The Anti-Fracking Crowd: Denial Spreads to Academia

In a report out today, Energy In Depth exposes the latest alarmist tactic from the anti-fracking crowd. EID reveals that a report from the Clean Air Task Force "makes sweeping and erroneous predictions about future health impacts that the researchers blame on fracking -- despite the fact that emissions have been steadily declining, and that, thanks to natural gas, air quality has been improving in the United States."

The report goes on to show how the authors of the scare-tactic report routinely ignore established studies and government data in an attempt to reach their foregone conclusions. In a scathing indictment, the article's author, Randy Hildreth, says "...the authors are far more interested in garnering headlines than looking at the science," and suggests it is the reason the report was not peer reviewed.

This comes on the heels of news earlier this summer that researchers from the University of Cincinnati backed away from a year-long study that only served to debunk, not support, the idea that fracking is linked to water contamination. Perhaps it was because they had just been forced to retract a previous report that claimed fracking was causing significant air pollution in Carroll County -- due to "errors" and "miscalculations."

Now a report is released revealing how three professors at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, for a course titled "Medical Humanities in the Digital Age," plan to assume man-made climate change is fact and will not entertain opposing views. Such views will not be heard, considered or debated.

Furthermore, the professors intend to delve into "the health effects of fracking," despite the scientific evidence that such effects are a myth. According to an article on the College Fix website, (which promotes a conservative viewpoint), "The reading assignments in the fracking section focus only on its negative impacts and fail to present the other side of the issue, namely the possible benefits of fracking."

It's unfortunate that these educators, who claim to have science on their side in the climate change debate, would willingly ignore the ongoing scientific evidence that -- as EID's Jackie Stewart so eloquently put it last spring -- continues "to 'disappoint' agenda-driven anti-fracking groups."

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.

Audience Learns About the Dramatic Impact of the Price of Oil at SCOGP Expo May 13

About 85 professionals from businesses related to, or interested in doing business with, the oil and gas industry attended the Supply-Demand-Price Expo, sponsored by the Stark County Oil and Gas Partnership (SCOGP), on May 13 at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton.

Dave Kirven, chairman of the Partnership, emceed the event and introduced the lineup of speakers for the day. First up was Tom Delamater of Delamater Media Group, a Stark County-based public relations firm, who talked about the SCOGP’s media partners. His company is one of those, along with: Creative Source, a Canton based company that creates large format signs, displays and printing; Ponder Systems, a local video production company; Studio 7, a photography company that handles projects for the SCOGP; and ShaleMart.com, which publishes oil and gas newsletters and directories online and in hard copy.

The first featured speaker was John Felmy of the American Petroleum Institute (API) who talked of the strong and lasting impact of oil and natural gas in America and the world. He said the U.S. is now the largest producer of natural gas in the world and is on track to be its largest oil producer as well. He cited the strong demand around the world for fuel for heating and transportation.

Jackie Stewart of Energy In Depth provided statistical evidence for the strength of oil and gas in the state. She said that Ohio’s Utica Shale is producing, as indicated by the fact that the state’s Utica oil production is up 200 percent, while natural gas production is up 350 percent over that same period.

In addition to a presentation about the Hall of Fame Village project by Pete Fierle of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Bryce Custer of NAI Spring Realty and Rebecca Heimlich of API rounded out the agenda. Ms. Heimlich reported that there are almost 10 million people in the United States who either work in oil and gas or whose jobs are supported by the industry.

The event concluded with a networking reception until 7 p.m. The Hall of Fame was also open to guests of the expo until 8 p.m.

The expo received extensive coverage from area media. Click on the following links for articles in the Canton Repository, the Massillon Independent, the Alliance Review, and Farm & Dairy, the leading agricultural publication in our region.

COMING SOON: Next up for the Partnership is the annual Golf Outing, June 15 at Shady Hollow Country Club in Massillon, and the inaugural Shale Shoot Sporting Clay Championship and Utica Conference, Nov. 5 and 6 in Carroll County.

'Supply-Demand-Price' Expo jump-starts 2015 event calendar

Visit choosestark.com for
details on the Expo in May

Get the low-down on the oil and gas industry's impact on Stark County at the "Supply-Demand-Price" Expo, Wednesday, May 13 at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. The event will feature guest speakers from 3 to 5 p.m. and a networking reception to follow. 

Industry experts scheduled to speak are:

• John Felmy, chief economist with the American Petroleum Institute, who will offer a national perspective on the oil and natural gas industry, the impact of lower oil prices, and what that means for shale plays across the country including in Ohio;

• Jackie Stewart of Energy in Depth, who will discuss "State of the Utica Shale: How Ohio Compares to Other Basins";

• Bryce Custer of NAI Spring Commercial Realty, discussing the impact of oil and gas on commercial real estate; and 

• Rebecca Heimlich of the American Petroleum Institute, who will discuss API’s Energy Nation program and how it brings together the employees, retirees, vendors and suppliers of the oil and natural gas industry on critical issues facing the industry. 

The cost to attend is $65 for members of the Stark County Oil & Gas Partnership, and $80 for non-members. However, you can receive a $25 discount when you register if you sign up for a free membership in Energy Nation, a non-profit organization that promotes U.S. energy development, energy industry jobs and a stronger, more independent American energy future. Energy Nation is a major sponsor of the "Supply-Demand-Price" Expo.

For more information about the Expo or to register, click here.

Beautiful Shady Hollow C.C.

Also on the calendar is the return of our Annual Golf Outing. This year's event promises to be another great day of golf and networking and will take place on Monday, June 15, at Shady Hollow Country Club in Massillon. Golf will be followed by dinner and a special guest speaker. Watch our website, www.choosestark.com, for details to come.

And keep an eye out for information on a special fall event that we'll be hosting in conjunction with the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce. The event will include a day of activities that every sportsman will enjoy, plus more updates on the Utica Shale and progress in the oil and gas industry. 

There's never been a better time to join the Partnership and to be a part of the economic and commercial boom in Stark County and the surrounding region. For more information, visit the membership page on our website. We hope to see you at the Expo in May, and at all of our events in 2015!