The state Department of Natural Resources’ Office of Conservation announced today the launch of a new educational video aimed at increasing awareness of the need for water conservation in our state. The video also stresses environmental stewardship by our youth.

Natural gas exploration companies working in the area of the Haynesville Shale natural gas formation are continuing to find alternatives to ground water for hydraulic fracturing operations – as evidenced by a recent agreement between a top-five Haynesville Shale operator and a local paper mill.

Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials have amended Statewide Order No. 29-B starting October 1, continuing oilfield waste testing at commercial disposal facilities for 120 days, while eliminating exploration and production (E&P) waste testing at the well sites.

Did you know that Louisiana ranks first in the U.S. in crude oil production and is second in natural gas production...and, did you know that 100 years ago, on September 21, 1901, oil was first discovered in a rice field near Jennings, now known as the "cradle of Louisiana oil."

A two-day comprehensive seminar on the oil and gas business in Louisiana will be held in New Orleans on September 21-22, 2009, at the Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel on Canal Street.

The oil and gas industry has quickly begun to respond to the Louisiana Office of Conservation’s recently implemented changes in reporting requirements for water use for drilling operations requiring hydraulic fracturing.

Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco has appointed the following people to positions at the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR). She and DNR Secretary Scott A. Angelle recently met with the group to discuss some of the agency goals and policies.

The state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) have put pen to paper, crossed the “T”s, dotted the “I”s and signed a pact that serves to protect its resources against at least one type of environmental hazard.

On Wednesday, drilling operations continue at well site Edmee Mestayer et al #1 in Iberia parish, just off Darnell Road, east on Hwy 86. Directional drilling is now at a depth of 7,600 feet. General Manager D.S. Choi and DNR Secretary Scott Angelle will meet onsite to discuss the operations and will see the activity firsthand.

The Louisiana Department of Natural Resources Office of Conservation participated in this year’s Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC) meeting held in New Orleans. The commission is comprised of governors and government leaders from each of the energy producing states.