Energy Tomorrow Blog
Trans-Alaska Pipeline Inspected by First FAA-Approved Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight UAS
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Sam Winstel
Posted August 16, 2019
Researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks made history last month by completing the first true beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) flight under the small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) rule. The team flew a long-range hybrid-electric unmanned aircraft nearly four miles along the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) as part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) UAS Integration Pilot Program – and in partnership with Alyeska Pipeline Service Company.
American LNG Powers the World
lng exports natural gas benefits emission reductions
Dustin Meyer
Posted August 15, 2019
By now, the advantages of the American energy revolution are familiar. Soaring production in U.S. shale plays is delivering abundant, affordable and clean natural gas, which is increasingly displacing coal in our energy mix. Today, domestic emissions are at their lowest levels in over 25 years, due in no small part to fuel switching and low-cost natural gas.
While these trends have benefited Americans for more than a decade, an equally exciting story is emerging abroad. Growing exports of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) are spreading these economic and environmental advantages to our allies across the globe.
Safe + Sound Operations Built on Industry Standards
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Sam Winstel
Posted August 14, 2019
API is proud to again partner with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to host the agency’s annual “Safe + Sound Week,” a nationwide event focused on raising awareness and understanding of the importance of safety and health programs in the workplace.
It’s an initiative the natural gas and oil industry fully appreciates and works continuously to advance. Safety is a core industry commitment. It’s fundamental to protecting our workers, the communities that host natural gas and oil development and the environment, each of which help sustain our permission to operate.
What’s at Stake for Real Americans with These “Green New Deals?”
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Sam Winstel
Posted August 13, 2019
Now’s a good time to revisit the potential impacts of the “Green New Deal” and other anti-natural gas and oil ideas that have gained so much traction with the Democratic presidential contenders.
As we said a few months ago, fundamentally reordering American energy and Americans’ way of life should be measured by impacts on U.S. consumers, the economy and the country’s energy future.
New Bolting Standard Advances Safety in Industry Operations
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Debra Phillips
Posted August 12, 2019
API’s new bolting standard recognizes the critical role that fittings, bolts, screws and other components play in the safe operation of the industry’s exploration and production activities around the world.
Our oil and natural gas companies are present in nearly every conceivable environment. From the icy cold of the tundra to the deserts and oceans, API members require durable steel components that won’t fail them in these tough conditions, while supporting safe and reliable operations.
That’s why we issued API TR 21RT1, “Materials Selection for Bolting.” The new standard makes it easier for companies to select the right equipment for certain environmental conditions.
For an Updated and Improved Endangered Species Act
endangered species act conservation
Jessica Lutz
Posted August 12, 2019
America’s natural gas and oil industry long has safeguarded wildlife and their habitat, seeking effective conservation measures to protect them amid ongoing energy exploration and production.
Through voluntary programs and collaboration with state and federal wildlife management agencies and non-profit conservation organizations, industry is committed to species protection and natural habitat conservation – from watershed protections, to understanding and planning around migration patterns, to the cultivation of outdoor recreational activities on leased lands.
Now these efforts will be bolstered with the Interior Department’s new action to clarify and improve the implementation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), by reducing duplicative and unnecessary regulations.
Your Yard Needs Work? First, Call 8-1-1
Sam Winstel
Posted August 9, 2019
Do you know what’s below? If not, dial before you dig.
This Sunday, August 11th is National 8-1-1 Day, a date promoting the awareness of buried pipelines and utilities as you break ground on projects around your home. Careful consideration – and one quick call – can go a long way toward keeping you and your property safe.
Flaring, Infrastructure and Embracing the Dual Challenge
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Mark Green
Posted August 8, 2019
Certainly, our industry is focused on new innovations and technologies that continue to reduce emissions from natural gas and oil production and improve the environmental performance of our operations and facilities. …
The objective is continued progress. High-production areas, including the Permian Basin in Texas and New Mexico and the Bakken in North Dakota and Montana, need additional pipeline infrastructure to take away natural gas when it accompanies oil production. More infrastructure could reduce the amount of flaring – regulated, limited burning of methane – that takes place.
Environmental Partnership: Paving the Way for Continuous Progress
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Mike Sommers
Posted July 30, 2019
We’re proud of the work of The Environmental Partnership – an industry-led initiative launched in 2017 that is leading the way to further reduce methane emissions from energy operations.
With 65 members to date, The Partnership serves as a model for industry leadership on shared environmental goals and creating pathways for new technologies and techniques – like optical gas imaging cameras, drones and other devices – to drive down emissions, while providing the energy vital to every American family and business.
U.S. Shale – The ‘Navy’s Fifth Fleet’
Security and Access Shale Oil Energy Security
Sam Winstel
Posted July 26, 2019
Historically, tensions in the Strait of Hormuz – like those currently between the U.S. and Iran – would portend serious price impacts for American consumers. But not anymore, thanks to the U.S. energy revolution. As it turns out, America’s strongest defense against crude oil supply disruptions is our homegrown energy offense.