Geophysicists SEG promotes the science of exploration geophysics and related fields, including applications and research, fosters the common scientific interests of geophysicists, and maintains a high professional standing among its members. The Society, which has members in 138 countries, fulfills its mission through its publications, conferences, forums, website, and educational opportunities. Society of Petroleum Engineers SPE serves more than 104,000 members in 123 countries. SPE is a key resource for technical knowledge related to the oil and gas exploration and production industry and provides services through its publications, conferences, workshops and forums.

URTeC is managed by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists 1444 S. Boulder Ave. | Tulsa, OK 74119-3604 USA

Peak Oil? What Peak Oil? When?

Basically I think the following ten points about oil and gas production are correct.  The relatively new process of combining horizontal drilling to provide much greater access to oil and gas reservoirs, combined with multi-stage hydraulic fracturing to enhance flow rates is, as they say, a dramatic "game changer" in America's quest for energy independence.

It is not just the technology that makes this so exciting.  From this geologists perspective, what is really significant is this production is coming from organic-rich shales, arguably the most abundant sedimentary rock type on Earth.  Throw out all the old rules of exploration requiring source rock, maturation, migration, reservoir, structural trapping mechanism, and sealing rocks.  It is much simpler now.  What "Peak Oil"?  It's a brand new ball game.  Re-set the scoreboard, go long the drillers and oil field service companies.  Gentlemen (and women), start your engines.
Peter


10 Points To Consider When Examining The U.S. Quest For Energy Independence

http://seekingalpha.com/article/384031-10-points-to-consider-when-examining-the-u-s-quest-for-energy-independence?source=email_macro_view&ifp=0

We are currently at a time when domestic gasoline and diesel prices follow global fundamentals rather than domestic supply / demand dynamics. We are also at a juncture where natural gas is set to either remain a domestic fuel or become a global piece of the puzzle through LNG exports. At this time of uncertainty, it is good to take a step back and review the facts and forecasts to consider whether the U.S. can become energy dependent, and even if it does, will prices still be dictated on a global scale?

1) Oil production in North Dakota, has surpassed that of Opec member Ecuador, and is set to become the second largest oil producing state in the U.S. this year, surpassing Alaska and California.

2) EIA states that U.S. oil imports in 2005 = 60% of total consumption, U.S. oil imports in 2010 = 49%, U.S. oil imports In 2035 = 36%.

(Click to expand)

he

3) Bentek states over the next five years the U.S. will see 75 oil pipeline expansions, 25 railroad expansions, and 7 refinery expansions

4) The new kids on the block in terms of shale plays over the next five years taking over from Bakken, Marcellus, and Eagle Ford include Utica in Ohio, Niobrara in Colorado, and Monterey in California.  (Don't forget the father of them all, the Barnett Shale under me here in the Fort Worth Basin.  Peter)

5) EIA slashed the estimate for Marcellus gas shale reserves in its latest 2012 outlook, from 410 Tcf to 141 Tcf.

6) This led to a huge write-down in total U.S. gas shale reserves from 827 Tcf in last year's report to 482 Tcf in the 2012 report

7) According to Reuters / EIA, China is one of the largest holders of gas shale reserves at 1,275 Tcf



8) According to research by IHS CERA, 600k jobs have been created by shale in the U.S., with that set to reach 870k in 2015. This number is set to nearly double to 1.6mln by 2035.  (Someone explain this to the Obama Administration quick.....please.)

9) EIA is calling for shale to make up 49% of natural gas supply by 2035. IHS CERA is calling for this number to be more like 60%

10) EIA expects U.S. oil production to increase by 1.2mbd from 5.5mbpd in 2010 to 6.7mbpd in 2020. Bentek is somewhat more bullish, calling for an additional 2.2mbpd by 2016.

These 10 facts and stats all bode well for the U.S. (...even no.7, as multinational companies pump money into the U.S. / Canada to cut their teeth on joint ventures, before taking what they have learned and applying it globally). As for the downward revisions of estimates of natural gas reserves, they will continue to be revised up and down, but nevertheless new discoveries will be made.

