Formed two years ago to separate fact from fiction about our nation’s oil and natural gas industry – particularly as it relates to the tightly regulated 60 year-old energy stimulation technology called hydraulic fracturing – Energy In Depth has established itself as a reliable resource for folks interested in learning more about this process, for academics and for the media.

Our work takes us to small towns, state capitals and rural communities. We go where the debate is, but more importantly, we seek to educate and engage policymakers, the press and the public on the facts about responsible energy exploration and production here in the United States — and in Canada.

This week, we had the opportunity to participate in two events: one at the University of Toronto; the other closer to home in Richmond, Va.

Yes, EID has officially gone global. We’ve even translated Gasland Debunked into French for those in parts of Canada seeking to understand the facts about this tightly-regulated technology that has been used to stimulated oil and natural gas production in the United States for more than 60 years without ever impacted groundwater.

In Toronto, we participated in a panel discussion entitled, “Fracture Lines: Will Canada’s water be Protected in the Rush to Develop Shale Gas?” Here’s a photo from that event (EID’s Chris Tucker, second from the right):

And at the Governor’s Conference on Energy in Richmond, EID spoke about fracture stimulation’s long and clear record of environmental safety on a panel entitled “Expanding Natural Gas – Supplies and Opportunities.”

These forums offered EID the opportunity to share the work we do, separate fact from fiction about fracturing and tell the incredible story of job creation, economic develop, and increased energy security that the shale gas revolution continues to make possible.

Here’s a quick snapshot of how American-made energy production technologies, like hydraulic fracturing, are benefiting consumers and our economy:

• US drilling technology helped save Chilean miners. Houston Chronicle, Op-Ed. “This inspiring story highlights the fact that when it comes to drilling and exploration, the United States is still the gold standard. Companies around the world contract industry leaders like Hart to drill for oil, natural gas, and — as was the case in the war zones of Afghanistan – even water. The U.S. drilling industry’s continually improving safety and environmental standards set the bar for operations worldwide. Though revered abroad, the industry’s amazing track record is overshadowed at home by relentless vilification by slick politicians and green lobbies.

• Auditor: Mansfield in good financial standing. Shreveport Times. “The city’s net assets increased by $1.7 million, or 32.4 percent, in 2009 compared to 17.8 percent the previous year, putting it in good financial standing, an auditor told the mayor and aldermen Monday. The change is primarily due to increased sales tax revenue of $765,834 and increases in grants and contributions, Bill Weatherford said. … Activity related to the Haynesville Shale is credited with bumping up revenue streams.

• Rail executive sees synergies between shale and trains. Scranton Times-Tribune. “If natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale is going to prevail, it needs rail. That was the message from transportation officials Thursday night during a gathering at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. Todd Hunter, director of marketing for the North Shore Railroad, explained to members of the NEPA Logistics Club that gas companies are so far from their suppliers – and they are consuming commodities such as sand and pipe in such quantities – that rail service is going to be crucial. “Without rail, shale fails,” he said, quoting Lycoming County transportation planner Mark Murawski.

• Winter could put freeze on most heating costs. Reading Eagle. “[UGI’s Joseph] Swope said gas prices are falling because of increased supply, including recent production from the Marcellus shale formation. “There had traditionally been a tight balance between supply and demand,” Swope said. “Now we have a local supply that is weatherproof.” Swope said that even though Marcellus shale is just beginning to produce natural gas, it might be having a psychological effect on the local natural gas market. Real or perceived, Marcellus shale and decreased demand due to the ongoing recession have combined to drive down natural gas prices for UGI customers, he said.