The Marcellus Shale - Its History and Importance to Both Appalachia and AmericaDevonian black shale exists throughout Appalachia and is especially prevalent in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. It is the basis for al shale plays in the region, regardless of their depth or formation. Devonian shale has long been recognized for its production potential, with first known production going as far back as 1821. It has been noted for spotty areas of sustained production in PA…See More

Will the Chevron Decision Reshape the Oil Industry?Just two weeks ago the US Supreme Court overruled over 18,000 judicial opinions, some as many as 40 years old. This landmark decision was rendered on June 28 in Loper Bright Enterprises vs. Raimodo. Later, on July 1, they held that the statute of limitations to challenge the actions of federal agencies under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) does not begin until a plaintiff actually suffers injury by means of final agency action.Liberals…See More

                                FTC Alleges Collusion Between US Oil Executive and OPECScott Sheffield, former CEO of Pioneer Petroleum, has had a long and distinguished career. The AIME described him as “displaying concern for his employees, the community and the environment, while encouraging innovation and making a positive impact on the company and the oil and gas business”. He was CEO for over 31 years, leading a corporation that was consistently ranked as one of the best places to work in…See More

                                                      Can Pennsylvania Save the EV Industry?First, let’s address the elephant in the room. Fossil fuel-based industries and the products they are used to create are not going away in our lifetimes. Not in our children’s lifetimes. Likely not ever. That is not to say, however, that their use cannot be curtailed. Environmentalists are working 24/7/365 to achieve this and, to a certain degree, are succeeding. This is a good thing, assuming it is…See More

                                                       The Eroding Rights of Land ProfessionalsI am trying to get used to using the phrase “land professional” In lieu of landman since ladies are now an intricate part of the profession. There’s something about the phrase landladies or landwomen that just doesn’t sound quite right. And, although we are governed by the American Association of Petroleum Landmen (AAPL), the moniker just doesn’t seem to give the female persuasion enough credit or…See More

Despite Biden, E&P Companies Are Showing Record ProfitsOn September 9, 2019, then candidate Joe Biden made a clear and unequivocal promise. “I guarantee you, I guarantee you (twice for emphasis I suppose), we’re going to end fossil fuel, and I am not going to cooperate with them.” Those who laughed this off as just another of many crazy campaign promises were dead wrong. Upon being inaugurated, many folks remember one of his first attacks on the industry – the revocation of the Keystone…See More

Cryogenic Fracking - A Superior and Environmentally Friendly Substitute for Hydraulic Fracturing?Almost without exception, today’s shale wells are stimulated using water-based fracturing fluids (slickwater). This technique is popular due to its ability to transport proppant effectively at a relatively inexpensive cost. However, it is a magnet for criticism from environmentalists, who are concerned about the incredible volume of water needed as well as the resulting contaminated wastewater which…See More