Norse Energy shuts down, unable to drill in NY

By Mary Esch, AP

A Norwegian company that invested heavily in upstate New York gas leases that it couldn't develop under the state's fracking moratorium has shuttered its U.S. operations and terminated its last eight employees.

Oslo-based Norse Energy Corp. announced last Friday it was converting from Chapter 11 to Chapter 7 bankruptcy, meaning it was ceasing operations and selling off remaining assets. Norse Energy Corp. USA, based in western New York, and its U.S. parent, Houston-based Norse Energy Holdings, sought bankruptcy court protection in December 2012.

Norse tried unsuccessfully in August to sell pipeline rights of way and gas leases on 130,000 acres in upstate New York to raise money to pay debts, according to company financial filings.

New York has had a moratorium on gas drilling using high-volume hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, since it began an environmental review in 2008. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has said he will decide whether to lift the ban after his health commissioner completes a health impact review.

Read more at http://www.legislativegazette.com/Articles-Top-Stories-c-2013-10-18-85517.113122-Norse-Energy-shuts-down-unable-to-drill-in-NY.html