by PegNews wire

They'll use a Web site, brochures, and hypnosis sessions to alleviate the confusion, the misinformation, about gas drilling, production, and leasing.

FORT WORTH — A Web site about the Barnett Shale has been launched by a new organization called the Barnett Shale Energy Education Council (BSEEC), representing eight companies that are leading the development of the Barnett Shale natural gas field. Founding members include: Chesapeake Energy Corporation; Chief Operating, LLC; Dale Resources, LLC; Devon Energy Corporation; EnCana Corporation; EOG Resources, Inc.; Four Sevens Resources; and XTO Energy, Inc. They're joined by new member Quicksilver Resources.

BSEEC is a non-profit public education foundation with the goal of being a community resource that provides information to the public about natural gas drilling and production in the Barnett Shale.

Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief likes 'em:

BSEEC executive director is Ed Ireland, who was formerly a professor and head of the Department of Economics at Clemson University, and whose career includes 20 years in the oil and gas industry in Houston.

"Our goal is to provide the community a central point of factual information about everything related to Barnett Shale as gas exploration and production evolve through the years," said Ireland. "There are many issues that can be confusing. Our goal is to alleviate the confusion and misinformation about gas drilling, production, and leasing. We also want the public to know that the members of the BSEEC are committed to safeguarding the environment and being good neighbors."

The organization is developing brochures on topics such as drilling and leasing that will be distributed through community centers and city offices. Ireland is also available to speak to community organizations, neighborhoods and schools.

The Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce is working collaboratively with the BSEEC on this effort. The Chamber organized the "Barnett Shale Expo" in May 2007, and the 2008 Expo is already in the works. In addition to serving in an advisory capacity, the Chamber has provided office space and administrative support for the BSEEC.

Chamber President Bill Thornton likes 'em:

BSEEC Members Share Best Practices

While the BSEEC provides community information, it also provides a forum for Barnett Shale operators to share best practices when dealing with community and each other on key issues. The founding member companies developed and agreed to abide by a common set of core principles and ethical business practices when dealing with the community and with each other. According to Ireland, these core principles are a pre-requisite for membership in the BSEEC.

Source: Barnett Shale Energy Education Council