Defending U.S. Shale Plays from the EPA

Keith Kohl

Written By Keith Kohl

Posted March 27, 2010

Welcome to Energy and Capital’s weekend edition — our insights in investing, as well as the top stories this week from Energy and Capital and our sister publications.


It’s a whole different story when it comes to developing our unconventional shale fields.

One of the growing debates waging in the unconventional oil and gas scene is the subject of hydraulic fracturing. As you know, the process came under scrutiny in New York this year, as opposition mounted over drilling in the city’s watershed.

Of course, the issue seems to be nothing more than a publicity stunt.

In fact, drilling in the city’s watershed is almost a non-issue. The only company with leases in that area — Chesapeake Energy — has continually said the company isn’t interested in drilling there.

Let’s be serious, they’re not going to ban drilling in the Marcellus shale formation. The U.S. shale basins are one of the few reasons to be bullish on natural gas, as well as one of the best opportunities for investors — especially when the supply glut eases.

Here are some of the latest headlines to cross my desk:

  • Former President George W. Bush recently praised the technological advancements made in order to develop unconventional natural gas sources across the U.S. Of course, this isn’t exactly a shock for Energy and Capital readers… We’ve been covering the rise of U.S. shale plays since the Barnett started gaining fame back in 2006.

  • Need more proof that the shale boom hasn’t lost any steam? Here’s a look at the number of shale rigs operating vs. the U.S. land rig count. Then again, we’re not the only ones that recognize the role that shale gas will play in the future.

  • In another move to increase their shale gas position, Statoil recently shelled out $253 million to Chesapeake for approximately 59,000 net acres in the Marcellus shale formation. Some of you might remember when Statoil purchased 600,000 Marcellus acres from Chesapeake back in 2008.

  • Last week, I reported on the reasons why the EPA is trying to control by regulating the hydraulic fracturing process. So far, the industry seems unconcerned. The American Petroleum Institute reiterated its position on debate: "… hydraulic fracturing is a safe and well understood technology for producing oil and gas."

Enjoy your weekend,

keith kohl

Keith Kohl
Energy and Capital


P.S. In case you missed some of our top stories this week from Energy and Capital or our sister publications, I’ve included them below:

The EIA Oil Report Debacle: Is there Panic at the EIA?
Editor Keith Kohl reports on the latest EIA mishap and how their flawed system caused a premature spike in crude oil prices.

Boise Basin’s Gold Fire Sale: Consider this Your Precious Metals Weekly Circular
$50.61 for an ounce of gold might seem outlandish, but for the next 48-72 hours, it’s a reality… This new report from Wealth Daily explains how you can sink your teeth into this bargain price — made possible thanks to one of North America’s greatest gold secrets — as well as the four ironclad reasons why the rush to buy gold has never been stronger.

The Death of Death: A Small, Unknown American Biotech Making Waves
For investors, the biotech sector is just getting started. But it’s up to you whether you want to rake in those gains for yourself, or take a seat on the sidelines to watch other investors make a small fortune in the latest trends. Read our latest report to learn about the next biotech company set to take stage in the media spotlight.

Bill Gross Bets on Solar Thermal with eSolar: Profitability Fixing Solar’s Soft Spots
Energy and Capital Editor Nick Hodge highlights the trading success of pioneer Bill Gross, focusing on his recent move in the solar industry.

Invest in Gold Now: Gold is Still a Screaming Buy
Wealth Daily‘s Greg McCoach explains why gold bull market is far from over. Learn more about his favorite gold stocks in his latest report.

Small Modular Reactors: A Nuclear Power Game Changer
Editor Steve Christ takes a moment to show readers how they can profit from the nuclear revival, and breaks down several opportunities for investors to jump into the nuclear market.

ObamaCare: The Thin Edge of the Wedge: A Look at our Happy, New Entitlement
Wealth Daily Editor Christian A. DeHaemer gives you the future of Obamacare as he sees it.

North Dakota’s Recession-Proof Secret: Taking the Bakken Bull by the Horns
Energy and Capital readers have experienced the Bakken boom firsthand. During their first round of profits, they walked away with 103%, 45% and 114%… and that’s just to name a few of their winners. Check out this bonus report, free to Energy and Capital readers, to find out how they pulled gains like those. You’ll be privy to three Bakken stocks profiting from the country’s #1 oil play.

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