U.S. service sector grows unexpectedly Sep 5, 2008
Prices are dropping for computers, copper pipe and natural gas, according to the survey. Real estate and rentals, mining, health care, education and utilities are all growing, according to the survey, while transportation, finance, hotels and wholesale trade are contracting. (MSNBC -- Business)
Apocalypse Dow! Sep 5, 2008
And now -- thanks to a hyperventilating financial media on permanent red alert -- we're focused obsessively on the "meltdown" of the housing market while wringing our hands over commodities "speculators" who are wreaking havoc with the price of everything from natural gas to corn. Sorry for all the scare quotes there. (MSNBC -- Business)
Canadian Western hit as resources dip Sep 5, 2008
Sluggish exploration activity in the natural gas sector and the slumping forestry industry, combined with higher lending costs and tighter margins, hurt results, chief executive officer Larry Pollock said in an interview yesterday ... Among other things, Canadian Western has been stung by the lack of exploration activity that's resulted from low natural gas prices. (Globe and Mail)
How Big Oil went from friend to foe in Alaska Sep 5, 2008
In her rousing speech Wednesday night to the Republican National Convention, the Alaska governor - and vice-presidential nominee - talked passionately about the need to drill for new oil and natural gas sources on American soil ... She has championed a licensing process for a multibillion-dollar natural gas pipeline that the major holders of the state's gas reserves boycotted ... His back-room negotiations with the major producers resulted in a controversial, tax-break-laden deal to build the... (Globe and Mail)
Canada Opposition Liberals Adjust Carbon Tax Plan Sep 5, 2008
Dion has said the tax on diesel, natural gas, coal and jet fuel, designed to cut the use of fossil fuels and the resulting emissions of greenhouse gases, would eventually raise C$15 billion (US$14 billion) a year. Prime Minister Stephen Harper, whose minority Conservative government has been in power since January 2006, is expected to call an election within days for Oct.14. (Planet Ark, United States)
Cat 4 Hurricane Ike Fiercer, Hanna Strengthens Sep 5, 2008
It was also too soon to say whether Ike would threaten US oil and natural gas producers in the Gulf of Mexico ... The Miami-based hurricane center said it was too early to say where Ike might go, after it churns through the Caribbean, but the storm has drawn the attention of energy companies running the 4,000 offshore platforms in the Gulf of Mexico that provide the United States with a quarter of its crude oil and 15 percent of its natural gas. (Planet Ark, United States)
Demand Seen Thin in First US Greenhouse Auction Sep 5, 2008
Carbon emissions fell in the Northeast last year as generation rose from nuclear power, which emits virtually no greenhouse pollution, generators burned more cleaner-burning natural gas rather than oil as prices fell, and as economic growth slowed, Environment Northeast said. Another reason the auction later this month could be less than spectacular is that New York, New Jersey, Delaware and New Hampshire, states that represent 55 percent of the cap, failed to finalize regulations in time and... (Planet Ark, United States)
Rice's North African tour aims to strengthen U.S. influence Sep 5, 2008
Boasting proven oil reserves of 36 billion barrels and natural gas reserves of 1. 3 trillion cubic meters, and vast unexplored new deposits, Libya looks like a huge cake in the eyes of the West, analysts said. (Xinhuanet, China)
At Conventions, A Green Revolution Sep 5, 2008
"Alternate power sources must enter the mainstream," it says, alongside provisions favoring more drilling for oil and natural gas and clean coal technologies. Both sides of the aisle are talking about renewable energy as a force for job creation. (Forbes -- Business)
Australia Should Reduce Carbon Emissions 10% by 2020, Climate Adviser Says Sep 5, 2008
8 percent last year as coal consumption outpaced crude oil and cleaner-burning natural gas, said. The task of reducing the risks of dangerous climate change to acceptable levels is immense,'' Garnaut said. (Bloomberg -- Australia & New Zealand)
See How Gov. Sarah Palin Bent the Facts Sep 5, 2008
