The major role played by the strategically developed Barnett shale in the U.S. natural oil and gas production is expected to provide a model for the development of other shale plays, according to a new report by GlobalData.

The new report states that the Barnett shale/Barnett shale combo has historically attracted substantial investments from oil and gas companies. High crude oil prices are anticipated to encourage oil and gas companies to explore and develop Barnett shale combo projects in the future. Read more »

The Environmental Protection Agency aims to sharply reduce emissions from natural gas wells through new rules issued Wednesday April 18, 2012 that call for the use of "green completions" that capture pollutants rather than releasing them into the air.

The effort is the first by the federal government to set national air pollution standards for emissions related to hydraulic fracturing, the production technique pioneered in North Texas' Barnett Shale. Read more »

Calvin Tillman plays a message on his cellphone from Stark County resident Renee Bogue. She’s concerned about possible drilling under the Legends Golf Course in Massillon, where the mayor and council in that Ohio city are proposing legislation to lease city-owned mineral rights for gas drilling.

“Who will monitor the air quality?” Bogue asks. Read more »

After holding five public meetings in January and February on saltwater disposal wells, the City Council appeared divided Tuesday March 20,2012 over whether to lift the moratorium on the wells or to permanently ban them.

Briefing the council, Rick Trice, assistant director of planning and development, laid out options including moving forward with a hearing, extending or lifting the moratorium, and prohibiting the wells. The council opted for the hearing, but there was no consensus. Read more »