INDUSTRY INFRASTRUCTURE COVER STORY Spot prices for propane, butanes and natural gasoline have risen 30-40 percent since last summer, making the economics of extracting heavy natural gas liquids favorable. While a lingering oversupply of ethane-the lightest NGL-has rendered its recovery economics largely negative in recent years, a major growth cycle under way in the petrochemical sector ultimately will improve ethane demand. by Kelly Van Hull 44 | Issues Impact Appalachian Development Projects by Kevin J. Garber, Blaine A. Lucas, Keith J. Coyle and John F. "Jay" Hammond 34 | PERMIAN POWERHOUSE 50 | Operators Taking Permian Plays to New Heights by Al Pickett ADVANCING SHALE SCIENCE 62 | Approach Optimizes Geosteering in Delaware Basin by Jennifer Hernandez, J. Alexandra "Ali" Sloan and John Terwilliger 70 | Wireless Technologies Optimize Pad Operations by Tom Bass 75 | New-Era Technologies Boost Frac Fleet Performance by Colter Cookson SUPPLEMENT 104 | The American Directory of State Regulatory Agencies WEBSITE EXCLUSIVES AT WWW.AOGR.COM | Optimized Logistics Improve Upstream Costs by Oceaneering International Inc. | Understanding Facts Helps Avoid Fair Labor Standards Act Issues by Christian Antkowiakhttp://WWW.AOGR.COM http://www.bluetickinc.com