And when that deal was struck, we began a nearly $40 billion natural gas pipeline to help lead America to energy independence. That pipeline, when the last section is laid and its valves are opened, will lead America one step farther away from dependence on dangerous foreign powers that do not have our interests at heart. (ABC News)
Billion-Dollar Storm: Gustav's Destruction Sep 5, 2008
The region accounts for about a quarter of U.S. oil production and 15 percent of its natural gas production ... Oil prices fell more than $4 a barrel in electronic trading Monday as investors became convinced of less damage to the oil and natural gas infrastructure ... Risk modeling firm EQECAT estimated that initial onshore insured losses from Gustav could range from $6 billion to $10 billion, primarily in Louisiana, and that oil and natural gas capacity could be cut by 5 percent for the next... (ABC News)
Why Ukraine's Pro-Western Coalition Split Sep 5, 2008
She'll use Cheney's visit to strengthen her ties with the U.S. even as she hews to the cautious E.U. line on Georgia, hoping to extract a more favorable natural gas deal from Russia in exchange for her moderate position. Ukraine, after all, is a vulnerable country, and one of its old peasant sayings has it that "a tender calf suckles two cows.". (Time.com)
Cheney's Real Mission in Georgia Sep 5, 2008
Vice President Dick Cheney, on a tour of former Soviet Republics, was working to shore up U.S. alliances in the wake of a mission whose outcome could have profound consequences for Washington's efforts to maintain and expand the flow of oil and natural gas to the West while bypassing Russia ... The Russians, for example, are offering to buy Azerbaijan's natural gas at market rates, rather than the long-term fixed rates negotiated in the Western contracts ... But Baku is currently on track to... (Time.com)
Duke seeks bids for N.C. solar plan Sep 5, 2008
Duke Energy s Carolinas operations include nuclear, coal-fired, natural gas and hydroelectric generation. The utility is a division of Charlotte-based (NYSE:DUK). (Charlotte Business Journal, NC)
Wall Street gets the jitters, again Sep 5, 2008
Of course, Alaska does have access to natural resources, in great abundance -- notably, oodles of crude oil and natural gas ... One of the biggest ongoing energy stories in Alaska is the nearly 30-year-long struggle to get a new mega-pipeline built that will ensure the state continues to live large off of its immense natural gas reserves for decades to come ... On one side, two energy companies that, along with Exxon, own potentially lucrative leases to pump natural gas in Alaska. (Salon)
Speculation swirls around the sell of First Calgary Petroleums Sep 5, 2008
3 billion project to develop a natural gas field in the North African country. Pierce said several suitors come to mind, including U.S. energy giant ConocoPhillips, as well as compamies in the Middle East or Russia. (Canoe.ca)
Gustav stalling US output Sep 5, 2008
5 per cent of U.S. natural gas production from the Gulf of Mexico remained shut, the Minerals Management Service said ... 6 per cent of natural gas output ... 4 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas, about 15 per cent of domestic production. (Calgary Herald)
Carnage on TSX pounds Calgary Sep 5, 2008
Market observers in Calgary said the volatility likely isn't over yet, suggesting shares in Canadian companies have been propped up by high commodity prices and that the recent fall in oil and natural gas prices has exposed the underlying weakness of the Canadian economy ... He said the slide is made more frustrating by the fact markets failed to reward Calgary firms with higher stock prices when oil and natural gas prices climbed to record levels in July ... I think the people who are on the... (Calgary Herald)
Oil prices close at 5-month low on U.S. gas report Sep 5, 2008
5 percent of natural gas output remained shut down as of Thursday ... Natural gas futures rose 5. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Alaska Approves Revised Law Lifting Taxes for Oil Companies Sep 4, 2008
Mr. Murkowski proposed the new taxes and credits as a way to encourage oil companies to develop mammoth reserves of natural gas and build a pipeline to bring the gas from the North Slope to markets. While crude oil from the North Slope is sent to markets, the gas extracted is reinjected into the ground. (Yahoo News -- Energy Policy)
Malaysian Exports Unexpectedly Rise at Fastest Pace in Almost Four Years Sep 4, 2008
8 percent from a year ago, while shipments of liquefied natural gas rose 33. 4 percent. (Bloomberg -- Asia)