It is impossible to predict whether prices will be dictated by global fundamentals in the future; all that can be said is that the U.S. is becoming increasing less reliant on other countries, and more reliant on itself. That has to be a good thing.

Disclosure: I have no positions in any stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 72 hours. 

About the author: Energy Burrito

Matt Smith spent his twenties working in investment management in London, England, before swapping his bowler hat for a banjo and moving to Louisville, KY, and Summit Energy. Matt is a Commodity Analyst at Summit, and produces a number of pieces of research across a number of global commodities.... More

• Company: Summit Energy
• Blog: Energy Burrito

No Evidence Of Groundwater Contamination From Hydraulic Fracturing

For those interested in the facts and real life applications and experience relating to the practice of hydraulic fracturing, the following study is excellent.
Peter

New Study Shows No Evidence of Groundwater

Contamination from Hydraulic Fracturing

MSC Statement on New University of Texas Report Confirming Fracturing's Safety Record  

Canonsburg, PA – A new report commissioned and funded by the University of Texas at Austin’s Energy Institute provides further, science-based confirmation that hydraulic fracturing “has no direct connection to reports of groundwater contamination.” The group of independent academic experts, along with input from the Environmental Defense Fund, also determined that “Media coverage of hydraulic fracturing is decidedly negative, and few news reports mention scientific research related to the practice,” which is tightly regulated.

Marcellus Shale Coalition (MSC) president Kathryn Z. Klaber issued the following statement regarding the new fact-based study:

“Entirely too often, the debate surrounding the responsible development of shale gas is clouded by rhetoric that is unsupported by the facts, proven data and substantiated science. This new study, however, aims to objectively separate fact from fiction, and does so effectively.

“Not surprisingly, though disappointingly, the study also captures the negative and one-sided nature of the media coverage surrounding shale gas development. Nonetheless, and as laid out in our Guiding Principles, our organization will continue to ‘encourage spirited public dialogue and fact-based education about responsible shale gas development.’”

NOTE: Click HERE to view the Energy Institute’s press release and HERE for the full study.

Shale Gas Saves Consumers Billions

Private industry trumps government bailouts, handouts, subsidies and central planning every time.  The abundance of natural gas now being produced through the innovative combination of "horizontal" drilling and hydraulic fracturing is creating a savings of over ONE HUNDRED BILLION DOLLARS to U.S. consumers.  This is money in your pocket to be spent on other  products and services.  It is a direct boost to the economy, and it is not some kind of artificial government stimulus using taxpayer dollars.  It is the real deal, not the usual hot air and empty promises of "green energy" coming from Washington.

To all of you working in the industry of finding, producing and distributing this gas, I salute and congratulate you.  Everyone in this country should know what a fine job you have done.  Certainly other countries all over the world are taking notice.  While I just saw where even former President Clinton is heaping praise on shale gas.  Imagine that.
Peter

Shale Gas $100 Billion Savings to U.S. Exceed Tax Cuts: Energy


January 26, 2012, 9:48 AM EST

By Mark Chediak

Jan. 26 (Bloomberg) -- Natural gas prices that slumped to a 10-year low this month could save U.S. consumers $16.5 billion on home energy bills over the course of a year, according to a senior economist at the U.S. Federal Reserve.



U.S. households might see total savings from lower gas prices of as much as $113 billion a year through 2015, including tack-on effects such as lower product prices and higher wages generated by cheaper fuel, according to energy industry consultants IHS Inc.



The projected savings is “an unbelievable amount of money,” said Greg Ebel, chief executive of Spectra Energy Corp., during a Jan. 17 interview. “That’s better than any tax cut you’ve seen out there, better than any government handout.”

Continue reading here:
 http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-01-26/shale-gas-100-billion-savings-to-u-s-exceed-tax-cuts-energy.html