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 »

Oil prices dropped Wednesday April 17, 2012 after the government said U.S. supplies grew more than expected last week.

Benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude fell $1.42 to $102.78 per barrel in New York, while Brent crude lost $1.88 to $116.90 per barrel in London.

The Energy Information Administration reported that U.S. crude oil supplies grew by 3.9 million barrels last week. Analysts expected an increase of 400,000 barrels. The government's weekly report also said that U.S. oil demand dropped 2.7 percent, gasoline demand fell 2.8 percent, compared with a year ago. Read more »

A new law imposing an impact fee on Marcellus Shale natural gas wells is being challenged by an informal coalition of municipalities, an environmental group and some medical professionals, who have lodged a legal challenge arguing provisions in the legislation make it unconstitutional.

The law — and its nebulous status — has caused local complications, as doctors, planners and some township supervisors have struggled to interpret and adjust to its mandates. Read more »