Cost of Inefficiency Sep 4, 2008
The Nicholas Stern Committee report recommendations on climate change had said that a carbon tax could be imposed on all coal, natural gas and oil production since it would be more effective than relying wholly on a cap-and-trade market-based system. Ultimately, a well-planned and executed carbon tax policy could pay for the social costs of carbon, provided also that the tax amount goes into a fund for developing alternative energy options like solar and wind power. (India Times, India)
Saving green Sep 4, 2008
And it s not just natural gas, which experts say will be far more expensive this winter than last, making heating bills dangerously high. No, it seems energy costs of all kinds are on the minds of both consumers and business owners, from homeowners to small business people to large companies. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
Full text: Sarah Palin Sep 4, 2008
And when that deal was struck, we began a nearly $40bn natural gas pipeline to help lead America to energy independence. That pipeline, when the last section is laid and its valves are opened, will lead America one step farther away from dependence on dangerous foreign powers that do not have our interests at heart. (BBC News)
Venoco Increases 2008 Capital Budget to $300 Million Sep 4, 2008
"Venoco has increased production during the year while laying the foundation for future growth." About the Company Venoco is an independent energy company primarily engaged in the acquisition, exploitation and development of oil and natural gas properties in California and Texas. Venoco operates three offshore platforms in the Santa Barbara Channel, has non-operated interests in three other platforms, operates four onshore properties in Southern California, has extensive operations in Northern... (PR Newswire)
2008 Republican National Convention: Remarks As Prepared for Delivery by Texas Railroad Commission Chairman Michael Williams Sep 4, 2008
We can responsibly drill for oil and natural gas here in America and protect God's creation. These things are not mutually exclusive. (PR Newswire)
2008 Republican National Convention: Remarks as Prepared for Delivery by Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico Luis Fortuno Sep 4, 2008
By expanding domestic oil and natural gas exploration and production; by changing the way we power our cars; by investing in clean, alternative sources of energy. and under President McCain's leadership we will become a leader in the new global green economy; by protecting our environment and addressing climate change; by promoting energy efficiency; and, finally, by cracking down on the speculative pricing of oil. (PR Newswire)
US Economy Remains Weak, Fed Finds Sep 4, 2008
Commercial construction showed signs of weakening in all parts of the country except Texas and surrounding states -- likely because oil and natural gas production in that area has boosted the regional economy. Prices remained high across the nation, but there are some signs that the pressures are abating as the prices of oil and other commodities begin to fall on global markets. (Washington Post)
Azerbaijan: Cheney Seeks to Keep Baku Tilted Toward the West Sep 4, 2008
Cheney s first stop September 3 was Azerbaijan, where he announced Washington s intention to ensure a "free stream" of oil and natural gas from the Caspian Basin to the West. For Azerbaijan, the Cheney visit signals the rapid approach of a moment when it will have to choose geopolitical sides between the United States and Russia, local experts say. (EurasiaNet.org)
EU Summit on Georgia: A Case of Great Expectations? Sep 4, 2008
Russia ranks as one of the European Union s largest trading partners and is a major supplier of natural gas to EU member states. Some Moscow-based analysts have interpreted a comment by Sarkozy that the summit "was not directed against Russia" as a sign that Brussels understands that dependency, and will moderate its response. (EurasiaNet.org)
European Parliament adopts report on hydrogen Sep 4, 2008
Proposals include vehicles propelled by pure hydrogen, produced as far as possible from renewable energies, with mixtures of hydrogen and natural gas or biomethane no more than a transitional technology; expanding the regulation s scope to motorcycles; and ensuring that rescue services are able to identify the vehicle s hydrogen power source, initially with label schemes and then with longer-term options such as eCall, which automatically sends a signal to rescue services from the vehicle in the... (CanadianDriver)
