Shreveport Shale

Shale Gas: Pros and Cons

admin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

You might have been hearing a lot of news about shale gas, but in order to truly grasp the pros and cons of this potential energy source it is important that you first understand what shale gas is. Shale gas is a natural gas that is derived from shale rock through a process known as hydraulic fracturing.

As far as advantages go, shale gas gives off half the carbon emissions of coal. And unlike our dwindling supply of fossil fuels, shale gas can be found in great abundance right here in the good old USA. It’s estimated that there could be as much as 1,000 trillion cubic feet of usable shale gas, which could easily supply our natural gas needs for around 50 years. This could also mean a decrease in energy cost and a strengthening of our energy security as well.

Of course, there are disadvantages, as well. One of the major disadvantages ties-in largely with a major problem most green energies are facing. If you get your green energy from places like http://www.newyorkenergyrates.com/ then you might be familiar with issues such as the general lack of speed or funding in green energy research. As it stands, shale gas is far more expensive to produce. What this means for other green energy sources is that research and study into these could be slowed considerably in favor of shale, and while shale gas does have fewer emissions than coal, it still produces a significant amount of carbon emission which is still harmful to the environment.

A Christmas Gift for Natural Gas Powered Homes

mrice — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Your welcome United States. Sincerely, the Haynesville Shale. Considering the season, perhaps it’s more appropriate to say Merry Christmas, as the Haynesville Shale area looks to give Americans a 2011 with relatively low natural gas prices thanks to the abundant resource harvested in our local area. As of now, drilling has occurred at levels higher than dictated by the market, driven primarily by obligations found in lease agreements. The obligations will expire in time, returning drilling rates to a demand based drilling model, however, in the short term, Americans will be privy to more natural gas than immediately needed, meaning lower prices for consumers. On a national level, however, natural gas supply looks to be much more limited in the coming year. With some experts projecting significant supply declines in the Gulf of Mexico, several major producers in Texas and Canadian imports, the Haynesville Shale is bucking a commodity trend in its attempt to show growth. Of course, as a relatively new resource, showing growth is equally important to turning profit at this point, with the need to attract investors a primary concern in establishing the future longevity of the shale operations.Were drilling to continue at current rates, it is unlikely the Haynesville Shale could maintain its current level of production for a time period that would satisfy land owners. At some point, drilling must cut back so as to preserve the resource. However, at least to this point, it looks as if Haynesville drilled natural gas will continue to fuel a large portion of households across the country, keeping them warm in winter, at prices consumers will enjoy for the moment.

Fox TV Series Comments on Dangers of Property Schemes

www.shreveportshale.com — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 21:13:35 +0000

The natural gas and energy market is full of ups and downs, truths and lies, lucky finds and get rich quick schemes. Fortunately for the Haynesville Shale area, returns on their land has been nothing but profitable, sales have gone through cleanly and actual returns are being delivered to local residents of the community. This isn’t always the case, as some investors in shales, oil sites and new energy proposals are sitting targets for con artists out to make an easy buck. Such is the premise for the new FOX television series Lone Star, centering around an energy drilling businessman leading a double life. On one end he’s living with his girlfriend in a small Texas town, selling cross-state property with high energy producing potential to clients with no deed to the land or known potency in the area. When he returns home to his happy home with his wife, he is working his way up her father’s oil-business, with goals of earning rank enough to seize corporate assets and head for the hills. He must cope with legitimate feelings for both women, the constant betrayal and deception of all those around him and an overbearing father who has brought him up to be a trained criminal.Fortunately, the story line is all fiction, though residents of Shreveport may find the first few episodes of particular interest in protecting their assets as they relate to selling/purchasing property and drilling for natural gas. The show clearly outlines the returns process, property acquisition and basic jargon that will help to understand the industry, all while presenting an entertaining, relatable story. Lone Star‘s pilot received critical acclamation as one of the season’s best debuts and early episodes are available to watch online.

