Whatever happened to the Fracking Advisory Panel?

Good Afternoon.

Democrat Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo poses an interesting question. Whatever happened to the Hydraulic Fracturing Advisory Panel? (Gannett)

The U.S. jobless rate figures are the lowest in four years at 7.7%, thanks to increases in employment in healthcare, retail and professional and business services says the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That equates to 146,000 new jobs.

More quick updates after the jump.

Energy

A Norwegian gas-drilling company active in the Madison County region of Central New York has filed for bankruptcy. The Post-Standard's Glenn Coin reports that the company was the first operator to file for a permit to drill into the Utica Shale, a gas deposit that lies under the Marcellus Shale you hear more about.

Following on from a project looking at the potential of switch grass we reported recently, researchers at SUNY Canton and Clarkson University are finding there are some efficiency problems. (Martha Foley/NCPR)

Immigration

Mayor Bloomberg told a 'STEM in the City' conference in New York on Thursday that the current immigration policy was 'national suicide' if the nation intended to be part of a future technology-based economy, as reported by the nydailynews.com

Business

The north-east branch of a national firm that supports minority owned businesses has opened an office in Rochester. The New York and New Jersey Minority Supplier Development Council will serve the whole upstate area with the aim of connecting small businesses with large contracting opportunities around the nation. Kate O’Connell reports:

The Rochester office will help certify minority business entities – or MBE’s –run by Asian, African-American, Hispanic and Native American locals, and connect them with corporate partners all over the nation.

President and CEO of the New York and New Jersey council, Linda Ireland says small businesses are the engines that drive the economy, and the businesses they work with are thriving.

“Our certified MBE’s almost doubled the number of employees they had since last year. In this economic climate, that is phenomenal.”

The organization is comprised 36 affiliate councils nationwide, and the Rochester office will replace an unsuccessful operation previously servicing upstate.

But, Ireland says they are determined to succeed in the region, and are committed to advancing business opportunities for minority groups.

Research and Development

A paper out of the Brookings Institution makes the case for a permanently authorized Research and Experimentation (R & E) Tax Credit. In particular Mark Muro, a Senior Fellow and Policy Director, says that this would: