Gene Grant covers local public affairs and politics with the Line. Guests: John Bemis, Sec of Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Dept., Ray Powell, NM Land Commissioner. NMOGA’s Director of Communications, Wally Drangmeister appears on the “Line Panel.”

A Special EARTH DAY Program dedicated to Ecological Issues. Produced by Matt Grubs.

Watch April 20, 2012 | s5e43 on PBS. See more from New Mexico In Focus.

• Colorado School of Mines, Penn State University and The University of Texas at Austin Create New Training Programs for the Rapidly Growing Natural Gas Development Sector
• GE and ExxonMobil Each to Contribute $1 Million to the New Education Initiative
• Academic Institutions to Develop Programs to Provide Regulators and Policymakers Access to the Latest Shale Resource Technology and Best Practices

HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Colorado School of Mines, Penn State University and the University of Texas at Austin today announced a new training initiative to support the rapidly growing shale natural gas and oil development sector. The training programs created under the initiative will be led by the faculty at each academic institution and are designed to ensure that regulators and policymakers have access to the latest technology and operational expertise to assist in their important oversight of shale development.

ExxonMobil and GE (NYSE: GE), two of America’s leading energy corporations, today announced they would each contribute $1 million to this new educational initiative.

“Regulators have said that the need for increased training is one of their highest priorities due to the rapid expansion of shale resource development and the equally active evolution of technologies and best practices in the field,” said Gary Pope, director of The Center for Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering (CPGE) at The University of Texas at Austin.

To meet this demand, CPGE, which provides engineering leadership and technology innovation related to energy and the environment with special emphasis on the production of hydrocarbons from both conventional and unconventional sources, added an Education, Training and Outreach Program, directed by Dr. Hilary Clement Olson.

“This funding provides us with the resources to broaden our partnerships and our scope to create a new training program for regulators in the oil and gas industry that is collaborative and interdisciplinary,” said Olson.

Thomas Murphy, co-director of the Penn State Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research, said, “The Shale Gas Regulators Training program affords the university a unique opportunity to further develop shale gas best management practices and to offer new regulators the chance to learn the latest science-based concepts related to geology, petroleum technology and environmental quality. Penn State looks forward to providing development training that will help ensure a strong, yet consistent, regulator process across the Appalachian Basin.”

Colorado School of Mines President M.W. Scoggins said, “Colorado School of Mines’ focused mission to educate the next generation of engineers and applied scientists fosters a natural partnership in this consortium. Our specialized curriculum and research program centered on responsible resource development is helping to enhance global understanding of our most pressing earth, energy and environmental challenges.”

Added Colorado School of Mines’ Dr. Azra N. Tutuncu, who is director of the school’s Unconventional Natural Gas and Oil Institute (UNGI) and Harry D. Campbell Chair in Petroleum Engineering, “The Unconventional Natural Gas and Oil Institute at Colorado School of Mines provides training for developing unconventional resources in an environmentally sound, safe and economically viable manner—the oil and gas industry as well as state and federal regulators and policymakers benefit from this expertise.”

The series of courses, which will primarily focus on the development of shale resources, will cover:

Petroleum geology, both conventional and nonconventional;
Petroleum technology, including principles of drilling operations and well design, as well as facility design and operation;
Environmental management technologies and practices, including water treatment and management, waste treatment and management, air emission control technologies, spill prevention and planning and response; and
Federal and state oil and gas regulatory requirements, including permitting and reporting, plus compliance assessment.

GE and ExxonMobil believe that natural gas plays a critical role in America’s energy future. When used for power generation, natural gas emits up to 60 percent less CO2 than coal. The integration of two proven technologies—horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing—has opened up more than 100 years supply of natural gas for U.S. homes and business, creating an unprecedented pathway to enhanced energy security for the country. Natural gas also enables more renewable energy to join the power grid as next generation gas turbines help ensure grid stability by quickly ramping up and down to generate electricity when wind or solar power is intermittent.

“America’s shale energy resources are creating jobs and economic growth in regions across the country, and Americans rightly want to know that these resources are being produced safely and responsibly,” ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson said. “ExxonMobil is pleased to provide the resources to assist the schools in equipping regulators with the latest technical and operational knowledge being applied in this growing sector.”

GE CEO Jeff Immelt said, “Natural gas is dramatically changing the way we power America, and GE is committed to its responsible development. We believe advanced technology, an expert workforce and smart regulation are the keys to America leading the world in shale gas development. As a technology leader in the energy sector, GE recognizes the importance of minimizing a site’s environmental footprint while simultaneously increasing operational efficiency.”

GE and ExxonMobil note that while hydraulic fracturing, horizontal drilling and other technologies used to produce shale resources are not new, they are being used today on a larger scale than ever before. Therefore, it is critical that regulators and policymakers have access to a sound scientific understanding of shale energy development and are fully aware of the technologies required to produce these resources safely and efficiently, while protecting the environment. That is why the two companies have offered their support for the professional development programs developed by these universities.

GE produces nearly 40 technologies for the shale resource sector in areas such as mobile and fixed water filtration, flare gas capture and reuse, cleaner on-site power generation and demand-side solutions that create liquefied natural gas or compressed natural gas for applications such as in truck fleets.

ExxonMobil is the world’s largest non-government owned energy company and applies advanced technology to the development and production of oil, natural gas and petrochemicals. The company is the largest natural gas producer in the United States, with a significant position in the production of shale resources in Pennsylvania, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Oklahoma and North Dakota.

About GE

GE (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter. The best people and the best technologies taking on the toughest challenges. Finding solutions in energy, health and home, transportation and finance. Building, powering, moving and curing the world. Not just imagining. Doing. GE works. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.ge.com.

GE Energy works connecting people and ideas everywhere to create advanced technologies for powering a cleaner, more productive world. With more than 100,000 employees in over 100 countries, our diverse portfolio of product and service solutions and deep industry expertise help our customers solve their challenges locally. We serve the energy sector with technologies in such areas as natural gas, oil, coal and nuclear energy; wind, solar, biogas and water processing; energy management; and grid modernization. We also offer integrated solutions to serve energy- and water-intensive industries such as mining, metals, marine, petrochemical, food & beverage and unconventional fuels.

Follow GE Energy on Twitter @GE_Energy.

About ExxonMobil

ExxonMobil, the world’s largest publicly traded international oil and natural gas company, is committed to producing the energy needed for economic progress in a safe, reliable and environmentally responsible manner.

The company uses technology and innovation to help meet the world’s growing energy needs, investing approximately $1 billion annually on research and technology development. ExxonMobil holds an industry-leading inventory of resources, is the largest refiner and marketer of petroleum products, and its chemical company is one of the largest in the world.

For more information, visit www.exxonmobil.com and follow ExxonMobil on Twitter @exxonmobil.

About Penn State

The Pennsylvania State University is a state-related, land-grant university located in University Park, Pa. Penn State has 24 campuses throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including undergraduate locations as well as special-mission campuses such as the Penn College of Technology in Williamsport, Pa. The University awards more associate, bachelor’s and graduate degrees than any other institution in the Commonwealth. Its mission is to improve the lives of the people of Pennsylvania, the nation and the world through integrated, high-quality programs in teaching, research and service. Penn State has significant expertise in shale gas geology, reservoir engineering, and related sciences, including water resource management, and is a leader in advancing the understanding of the environmental, economic and social issues related to Marcellus and other shale gas development.

About Colorado School of Mines

Colorado School of Mines is a uniquely focused public research university dedicated to preparing exceptional students to solve today’s most pressing energy and environmental challenges. Mines has an international reputation for excellence in engineering education and the applied sciences with special expertise in the development and stewardship of the earth’s resources. The Unconventional Natural Gas and Oil Institute (UNGI) at Mines nurtures multidisciplinary research opportunities in the worldwide development of unconventional resources. For more information, visit http://mines.edu and http://ungi.mines.edu.

About UT-Austin

The Center for Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering (CPGE) at The University of Texas at Austin is an interdisciplinary research organization that is home to world-renowned academic researchers. The organization provides engineering leadership and technology innovation related to energy and the environment with special emphasis on the production of hydrocarbons from both conventional and unconventional sources. CPGE’s new Education, Training and Outreach Program, hosted at UT Austin, is involved with workforce training and capacity building in the area of carbon storage. In addition, it leads professional development programs related to energy, climate and water for teachers from Texas.

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Contacts

GE Energy
Sean Gannon, 212-587-5059
sean.gannon@ge.com
or
ExxonMobil
Alan Jeffers, 972-444-1107
alan.t.jeffers@exxonmobil.com
or
Edelman
Rob Discher, 512-634-3654
robert.discher@edelman.com
or
The University of Texas at Austin
Melissa Mixon, 512-471-2129
Public Affairs Representative, Cockrell School of Engineering Communications Team
melissa.mixon@austin.utexas.edu
or
Colorado School of Mines Public Relations
Karen Gilbert, 303-273-3541
kgilbert@mines.edu
or
Penn State
Lisa Powers, 814-865-7517
Director, Department of Public Information
lmpowers@psu.edu

ARTESIA, NM— Mr. Mack Chase, Founder of Mack Energy Corporation will be recognized for his outstanding leadership and dedication to the state of New Mexico at the 2012 Leadership New Mexico Annual Awards Dinner on April 27th in Albuquerque.

The Distinguished Leadership Award recognizes an individual who has used their leadership skills to improve the quality of life for New Mexican citizens. The recipient of this year’s Distinguished Leadership Award, Mack Chase, is a citizen of Artesia and has had a significant, positive impact on the oil and gas industry, southeastern New Mexico and the state. Mack started in the oil industry working with his brother, George, and has since expanded his operations to include: Buffalo Supply Company, Carlsbad Insurance Agency, Chase Farms, Caza Ranches, Deerhorn Aviation, Paddock Café, and Yucca Healthcare Center. Mack formed the Chase Foundation in 2006 as a way to give back to his community. Since 2007, the foundation has committed $8.5 million and over 700 college scholarships to students from Artesia.

