Energy Tomorrow Blog
Responding to the Colonial Cyber Attack – and Industry’s Continuing Focus on Security
cybersecurity colonial pipeline fuel supply
Mark Green
Posted May 11, 2021
The cyber attack on the 5,500-mile Colonial Pipeline that daily carries millions of gallons of fuel products from the Gulf Coast to New York and points in between, underscores some critically important points about the natural gas and oil industry – its resilience and agility in working to alleviate supply disruptions, the vital importance of investing in pipeline infrastructure for the economy and modern daily life, and the ongoing commitment by industry to protect itself and key assets from cyber criminals
Industry has worked and will continue to work with the Biden administration on actions to mitigate supply disruptions caused by the cyber attack. These include an hours-of-service exemption for those transporting gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and other refined products to 18 states, as well as a fuel waiver for states under EPA requirement to use reformulated gasoline (RFG) to be allowed to use conventional gasoline amid the disruption – helping fuel suppliers manage inventories until Colonial returns to normal operations.
IOSC 2021 – Working Together for Safety, Success, Sustainability
oil spill prevention and response offshore safety
Mark Green
Posted May 11, 2021
Every three years the International Oil Spill Conference (IOSC) brings together professionals from the private sector, government and non-governmental response community to discuss the science and advanced technologies of preventing incidences, responding in the rare event of a spill and restoring affected areas. IOSC 2021 is occurring virtually this week, again focused on four pillar themes: prevent, prepare, respond, restore. Below, conference remarks by API President and CEO Mike Sommers.
Online or otherwise, this particular gathering is more than just a typical industry event that pops up on our calendars every few years. Instead, this conference provides a special and unique opportunity for our industry to meet with fellow collaborators in government and non-governmental organizations alike.
What brings us together is a common purpose: preventing oil spills and “getting to zero.” To accomplish that, API is proud to help convene an event dedicated to exchanging ideas and sharing lessons learned from around the world as we collectively work toward a safer, cleaner, better future.
Protecting America's Critical Energy Infrastructure
colonial pipeline cybersecurity infrastructure safety standards
Suzanne Lemieux
Posted May 10, 2021
Over the weekend, Colonial Pipeline Company experienced a cybersecurity attack, which has since been identified as ransomware, forcing the shutdown of one piece of U.S. critical energy infrastructure. Colonial Pipeline is issuing updates about their operations and response activities as well as precautionary and other measures they’ve taken to protect the safety and security of their energy systems. Read their press statements here.
As Colonial Pipeline consults with law enforcement and other federal agencies, the broader U.S. natural gas and oil industry continues to focus on mitigating cybersecurity risks and adapting to this evolving threat landscape. In recent months, ransomware attacks have disrupted public services in major U.S. cities as well as businesses in healthcare and manufacturing, among other essential industries. We encourage government policies that allow companies to innovate and refine processes that protect against future incidents.
API member companies are committed to protecting America’s critical oil and natural gas infrastructure, safeguarding intellectual property and providing affordable, reliable energy for everyday use.
Infrastructure Pivotal for Vital U.S.-Canada Energy Relationship
canada heavy oil refineries pipelines keystone xl
Mark Green
Posted May 5, 2021
The United States’ energy relationship with Canada is vital to our economy (as well as Canada’s) and energy security – which makes the administration’s Day 1 cancellation of the Keystone XL pipeline and its omission of pipelines in its new infrastructure initiative look short-sighted.
A new U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) brief on U.S. crude oil imports underscores the importance of imported Canadian crude oil – in reducing U.S. reliance on imports from other suppliers and in filling the needs of U.S. refineries that are configured to process heavier crudes, including those from Western Canada.
World Bank: U.S. Leads in Global Flaring Reduction
methane Environment federal leases emission reductions
Mark Green
Posted May 3, 2021
The World Bank is out with its annual Global Gas Flaring Tracker Report, and there’s positive news on U.S. flaring from natural gas and oil production – underscoring industry’s commitment to reduce emissions while continuing to supply the affordable, reliable energy Americans use every day.