Developing China with sovereign credit Sep 4, 2008
In 1985, taking advantage of a weakened antitrust regime, Enron was formed from a merger of Houston Natural Gas and InterNorth Gas of Omaha, Nebraska. By 2000, Enron had grown into the largest natural gas merchant in North America, eventually branching out from a pipeline company into a major trader of energy, electricity and other commodities such as water, coal and steel. (Asia Times Online)
Fed: Economic conditions in Ohio, surrounding areas weaker Sep 4, 2008
Coal prices were up, while oil prices fell and natural gas prices held steady. Hiring in the industry was up for the region as about half of the Fed s contacts added staff, while most are planning further additions in the future. (Columbus Business First, OH)
ONGC says no to OVL listing Sep 4, 2008
NEW DELHI: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation on Thursday said it has no plans to list its overseas subsidiary ONGC Videsh Ltd (OVL) and has 'ready cash' to meet fund acquisition of UK-listed Imperial Energy. "It is absolutely nonsense. We have no plans to list OVL," ONGC Chairman and Managing Director R S Sharma said while commenting on reports that ONGC may list OVL to fund the $2. (India Times)
Pa. coal region county partially switches to gas Sep 4, 2008
A county in the hard coal region of eastern Pennsylvania is installing boilers that can burn coal or natural gas to heat its courthouse and jail after a complete switch to natural gas drew fire ... The ability of the flex boilers to burn natural gas during milder fall and spring weather and switch to anthracite in the colder winter months is expected to save about 1 million over 15 years ... The county had been negotiating with Honeywell International to convert completely to natural gas but... (Somerset Daily American, PA)
Cubic Energy Could be a Buy if Natural Gas Prices Rise ... Sep 4, 2008
Cubic Energy Could be a Buy if Natural Gas Prices Rise Again - FOXBusiness ... Cubic Energy Could be a Buy if Natural Gas Prices Rise Again ... The Haynesville field is a large potential source of oil shale and gas shale, which are potential sources of raw crude oil and natural gas. (Fox News)
Company hunts for oil in SW Iowa Sep 4, 2008
It was drilled by Ozona Natural Gas Co. of Conroe, Texas. Robert McKay of the Iowa Geological Survey says a drilling log shows the well was plugged, but a formal report hasn't been filed. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Bright ideas can save money, generate some good times Sep 4, 2008
We all use electricity and natural gas, but there are ways to use less. Advertisement. (Lompoc Record, CA)
Solana Resources Limited ("Solana" or the "Company") - Los Aceites-1 Positive Test Results - Guachiria Block - Llanos Basin - Colombia Sep 4, 2008
com) is an international resource company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and production of oil and natural gas. The Company's properties are located in Colombia, South America and are held through its wholly owned subsidiary, Solana Petroleum Exploration (Colombia) Limited. (Canada Newswire)
Palin casts herself as Washington outsider Sep 4, 2008
She claimed that "we began a nearly $40 billion natural gas pipepline," when no pipeline construction is guaranteed. She did push through a plan to give a state license and $500 million subsidy to a Canadian pipeline company to pursue construction of pipeline. (Anchorage Daily News)
Text of Sarah Palin's speech Sep 4, 2008
" I know just the kind of people that writer had in mind when he praised Harry Truman.I grew up with those people.They are the ones who do some of the hardest work in America ... who grow our food, run our factories, and fight our wars.They love their country, in good times and bad, and they're always proud of America. I had the privilege of living most of my life in a small town.I was just your average hockey mom, and signed up for the PTA because I wanted to make my kids' public education... (Anchorage Daily News)
A look at Palin's record Sep 4, 2008
NATURAL GAS LINE PARTNERSHIP ... The $500 million (that Gov. Palin needs to finance her proposed natural gas pipeline deal) buys Alaska a way to break that hammerlock on our gas. (Anchorage Daily News)
