Watching Government: Texas' oil-field relief plan

Texas oil and gas producers are contending with continued depressed prices like their counterparts in other states. Many liked what they heard when Texas Railroad Commissioner Christi Craddick announced details of her Texas Oilfield Relief Initiative during the commission’s Aug. 9 open conference. Source: News


EPA Science Advisory Board raises fresh questions about fracing study

The US Environmental Protection Agency’s Science Advisory Board (SAB) raised fresh questions on Aug. 11 as it completed its peer review of the agency’s June 2015 draft of the its study on potential impacts from hydraulic fracturing for oil and gas on drinking water supplies. Source: News


Santos’ earnings take hit on Gladstone LNG project

Santos Ltd., Adelaide, has taken a $1.5-billion write-down on the value of its Gladstone LNG (GLNG) project that sources gas from coal seam gas fields in the Surat-Bowen basins to supply an LNG plant on Curtis Island near Gladstone. Source: News


API, other groups ask PHMSA to clarify rail tank car safety roles

The American Petroleum Institute and nine other oil and gas industry and other business trade associations asked the US Pipeline & Hazardous Material Safety Administration to clarify its role as a rail tank car safety regulator and the industry’s role in recommending and developing new standards. Source: News


AFPM asks EPA to move RFS's point of obligation

The American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers petitioned the US Environmental Protection Agency to move the point of obligation under the Renewable Fuel Standard to the owner of hydrocarbons at the rack, the same point at which excise taxes are collected. Source: News


Inspectors expected to board the Transocean Winner semi off Scotland

Crews were attempting on Aug. 15 to board the Transocean Winner semisubmersible drilling rig, which had disconnected from the tug Alp Forward in rough seas and drifted aground Aug. 8. Weather has hampered recovery efforts. Source: News


MARKET WATCH: NYMEX, Brent oil prices ended week with rally

The light, sweet crude oil price for September delivery climbed $1/bbl on the New York market Aug. 12 during the second day of an oil-price rally triggered by comments from Saudi Energy Minister Kahlid al-Falih that the kingdom might be willing to discuss production limits. Source: News


Greer elevated to CEO of Rock Solid Images

Anthony Greer has been appointed chief executive officer of Rock Solid Images Inc. (RSI), Houston, a geoscience consulting firm focused on reservoir characterization. He has been chief operating officer. Source: News