Panel to take up Marcellus again

By Mannix Porterfield

CHARLESTON — A much-debated package imposing regulations on the promising Marcellus shale industry could be finalized Sunday morning at the Capitol, but a select committee’s yearlong work is apt to take a backseat, at least for the day, to incoming Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin.

At noon, the two chambers meet to formally certify his Oct. 4 election victory.

Then, at mid-afternoon, Tomblin and first lady Joanne will take center stage on the south plaza of the Capitol for his swearing-in ceremony and inauguration. (click to read more)

Chesapeake Announces 2 Land-Leasing Deals: A New Stage In U.S. Shale Gas Development

Thursday, Chesapeake Energy Corp. (NYSE:CHK) announced that it was completing two land-leasing deals – on property in the Utica Shale basin – worth as much as $3.4 billion. Chesapeake will bring in an "international major energy company" to jointly develop some of its Utica acreage. The company is not naming the major, but says the deal should be completed next month.

This marks the beginning of a new stage in shale gas development. (click to read more)

Rex Energy drills first Utica Shale well in W. Pa.

November 2, 2011

PITTSBURGH—Rex Energy said Tuesday that it completed a Utica Shale natural gas well in western Pennsylvania and is encouraged by the results.

The Utica Shale is a mineral formation that lies below the Marcellus Shale, thousands of feet underground. Some gas drilling companies believe the Utica formation may be productive in Pennsylvania but they haven't had much proof.

Rex Energy, based in State College, said that its first Utica well was drilled in Butler County, about 40 miles north of Pittsburgh. The horizontal well produced an average of 9.2 million cubic feet of dry gas per day during tests.

Rex said the well is currently shut and will go into production in January. The company said it plans more Utica Shale wells in Butler next year.
Rex Energy drills first Utica Shale well in W. Pa.
November 2, 2011

PITTSBURGH—Rex Energy said Tuesday that it completed a Utica Shale natural gas well in western Pennsylvania and is encouraged by the results.

The Utica Shale is a mineral formation that lies below the Marcellus Shale, thousands of feet underground. Some gas drilling companies believe the Utica formation may be productive in Pennsylvania but they haven't had much proof.

Rex Energy, based in State College, said that its first Utica well was drilled in Butler County, about 40 miles north of Pittsburgh. The horizontal well produced an average of 9.2 million cubic feet of dry gas per day during tests.

Rex said the well is currently shut and will go into production in January. The company said it plans more Utica Shale wells in Butler next year.