Grasslands Pipeline expansion planned to meet capacity demand Sep 4, 2008
Published: Tuesday, September 2, 2008 12:34 PM MDT A pipeline that carries natural gas from the Powder River Basin in Wyoming to North Dakota will reach capacity in a year because of demand ... The Williston Basin Grasslands Pipeline is a 250-mile natural gas pipeline from the Gillette area to Dunn County, N.D. It was built in 2003 and is operated by the Williston Basin Interstate Pipeline Co., a subsidiary of MDU Resources Group Inc., of Bismarck ... The line now pipes 138 million cubic feet of... (Gillette News-Record, WY)
Barack Obamas Acceptance Speech Sep 4, 2008
As President, I will tap our natural gas reserves, invest in clean coal technology, and find ways to safely harness nuclear power. I'll help our auto companies re-tool, so that the fuel-efficient cars of the future are built right here in America. (Gillette News-Record, WY)
Oil Steady in Asia Ahead of US Inventory Report Sep 4, 2008
However, about 96 percent of oil production in the Gulf and about 92 percent of natural gas output remained shut down on Wednesday, according to the U.S. Minerals Management Service, as energy firms assessed platforms, rigs and pipelines and worked to redeploy evacuated workers. The Gulf area is home to a quarter of U.S. oil production and 40 percent of refining capacity. (ABC News -- Wire)
Natural gas prices leveling off Sep 4, 2008
Officials with NorthWestern Energy, the state's largest natural gas and electric utility, said they'll step up promotion of conservation programs available for customers. On Wednesday, the company launched an expanded rebate program for energy-saving steps aimed at natural gas customers ... NorthWestern has about 180,000 natural gas customers in Montana. (Montana Standard, MT)
Cheney in ex-Soviet energy call Sep 4, 2008
There are plans for another pipeline to take natural gas from Azerbaijan and Central Asia and transporting it from Turkey to Austria. Our correspondent says that, as far as the US and the EU are concerned, the new pipeline is vital if the West is to avoid becoming too energy dependent on Moscow. (BBC News -- Europe)
Fed's lastest survey: Texas economy stronger than most Sep 4, 2008
Oil and natural gas prices remain at high levels when compared to 2007, according to the survey ... A significant portion of new drilling activity in the most recent period was related to land-based natural gas activity in the Barnett and Haynesville shale. (Dallas Business Journal, TX)
ExxonMobil returns workers to safe areas in Gulf Coast region Sep 4, 2008
Irving-based ExxonMobil (NYSE: XON) also indicated that gross production volume of approximately 37,000 barrels a day of oil and 600 million cubic feet of natural gas per day remains suspended. Reader Comments. (Dallas Business Journal, TX)
Gustav's impact on nation's energy won't be known for a few days Sep 4, 2008
In recent days, oil companies shut down virtually all oil and natural gas production in the Gulf, and the storm's threat halted about 15 percent of the nation's refining capacity based in the region ... Eqecat Inc., a risk modeling firm, projected Monday that Gustav could knock out capacity for about 5 percent of both oil and natural gas production for the next year ... The U.S. Gulf Coast is home to nearly half the nation's refining capacity, while offshore the Gulf accounts for about 25... (KSLA.com, LA)
Senior Subjects: Driving for a change Sep 4, 2008
And there are two cylinders for natural gas (by that I mean liquid petroleum LPG gas) in the trunk. (About where we put our luggage, he s saying nothing). (Lincoln Journal, MA)
NEW ATLANTIC THREAT Sep 4, 2008
It was also too soon to say whether Ike would threaten U.S. oil and natural gas producers in the Gulf of Mexico ... The Miami-based hurricane center said it was too early to say where Ike might go, after it churns through the Caribbean, but the storm has drawn the attention of energy companies running the 4,000 offshore platforms in the Gulf of Mexico that provide the United States with a quarter of its crude oil and 15 percent of its natural gas. (AlertNet)
Community meetings set for Vectren price increases Sep 4, 2008
PUCO approved Vectren s plan this spring that would give customers natural gas at the wholesale market price each month, plus an additional built-in amount that will be set through an auction among natural gas suppliers ... Vectren, through its subsidiary Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio, is the Dayton area s natural gas provider. (Dayton Business Journal, OH)
