Approximately one year ago, residents of the city of Dish, Texas, raised concerns about benzene in the air as a result of natural gas operations. Those residents repeatedly called for more answers over the past year. In light of these concerns, state agencies have dedicated significant resources to determine the facts and provide residents with scientific data about air quality and their health. Read more »

The seventh air monitor in North Texas' Barnett Shale went on line this week in the Everman area in south Tarrant County to provide "information about local air quality 24 hours a day, 365 days a year," the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality said.

The commission said it's also evaluating Barnett Shale sites for more monitors.

State Sen. Wendy Davis and state Rep. Marc Veasey, both D-Fort Worth, praised the installation of the monitor. Read more »

Finding work may not be quite that simple, but it sure seems that way. While the nation's job growth has limped along since the economic recovery began two years ago, the Lone Star State is enlarging payrolls in Texas-size fashion. Read more »

Oil prices remain elevated despite signs of a weakening global economy. We think the uncertainties around future oil supply growth are likely to continue to place upward pressure on prices. Fundamentals for gas-focused E&Ps are likely to remain pressured through 2011, but we expect the large-scale shift toward liquids production, a lessening of held-by-production drilling, and fewer dry gas drilling carries to result in higher gas prices in 2012. Read more »