The Small-Town Story of Haynesville Shale Hitting the Big Screen

admin — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 18:18:07 +0000

Amidst the global energy crisis and unstable foreign relations related to this matter, a backwoods town in Louisiana is sitting on what may turn out to be the biggest natural gas field in the world. This discovery has far-reaching effects, both positive and negative, on the United State, the community of Shreveport and the individual lives of citizens in this town. The upcoming movie, Haynes ville, will examine just what, exactly, this all means.With the tagline “Three lives. A nation’s thirst for energy. And the find that could change it all,” this film attempts to portray the dramatic response that this find has garnered. One of the Haynesville citizens highlighted in the movie has focused her attention of the environmental protection of the community in regards to this natural gas discovery. Another individual, who is the pastor of a church, attempts to capitalize on the wealth brought to the community to open a Christian school. And still in another situation, a simple Louisiana man who has lived in the area for years struggles with what is most important. He is offered a large sum of money by an oil company but that means giving up the land he loves.This documentary also attempts to analyze what the global effects of this find might be. As we are at an energy crossroads, with the upcoming release of electric cars and a shift of priority back to nuclear energy, many are left wondering how a natural gas discovery on the scale of Shreveport could alter our course.This film was directed by Gregory Kallenberg and produced by Mark Bullard. Because this is an independently produced documentary, the makers are trying to find theatres or individuals willing to host a screening of the movie. So far, in previous screenings, Haynesville has been met with critical acclaim as well as a nomination for the Green Doc Award from the Sheffield Doc/Fest.

Louisiana’s Place Between Oil Spill and the Natural Gas Market

admin — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:25:19 +0000

The tragic oil spill in the Gulf Coast which has devastated coastal Louisiana’s wildlife preserves and many residents’ livelihoods places a new found importance the developments taking place further inland in the state. The natural gas discovery and subsequent production in the Haynesville Shale region is as uplifting for members of the Louisiana community as the oil spill is heart wrenching for others. Shale gas and its potential to provide partial independence from crude oil has many scientists and policy makers optimistic that its development and increased production can help to prevent accidents like the oil spill in the future. Louisiana is now in a unique position, saddled with the mess resulting in one form of energy harvesting but blessed with the abundant resources of another cleaner replacement. On a global scale, the state can now serve as a microcosm for the world’s developing energy situation, with the trauma of a worst case oil scenario ravaging its southern beaches and the booming natural gas market showing signs of wealth and prosperity along its northwest border.The oil spill has only furthered an already bitter relationship between everyday Americans and the nation’s dependence on oil. Greatly fueling, no pun intended, this negative image is not only the environmental footprint oil production and use leaves, but the weak position the United States must take towards the oil rich Middle East nations, many of whom we do not see eye to eye with on major social and political issues. Heavy oil dependence has been one of our nation’s greatest flaws not only in both environmental and foreign policy. Natural gas on the other hand is both clean and domestically available, a seemingly perfect fix for both issues if successfully produced and implemented to the same degree as current oil use. As research and advancement in shale gas production reaches new heights, it should mean brighter days ahead for both Louisiana and the country as a whole.

Shreveport government making the switch

admin — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:24:33 +0000

With the Haynesville Shale mines now one of the richest natural gas reservoirs in the United States, the greater Shreveport area has decided to stand united behind the energy paradigm shift that has taken hold over the region. Once a major player in the US oil industry, the city of Shreveport can trace a lot of its successful roots, followed by its inevitable decline, across the history of American oil production. The 80′s were a cruel time for the city of Shreveport as the oil and gas markets took a turn for the worse, forcing a lot of businesses to close and the local economy to dry up. The local recession drove many residents from the area, relocating to other unaffected locales across the country.While the city has recovered as primarily a service economy, with a heavily influential gaming industry a force in the local business landscape, government officials are readily welcoming back major energy company dollars with open arms, like the prodigal son returning from afar. Federal money has already been spent on the purchase of Compressed Natural Gas powered public buses, scheduled to replace the diesel powered fleets that have been a mainstay in the city’s public transportation network since the city’s oil empowered heyday. This symbolic changing of the guard is a welcome departure from the heavily oil dependent past, for environmentalists and new found millionaires in the Shreveport area alike. As natural gas dollars continue to pump into the area like, for lack of better analogy, a pipeline, it’s not just landowners being bought out in the area who will benefit. CNG powered buses and automobiles mark a vast improvement in environmental standards as opposed to traditional oil operated machines, offering lower harmful emissions. It is also estimated to be 30 to 50 cheaper than standard gas pumped today, making in a financially savvy switch as well.