Family smelled gas before explosion Sep 4, 2008
Officials on Wednesday were looking into the possibility that a natural gas leak was the cause. Some neighbors reported that there was lightning shortly before Tuesday's explosion, but Fargo Fire Marshal Norm Scott said Wednesday that an investigator found no evidence of a lightning strike in the area. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
County residents can get credits for residential solar systems Sep 4, 2008
LPEA's funding supports electric water heating, while 4CORE will oversee homes with natural gas or propane. The rebates of $1,500 to $3,000 are for new systems only; those applying must perform an energy audit of their homes. (Durango Herald)
Sarah Palin claims her historic spot Sep 4, 2008
The Alaska governor called for more drilling for oil and natural gas in her home state. "Take it from a gal who knows the North Slope of Alaska. We've got lots of both," she said. (Durango Herald)
Deal ends feud over BP's Russia venture Sep 4, 2008
J-W Operating Company is an energy development and energy services company specializing in natural gas compression, gathering, E ll servicing and gas measurement. www. (Yahoo News -- Top Stories)
G4G Resources Forms Subsidiary Company to Produce Ultra-Clean Transportation Fuels Using the Fischer Tropsch Process Sep 4, 2008
AFC will work towards producing synthetic fuels from municipal waste and stranded natural gas using the new generation Fischer Tropsch technology developed by the Centre of Materials and Process Synthesis (COMPS) situated at The University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg ("Wits") ... The feedstock can be as varied as municipal waste, old tires, natural gas, flared gas from oil wells or coal, but more importantly the fuel produced is free of sulfur, particulates and nitrous compounds ... Further... (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
Resource rout claims hedge fund Sep 4, 2008
The Ospraie Fund, which focuses on natural gas, oil, metals and other resources, boasted assets of almost $4-billion (U.S.) at its peak last year, but so far in 2008 it is down 39 per cent - including a gut-wrenching 27-per-cent slide in August ... Natural gas casualties ... -Notoriously volatile natural gas, used to produce fertilizer, heat homes and generate electricity, has fallen 41 per cent since the end of June, twice as much as oil. (Globe and Mail)
U.S. easily top military spender Sep 4, 2008
Mr. Smith said Russia's military budget took an enormous hit in the 1990s, but has been built back up, thanks to revenue from the country's booming oil and natural gas industries. The report predicts a decline in Russia military exports by 2010 as its traditional markets, China and India, try to become more self-sufficient. (Globe and Mail)
Delco Republicans impressed by VP candidate Sep 4, 2008
"She's been an agent of change and reform and they like that she's bringing that to the campaign." Williams, who has talked with Palin face-to-face, noted she hails from the state at the center of a raging debate over energy policy and recently pushed a bill through her state legislature for a new natural gas pipeline ... "She is an expert when it comes to oil and natural gas, our two largest resources in our country, and how to make use of them." Williams added that Palin's historic position as... (The Delaware County Times, PA)
Belding City Council bans outdoor wood burners Sep 4, 2008
I think it's ridiculous, the whole boiler thing is that you're cleaning the woods up, you're not depending on fossil fuels or natural gas, it's better for the environment, Alberts said. From what I've seen, this whole ordeal is based on false, outdated information. (Ionia Sentinel-Standard, MI)
We can produce our own energy Sep 4, 2008
Industry energy experts in this country have stated that we have enough natural gas to last 114 years, oil to last 240 years and coal 10,000 years. Current technology has made obtaining and using these resources clean and effi cient. (NJ.com -- Times)
Duke seeks bids for N.C. solar plan Sep 4, 2008
Duke Energy s Carolinas operations include nuclear, coal-fired, natural gas and hydroelectric generation. The company is a division of Charlotte-based (NYSE: DUK), which provides power to much of the western Triangle. (Triangle Business Journal)