The 2012 Leadership New Mexico Annual Alumni Awards Dinner will be Friday, April 27 at the Sandia Resort and Casino in Albuquerque. Registration forms for sponsorship opportunities and dinner tickets are available online at www.leadershipnm.org or by calling 505-241-4800.

Since its founding in 1995, Leadership New Mexico has provided a non-partisan perspective on statewide topics of concern and opportunities for improvement. The organization identifies current and emerging leaders throughout New Mexico, enhances their leadership skills and deepens their knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing our state. The Core Program, Local Government Leadership Program and Connect New Mexico Programs contribute to developing a larger understanding of these issues and ultimately prepare the leaders of today and tomorrow to meet these challenges with innovation and enthusiasm. By engaging participants in solution-seeking communication, Leadership New Mexico encourages its graduates to assume leadership roles on community and statewide issues and develop networks for effective leadership. Since Leadership New Mexico’s inception, nearly 1,000 participants from 74 communities across the state have explored the issues facing our state through participation in Leadership New Mexico programs.

Image Courtesy of API

To many walking the planet, fracking has a seriously bad reputation. Thanks to hyperbole and misinformation, fracking opponents have convinced a lot of people that the operators who drill and then hydraulically fracture underground rock layers thumb their noses at and even hate the environment.

Anti-fracking claims may be twists on reality – for example, that a legislative loophole makes fracking exempt from the America’s Safe Drinking Water Act, when really this federal legislation never regulated fracking because it is a state concern. Then there’s the completely absurd, such as the idea that frac operators are allowed to and regularly do inject frac fluids directly into underground water supplies.

We decided to set the record straight by using facts, not playing on emotion like many of the frac-tivists do. It’s important because unconventional oil and gas constitute an increasingly pivotal part of the world’s energy scene. In the United States, where shale gas abounds but imported energy rules the day, this is especially true.

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Like all Americans, I want to protect wildlife in both good and bad times. Gifford Pinchot, the first Chief of the US Forest Service once said, “Conservation means the wise use of the earth and its resources for the lasting good of men.” I concur wholeheartedly. Mr. Pinchot was one of the most publicly known conservationists of the 20th century, and recognized that to have healthy forests controlled thinning operations must take place. He believed as I do that conservation should never mean tying our hands to economic development or good stewardship of our lands, but instead should be about finding a balance between jobs and resource protection.

I have always advocated balance, which is why I support the cooperative efforts between private stakeholders, federal officials and local governments through the Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA), which allows private landholders to enroll their land and money in a program designed to protect the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard without listing it. This is a reasonable approach that will serve New Mexico well by protecting our environment and our economy simultaneously. Of course, common sense is usually in short order when it comes to DC lawyers and lobbyists with their hands on taxpayer dollars.

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by Senator Doug Whitsett
Oregon State Senator,

“Extreme preservationist groups are routinely using the provisions of the Act to enrich their own coffers while forcing the exclusion of human activity and destroying private property rights. The good news is that Congress is finally attempting to take action. As Chair of the powerful Committee on Natural Resources, Washington Congressman “Doc” Hastings has scheduled a series of hearings on these Endangered Species Act issues.”

The Endangered Species Act was intended to identify animal and plant life that is determined to be in peril of extinction and to recover those species. This original purpose was and remains a laudable goal. However, the Act has two fundamental flaws.

The first is that no economic considerations are permitted to be included as part of the determination in listing the species. The second provides that prevailing plaintiffs are entitled to recover their attorney fees and costs but they are not required to pay the costs if the government prevails. These provisions have allowed the intent, implementation and outcomes of the Act to be hijacked to serve the greed and exploitation of preservationist factions both inside and outside of government agencies.
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FARMINGTON — The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has granted an exception to a seasonal wildlife closure for Williams Exploration and Production’s proposed drilling project on Middle Mesa. The exemption, approved Thursday, removes a hurdle to Williams’ ambitious plans to extract natural gas from the Mancos Shale using horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing techniques. The agency’s decision allows Williams to drill during winter. It does not approve drilling permits for the project, a step to come later. Williams proposes to drill 53 horizontal wells from eight well pads. The project also would require two ponds for fracturing fluids. Williams plans to begin drilling in fall 2012. The company drilled test wells in 2009 and ’10. BLM officials forecast the project will produce 275 billion cubic feet of natural gas during the next 25 to 30 years. “We’re obviously pleased with the outcome of the review process, considering the amount of planning we put into the project,” Williams spokesman Kelly Swan said in an email message Monday. “This should ultimately create benefits in the area both economically and environmentally. And for us as a company, it allows us to show that we bring tremendous care to drilling and development.” Read Full Story ->

SANTA FE — The director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is delaying for six months a decision on whether to classify the dunes sagebrush lizard as an endangered species.
The director, Daniel Ashe, was to rule by Dec. 14. Tom Buckley, a spokesman for the service, said today that Ashe would use the extension to evaluate recent information questioning the scientific evidence about the reptile’s population and loss of habitat. Continue Reading ->