Money Management and Land Leasing Advice

admin — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:23:35 +0000

The Haynesville Shale natural gas drilling development has put a lot of money in hands that are unfamiliar with resting in such deep pockets. Before signing your first land leasing offer or collecting your first royalty check, make sure you are well versed in land drilling precedents. The Haynesville Shale is not the first natural gas reserve to turn ordinary country folk into a well-to-do community. It is important to practice safe money management habits, knowing exactly what kind of profits you can be expecting and for how long before making any major long term purchase decisions. All too often, a fortunate financial windfall results in eventual debt as people either invest or spend beyond their means. Use the following advice to maximize the money you can get out of your good luck:Don’t negotiate your lease alone Compare with neighbors, friends and fellow townsmen to make sure you are getting a raw deal on your initial lease. If there is a local neighborhood association in place, be sure to bring it up at a meeting or in a newsletter. The more information made available to you and those around you the better.Tax laws still apply If you are fortunate enough to be offered a large signing bonus for leasing your property, don’t immediately spend it all without planning to repay Uncle Sam. Bonuses are taxable in varying degrees depending on your tax bracket. Know how much of the upfront money you will need to allocate for taxes before proceeding with your purchase plans. You don’t want to be stuck owing money you’ve already spent to the government.Natural gas isn’t forever Planning out your long term retirement and financial requirements should not heavily depend on royalty payments from natural gas companies. Natural gas sites have a lifespan and royalties are generally paid in a percentage of output. Drill sites are often most productive during their first few years so don’t come to expect the large payouts you initially see to stand the test of time. They will decrease as years pass and eventually run out, so appreciate the checks as they come but don’t bank on their long term value as part of your financial planning.

Local Resources for Shale Landowners

admin — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:22:45 +0000

Landowners in Shreveport’s much publicized Haynesville Shale area are in a fortunate position few land owners have seen since the Gold Rush days. Of course each individual situation differs, with some chunks of land paying huge dividends and others worth only marginally more than they would have been at market value not too long ago. With so much money flowing into the formerly humble hands of many area residents, a lot of landowners feel uneducated about their options and stand wary about underselling their land or getting cheated out of what they’re entitled to by slick energy companies. Sure, the “natural gas boom” is bound to greatly benefit the region, country and planet, but landsmen coming in to survey the earth, research property deeds and make purchase offers to the owners do not necessarily have the landowners best interests as their primary focus. Like all other promisingly lucrative endeavors, natural gas mining is, after all, a business and selling land to energy development companies is just another form of business negotiation.Fortunately uninformed or overwhelmed residents do have options to turn to for help and advisory services when it comes to selling their land. The Haynesville Shale Landowners Association was formed around three main pillars to support their namesake community: education, protection and negotiation. The organization provides for a structured plan, allowing local landowners to work together to be fully informed in regards to their decision, helping to structure leases that work in their best interests while still satisfying the needs of drilling companies. Holding once monthly meetings, the HSLA allows for the community to come together and discuss the changes taking place during this time of transition.In addition to the HSLA, the City of Shreveport and Mayor Cedric B. Glover have also released official recommendations and general guidelines relating to gas drilling and mineral leases, laying out some basic legal rights and procedural to-do’s to provide assistance.

What is shale gas?

admin — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 13:21:09 +0000

While many people may have gotten wind of the “shale gas” production that’s been underway in Shreveport for a few years now, a lot of curious residents still don’t know exactly what shale is, why it’s important and what it could mean for the future of the city, state and world for that matter.Shale gas is an expanding form of natural gas that, as you may have guessed, produced out of shale, or fine-grained, clastic sedimentary rock made up of a mixture of clay, quartz and calcite minerals among smaller components of other minerals. The role of shale gas in the natural gas market has increased in recent years with the advent of new technologies capable of harvesting the gas from untappable supplies across the world. Shale resources are believed to be fairly plentiful across the world, with current drilling and gas tapping efforts limited to the US and Canada. Scientists hope the new technology and improved method of harvesting shale gas will rapidly expand to European and worldwide shale reserves, providing significantly greater amounts of natural gas energy as we strive to avoid major energy crises in the not so distant future. The recent advancements regarding shale and its gas releasing potential has given way to large energy companies purchasing major land areas across Eurasia with shale deposits and further development of existing shale facilities in the United States, in hopes of cashing in on the developing technology. Thanks to the new method and technology, optimistic researchers project shale gas to account for half of the total natural gas production in North America in just 10 short years.Long term benefits could prove to be part of the solution to climate change, lowering the resulting greenhouse gas emission output from coal and oil. With huge developing countries like China and India still largely dependent on coal, shale gas provides a welcome potential alternative for environmentalists