Energy Tomorrow Blog
Energy Infrastructure and Opportunity for Bipartisan Progress
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Jessica Lutz
Posted November 16, 2018
With the midterms behind us, we can anticipate the spate of political analysis bemoaning the onset “divided government” with this observation: Expanding and upgrading U.S. energy infrastructure offers a terrific opportunity for substantive, bipartisan action that will benefit the American people.
First, consider that America’s energy resurgence – spurred by technologies and innovations tapping vast natural gas and oil reserves in shale and other tight-rock formations – is growing the economy, strengthening U.S. security and providing consumer benefits. Abundant energy helps everyone – hence the chance for the new Congress to find common ground in bolstering the infrastructure that delivers it.
API President Mike Sommers and Sean McGarvey, president of North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), built on these themes earlier this week in an op-ed in The Hill.Correlation Grows Between Financial Markets, Oil Prices
crude markets crude oil prices consumers investments finance
Dean Foreman
Posted November 15, 2018
Earlier this year we pointed out that a roller coaster of emerging economic factors could affect oil markets and, ultimately, consumers – and we were correct.
Rising interest rates, trade and tariff disputes, near decade-high U.S. dollar appreciation and potential financial market uncertainties have become pronounced over the past few months, affecting global crude oil markets and producing the strongest correlation between financial markets and oil prices in years.
EPA's Missed Opportunity with Proposed OOOOa Amendments
emission reductions methane production standards epa
Jessica Lutz
Posted November 14, 2018
The good news is that EPA’s proposed amendments to the 2016 New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) OOOOa rule will continue the rule’s ability to effectively reduce volatile organic compound and methane emissions from all emission sources addressed in the previous administration’s rule. Methane is the primary component of natural gas – a key product for industry. Producers are incentivized to bring that product to consumers, making its capture a top priority from a business standpoint, in addition to the environmental considerations. Unfortunately, the proposed rule includes several missed opportunities, and could ultimately stifle innovative new technologies in emissions detection and increase the cost of energy for Americans.
Colorado's Vote For Colorado Energy
colorado vote economic growth oil and natural gas
Mark Green
Posted November 8, 2018
A big shout-out to Colorado’s voters for decisively rejecting a measure that could have significantly stifled new natural gas and oil production in their state – showing that they value energy’s importance to their economy, schools and public services.
Coloradans clearly support responsible development, and Tuesday’s vote signals that going forward, natural gas and oil’s value to Colorado is to be acknowledged as everyone works together to advance energy growth and public health.
Shell Partner Receives FAA Approval for Drones Beyond Visual Line of Sight
technology technology innovation permian basin
Emily Smith
Posted November 6, 2018
The natural gas and oil industry’s use of drones to inspect facilities and operations is getting a boost from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Shell’s partner Avitas Systems received an FAA waiver to fly drones for civil use beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) with the assistance of a radar in Loving County, Texas (USA). Typically, drones operated beyond line of sight require a spotter. It’s the first waiver of its kind from the FAA, and it could significantly increase the reach of aerial monitoring to inspect facilities and operations in expansive and often remote areas.
Vote Tests Future of Responsible Energy Development in Colorado
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Mark Green
Posted November 1, 2018
As Coloradans prepare to vote on an anti-energy measure that could severely damage state natural gas and oil production and stagger the state’s economy, it’s no exaggeration to say the whole nation is watching.
Consider: Proposition 112 would make 85 percent of non-federal land in Colorado – the United States’ sixth-leading natural gas and oil producer – off limits for new energy production by increasing required setbacks or buffer zones around certain “occupied structures” and “vulnerable areas” by 400 percent over the existing requirement.
Report Highlights Industry’s Leadership in Protecting Infrastructure from Cyberattacks
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Jessica Lutz
Posted October 31, 2018
A new report illustrates just how prepared natural gas and oil companies are when it comes to defending themselves and American energy consumers against malicious cyber threats – a fundamental component of the industry’s resiliency and something we’ve demonstrated time and again.
New Marine Fuel Regulations and Potential Consumer Impact
Dean Foreman
Posted October 30, 2018
There has been a recent flurry of news about whether the Trump administration will succeed in easing the rollout of new international rules to power commercial ships with environmentally cleaner fuels.
The main fear is the change of rules could drive up demand and prices for low-sulfur fuels like diesel fuel – and ultimately the costs to consumers and businesses for their motor fuels, transportation, and everything that depends on them.
Poll: 8 in 10 U.S. Voters Concerned About Latest E15 Push
renewable fuel standard consumers e15 ethanol
Mark Green
Posted October 29, 2018
The Trump administration’s plan to push more high ethanol-blended E15 into the nation’s fuel supply doesn’t sit well with U.S. voters – for the consumer reasons we’ve been talking about for months (see here, here and here).
A new national survey of 1,001 registered voters across the country, conducted by Harris Poll, shows bipartisan concern about expanded sales of E15, which contains 50 percent more ethanal than E10 fuel, which is standard in the U.S.
Texas and Continuing America's Energy Momentum
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Mike Sommers
Posted October 24, 2018
From prepared remarks at this week at the Lone Star Energy Forum in Houston, hosted by the Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA):
It’s great to be back in Texas. And it’s a privilege to share a stage with some of the most steadfast advocates for U.S. energy leadership starting right here in Texas. TXOGA and API have the same goal, and it’s based on this event’s theme: “Energy Dominance Starts in Texas.” The goal is to make sure that the Energy Dominance that starts in Texas, doesn’t end in Washington, D.C.
