Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths & Dougherty Co., L.P.A. presents

 Editor:  Gregory W. Watts, Esq. and Ian R. Hoke, Esq.

The Ohio Supreme Court Finds Oil and Gas Leases Are Not Void As Against Public Policy
KWGD.com
Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths & Dougherty oil and gas attorneys, Scott M. Zurakowski, William G. Williams, Gregory W. Watts, and Aletha M. Carver successfully defended energy company, Beck Energy Corporation, in two significant cases in the Ohio Supreme Court, Hustack, et al. v. Beck Energy Corp.,[1] 2016-Ohio-178 and State ex rel. Claugus Family Farm,  L.P. v. Seventh District Court of Appeals, et al., 2016-Ohio-178.  Ohio's prior oil and gas law stretching back to the 19th Century was being challenged.  The validity of almost every oil and gas lease in Ohio was on the line.  These decisions impact virtually every oil and gas producer (both local and national) who owns lease rights and/or is drilling in Ohio.

No Shale Slowdown: Marcellus, Utica Production Stays Strong Amid Low Prices
trenchlessonline.com
Oil prices have taken a dive from the highs of summer 2014, and high production has kept natural gas prices at sustained lows. Despite sinking profits, production remains high, thanks in large part to the major shale regions in the United States. In particular, the Marcellus and Utica plays have made the Northeast United States a shining beacon of energy production.

Antero Resources is pleased with Utica Shale production in fourth quarter 2015
Ohio.com
Antero Resources reported this week that natural gas production in the fourth quarter 2015 grew by 18 percent from 2014, but dipped by 1 percent from the previous quarter. The decline from the previous quarter was due largely to the fact that the Colorado-based driller reduced production in Ohio's Utica Shale by about 45 million cubic feet per day, said the company, one of the most active drillers in Ohio's Utica Shale.

CantonRep.com

The price of crude oil hit a 12-year low last week. The North American and international benchmarks both dipped below $30, and many analysts say the price will keep sliding amid overproduction and sluggish demand. Low oil prices mean continued relief at the pump for motorists and businesses. But they also mean more tough times for the shale drillers who have boosted Ohio's oil and gas production and its economy.

Belmont County still in the lead for permits
FarmandDairy.com
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources issued 17 new horizontal drilling permits in Belmont County during December, making the county the No. 1 county for permits for the third consecutive month.

Utica Shale well activity as of Jan. 9
TimesReporter.com
As of January 9, 2016, there were a total of 1,121 producing wells in the Utica Shale formation, with an additional 143 listed as "drilling." There were also 14 active rigs operating in the Utica Shale as of this date.