Texas: A reminder that an operator has little control over when a third-party can damage a pipeline

The Oct. 31 opinion of U.S. District Judge Sim Lake of the Southern District of Texas is a reminder of the accident when a Weeks Marine barge hit and ruptured Contango Operator’s natural gas pipeline on February 24, 2010 while dredging off Louisiana.

Tesoro acquires Western Refining for $6.4 Billion

San Antonio, Texas-based, Tesoro will assimilate Western Refining in an all-stock transaction.

Tax breaks announced for pipeline leak detection in North Dakota

The State of North Dakota yesterday introduced Bill 1349 that proposes tax breaks on leak detection, leak protection and monitoring equipment using the modified accelerated cost recovery system depreciation method.

Surprise news for Russia’s largest oil company

Today the Kremlin announced that commodities trader Glencore, and Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund are buying a 19.5% stake in Russia’s largest oil company, Rosneft.

Atmos renew Microsoft Gold Partnership status

Atmos achieved status for the third consecutive year.