The report showed a 32% decrease in U.S. flaring from 2019-2020. This included decreased flaring in three key shale regions – the Permian, Bakken and Eagle Ford. Lower production last year associated with the pandemic was a factor, but the report also notes infrastructure improvements to capture and use gas that in the past would have been flared.
Carbon Nanotubes – Potential Game Changer In Push For Climate Innovation
technology innovation carbon emissions
John D. Siciliano
Posted April 30, 2021
No larger than the width of a human hair, advanced-technology carbon nanotubes have the potential to be a game-changer in efforts to meet the global climate challenge. From CO2 captured from natural gas and oil production, and other emitting sources, nanotubes may be the building blocks for the next generation of low-carbon materials and carbon-neutral technologies.
Nanotubes are an example of the kinds of technologies API’s new Climate Action Framework seeks to advance as a key element in reducing emissions while our industry meets the world’s growing demand for energy. …
Technologies can help reduce emissions resulting in meaningful climate progress. They can significantly shape the climate discussion and engagement with policymakers.
Report: Natural Gas Pipelines Crucial to U.S. Climate Ambitions
natural gas pipelines emission reductions
Sam Winstel
Posted April 29, 2021
With President Biden committing the U.S. to a more than 50% reduction in economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 – nearly double the previous national target – some policy experts say America will need natural gas and a modern pipeline network to reach the goal.
Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy recently published an energy infrastructure report – “Investing in the U.S Natural Gas Pipeline System to Support Net-Zero Targets” – underscoring the importance of natural gas in achieving meaningful environmental progress.The Story Behind the Recent Rise in Airline Ticket Prices
Dean Foreman
Posted April 28, 2021
We’ve written quite a bit recently about how the economic recovery so far has spurred increased demand for oil and refined products (see here, here, and here). The demand for air travel and consequently jet fuel, which historically have related strongly to the pace of economic growth, lagged the economy so far.
In fact, U.S. passenger traffic in April 2021 was roughly half of what it was in 2019, per the Transportation Safety Administration, so many people are asking why ticket prices have already begun to rise. After all, even as summer approaches, aren’t there a lot of idle planes and crews eager to be re-hired and return to service?
There is in fact a lot of idle capacity. Yet, ticket prices also seem to have increased recently and outpaced the return of passengers – for example, with recent price spikes for airfare to some attractive destinations.
Using CCUS and Other Technologies to Reduce GHG Emissions
ccs technology emission reductions climate
Mark Green
Posted April 22, 2021
As the White House hosts the Leaders Summit on Climate, it’s important to reiterate the natural gas and oil industry’s commitment to address the climate challenge while also supplying the affordable, reliable energy our country counts on every day. Industry’s goal is to engage with President Biden and Congress on those parallel priorities.
Meeting the climate/energy challenge is at the heart of API’s Climate Action Framework – with an emphasis on “action.” Americans, as seen in new polling, expect our nation to tackle both in a workable, common-sense manner, and the framework details just such a plan of action – from endorsing a government price on carbon to carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), methane regulation and more.
Key in the Climate Action Framework is accelerating technologies and innovation, such as CCUS, to support global leaders’ goal of meeting the world’s growing need for energy while also advancing a lower-carbon future.
On Earth Day, Four Indicators of Industry-Led Environmental Progress
Environment climate ccs technology
Lem Smith
Posted April 22, 2021
This year, efforts to advance environmental progress and economic growth feel more urgent than ever. America’s post-pandemic recovery requires energy for transportation and everyday use, and our long-term climate goals demand immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.
These dual challenges are complex but not incompatible, and with the flexibility and scope of an economywide approach, the U.S. can deliver lasting solutions for sustainable human development.
API’s recently released Climate Action Framework establishes a roadmap for public policies and industry initiatives that can accelerate economy-wide emissions reductions, while expanding access to affordable, reliable energy. America has a strong track record of climate leadership, and with ongoing investment in technological innovations and a commitment to collaboration, we can achieve meaningful results.