Our Blog
Population Boom West of the Mississippi
“Rigzone” reports that America’s energy boom is fueling population growth in oil and gas producing areas. According to 2013 census data, 6 of the 10 fastest growing metropolitan areas and 8 of the 10 fastest growing counties are in energy producing states. Neighboring cities Midland and Odessa, Texas are the second and third fastest growing… Read More
Apportionment
Tuesday I attended a luncheon hosted by ALTA (Association of Lease and Title Analysts). James R. Nicas, an attorney with Steptoe and Johnson gave a presentation on apportionment. Lease royalties can be determined in two ways: apportionment and non-apportionment. The vast majority of states use non-apportionment which means royalty interest is calculated on a tract… Read More
New Bakken Natural Gas Pipeline?
“Rigzone” reports that Dave Goodin, CEO of MDU Resources Group (http://www.mdu.com/ ) revealed that the company is gauging interest in a new pipeline to carry gas from the Bakken Shale to Minnesota. With an estimated cost of $650 million, MDU wants firm commitments from producers before proceeding further. Given relatively low current natural gas prices,… Read More
North Dakota Looks to Fill 20,000 Jobs
CNN Money reports that the shortage of workers in North Dakota is so acute that Hess and the North Dakota Economic Development Foundation are joining forces to fill 20,000 jobs in the Peace Garden State. The economic boom which has been fueled by the Bakken Shale has resulted in thousands of job seekers flocking to… Read More
Happy 65’th Birthday Hydraulic Fracturing!
According to an article in “Rigzone,” the first commercial hydraulic fracturing (frac) job took place on March 17, 1949 in Duncan, OK. The American Petroleum Institute (API) is commemorating the event with birthday cards and a social media campaign. The API is sending digital birthday cards with a black and white image of the first… Read More
