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International news for oil and gas professionals

The US Environmental Protection Agency reported that its investigation of groundwater in Pavillion, Wyo., found chemicals consistent with natural gas production and hydraulic fracturing fluids there.

Encana Oil & Gas (USA) Inc. representatives question the source of some chemicals found by the US Environmental Protection Agency in water well test samples near Pavillion, Wyo., where residents in early 2008 complained to EPA about questionable taste and odor in drinking water.

Four US senators expressed concern about the US Environmental Protection Agency's possible plans to regulate hydraulic fracturing under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SWDA) when diesel fuel is used.

The US Environmental Protection Agency announced final 2012 percentages for four fuel categories under its renewable fuel standards (RFS), which were established under the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA).

Offshore Angolan prospects geologically similar to presalt discoveries off Brazil will be tested under production sharing agreements signed by state-owned Sonangol and several international operators.

It may be early, but there are already signs that 2012's first big downstream oil regulatory battle will be over the US Environmental Protection Agency's proposed Tier 3 gasoline regulations.

The government of Cyprus said Noble Energy Inc. made a natural gas discovery offshore Cyprus on Block 12 with the Cyprus A-1 well, which encountered 310 ft of net gas pay.

An independent review commissioned by British government ministers acknowledged strengths of the existing UK's offshore oil and gas safety and environmental protection regime while outlining ways in which it could be improved.

The oil and gas industry has to take notice when any disruption of supply is even mooted. Last week, Iran did that and more in threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz.

Proposals to ban US petroleum product exports to ensure ample domestic supplies would raise costs for domestic consumers, the Energy Policy Research Institute (EPRINC) warned in a Dec. 21 briefing memorandum.