Some insist Marcellus Shale natural gas is a huge economic boom for America, while others are certain it's an environmental catastrophe.

Gas drilling from the Marcellus pollutes groundwater, or it never pollutes groundwater. It's cleaner than coal or oil, except that it's dirty. It provides a boost to hard-hit rural economies; but then again, maybe it doesn't.

The one point of agreement? Scientists say advocates on both sides increasingly spin every shred of research to fit their own views, and ignore the bigger picture. Read more »

New online researcher HeatingOilShopper.com has released a study outlining alarming trends in US oil consumption and production.

 
Research provider Heating Oil Shopper  launched a collection of heating oil and energy related resources today September 28, 2011 including this graphic and accompanying guide, which revealed that while the US consumes over twice the oil of the next biggest consuming country, they create nearly half as much crude oil as they consume. Read more »

The U.S. Geological Survey is conducting groundwater testing in Van Buren County.

The testing began July 6 and is continuing. Tom Kimmons of the county Gas and Oil Advisory Board and the Shirley Community Development Corp. said Monday all the samples should be collected this week.

The USGS is testing for chloride concentrations, conductivity, pH and temperature, as well as methane in groundwater at 100 locations throughout the county. Read more »

Crude oil prices traded on a flat note with a negative bias in Asian trades on Monday September 26, 2011 since investors treaded cautiously amid the fragile global setup as Finance leaders from the US, UK, Canada and China warned European leaders to swiftly tackle the storm over Europe and its banks which have pushed the European economy to the brink of a fresh recession. The oil prices also remained amid the selling pressure due to the volatility in American greenback which hovered at elevated levels making the prices of the commodity costlier for holders of other currencies. Read more »