A Summary of Issues and Trends Looking to 2016

Despite the recent slowdown in the oil and gas industry, particularly in Ohio, there are still reasons to be excited about the future. As 2016 dawns, let's take a look at what's trending.

Jack Gerard, president and CEO of the American Petroleum Institute, joined the chorus of voices supporting Congress and President Obama in lifting the '70s-era crude export ban.

"This is the start of a new era for U.S. energy," he said. "Ending the decades-old ban on crude exports is a huge win for consumers, jobs, the economy and our energy security."

Gerard said the move would make the U.S. more competitive and would benefit consumers, citing studies indicating that lifting the ban would lower gas prices by up to 12 cents per gallon.

The complete statement from API on the ending of the export ban can be found here.

Production in Ohio's Utica Shale reached record highs in the third quarter of 2015. As Jackie Stewart of Energy In Depth reported earlier this month, production more than doubled over the same quarter in 2014.

"In the third quarter of 2015, the Utica shale produced 5,696,780 barrels of oil and 245,747,686 Bcf (245 billion cubic feet) of natural gas," Stewart wrote. "This sets new records as unconventional shale production totals have increased by more than 100 percent since the same quarter last year."

The article also points out that Carroll County remains one of the state's top oil producers. You can read the entire report here.

Lindsey Klevin of the Ohio Oil and Gas Association discussed the ramifications of lower oil and gas prices in a recent article on OOGA's Oil & Gas Matters blog.

"Robust natural gas production has helped inventories soar to record highs we haven't seen before," Kleven wrote, before also pointing out that new production has slowed "as producers are responding to the current market conditions."

And, while it's a challenging time for producers, consumers are certainly reaping the benefits from higher supplies and resulting lower energy costs, as evidenced by six-year lows on gasoline prices in Ohio: "Consumers are expected to save a reported $7 billion at the pump during this holiday season, which translates out to about $40 per driver."

You can read the entire article here.

In conclusion, we like the sound of Jackie Stewart's summary in her report on Q3 Utica Shale production: "This is all certainly wonderful news for Ohio's growing economy, which--recent reports indicate--will continue to benefit from shale production and the construction of associated infrastructure for years to come."

Here's to 2016!

Stark Carroll Oil & Gas Partnership Supported by Leading Energy Organizations

As published in ShaleMart magazine

The Stark Carroll Oil & Gas Partnership continues to be a leading advocate for oil and gas exploration, and for bringing jobs, residents and opportunity to the region. Supporting our efforts are several leading industry organizations that, together, we refer to as our Energy Partners.

The American Petroleum Institute (API) is the only national trade association that represents all aspects of America’s oil and natural gas industry. API's mission is to influence public policy in support of a strong, viable U.S. oil and natural gas industry. Their more than 600 corporate members, from the largest major oil company to the smallest of independents, come from all segments of the industry. They are producers, refiners, suppliers, pipeline operators and marine transporters, as well as service and supply companies that support all segments of the industry.

Although the organization’s focus is primarily domestic, in recent years their work has expanded to include a growing international dimension, and today API is recognized around the world for its broad range of programs. API’s website is www.api.org.

Launched by the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) in 2009, Energy in Depth is a research, education and public outreach campaign focused on getting the facts out about the promise and potential of responsibly developing America’s onshore energy resource base—especially abundant sources of oil and natural gas from shale and other “tight” formations across the country. The campaign is an effort that benefits directly from the support, direction and technical expertise of a broad segment of America’s oil and natural gas industry, led in Washington by IPAA, and guided on the ground by IPAA’s more than 6,000 members and affiliates in the states. Learn more at www.energyindepth.org.

Through Energy Nation, America’s energy workers—employees, retirees, vendors, suppliers and their families—are united and their voices amplified to reach decision-makers in their communities, states and in our Nation’s capital to help secure a stronger, more independent American energy future. Members of Energy Nation play a part in defending American energy development and American energy jobs. Energy Nation gives members throughout the country the opportunity to learn and engage with each other about the issues that matter to our industry, to influence the debate happening in their communities and interact directly with elected officials. America has the resources, the technology and the talented professionals needed to be the world’s energy superpower. Energy Nation is working to make that potential become a reality. Their website is www.energynation.org.

The Ohio Oil & Gas Association (OOGA) is a trade association with more than 3,100 members involved in all aspects of the exploration, production and development of crude oil and natural gas resources within the State of Ohio. OOGA's mission is to protect, promote, foster and advance the common interest of those engaged in all aspects of the Ohio crude oil and natural gas producing industry. The organization strives to serve the broad range of entities involved in the Ohio oil and natural gas industry by being an effective voice in government and the media as well as an information resource to the membership. Learn more online at www.ooga.org.

Each of these organizations have been active partners of the Stark Carroll Oil & Gas Partnership. We are thankful for their leadership and support.

This article was originally submitted for publication in ShaleMart's print and online editions.

Ohio's Gas and Oil Output 'Should Get People's Attention'

That's what Peter MacKenzie of the Ohio Oil and Gas Association said on March 6 about the numbers released by the organization during its 67th winter meeting in Columbus.

As reported in the Akron Beacon Journal, the data shared at the winter meeting showed that oil production nearly doubled over the past year, and natural gas production rose 2-1/2 times higher.

The data "should get people's attention," the story quoted MacKenzie as saying. "It sure got my attention."

In all, Mackenzie said, oil production in Ohio rose from slightly less than 5 million barrels in 2012 to more than 9.7 million barrels in 2013. Natural gas production increased even more dramatically, from 83 million cubic feet to more than 203 million cubic feet in a year's time.

The OOGA is a close working partner of the Stark County Oil & Gas Partnership. Their annual Winter Meeting brings together industry leaders from Ohio and across the nation to share news about the state of the oil and gas industry, through business sessions and a trade show. About 80 vendors participated in this year's trade show during the meeting.

Great Turnout at 'State of the Utica' Event

More than 100 people representing area businesses, unions and associations joined the Stark County Oil & Gas Partnership on Jan. 13 for our 2014 kickoff event.

The event, billed as the "State of the Utica," took place at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. A series of speakers presented updates about oil and gas developments in the region, as well as information about drug testing, health care reform and environmental issues.

Mike Chadsey of the Ohio Oil & Gas Association highlighted the industry's latest accomplishments and developments in the state, and offered insight about developments on the horizon for 2014.

Hors d'ouvres and beverages were available compliments of the partnership and key sponsors AultCare, Aultworks, AXA Advisors and the East Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council.

For local newspaper coverage, go to: Discussion highlights developments in the Utica Shale.

For complete photo coverage, go to: State of the Utica Event.