FOSSIL FUELS

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Evaluates Impact of EPA Regulations on Employment

Coal Power, Fossil Fuels, Natural Gas, Oil

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce released a new study challenging EPA’s optimistic projections regarding air regulations and job creation.  The data revealed EPA’s flawed analysis methods and emphasized the need for regulatory reform, showing evidence of potential negative economic impacts from regulations. On February 27, 2013, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce released a study evaluating the employment impacts of EPA’s regulations…....

New Bill to Bolster Energy Production and Economic Growth

Fossil Fuels, Natural Gas, Oil, Renewables, Solar Power, Wind Power

The Energy Production and Project Delivery Act of 2013 aims at opening more federal acreage for energy development and expediting permitting processes for energy projects to create millions of jobs and add trillions of dollars to the economy. On February 27, 2013, Senator David Vitter (R-La.) and Congressman Rob Bishop (R-Utah) introduced the Energy Production…...

Bipartisan Policy Center Releases Energy Policy Recommendations Report

Biofuels, Coal Power, Electric Vehicles, Energy Efficiency, Energy Storage, Fossil Fuels, Natural Gas, Nuclear Power, Oil, Power & Utilities, Renewables, Smart Grid, Solar Power, Wind Power

A recent report from the Bipartisan Policy Center outlines common ground energy policy recommendations that build on energy abundance and efficiency accomplishments of the U.S.    On February 27, 2013, the Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) released a report proposing a set of recommendations intended to serve as a blueprint for establishing strong and diverse energy resource portfolios…....

Business Roundtable Releases Report Outlining Recommendations for Energy Policy

Emissions, Energy Efficiency, Energy Storage, Environmental Markets, Natural Gas, Oil, Power & Utilities, Renewables, Smart Grid, Solar Power, Wind Power

Chief executives of leading U.S. companies released a report outlining recommendations for a comprehensive energy policy framework that would capitalize on the nation’s strengths to enhance self-sufficiency, economic growth, and environmental stewardship. On February 25, 2013, Business Roundtable, a national association of corporate executives, released a report outlining recommendations to devise a comprehensive energy policy…...

DOI Finalizes Management Plan for NPR-A

Fossil Fuels, Oil

A finalized management plan for National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) opens approximately half of the 23 million acreage for oil and gas development and allows construction of an oil and gas pipeline through the reserve. On February 21, 2013, Secretary of the Department of Interior (DOI) Ken Salazar signed the Record of Decision (ROD) for NPR-A,…...

TransCanada: Keystone XL Would Have Minimal Environmental Impact

Fossil Fuels, Oil

TransCanada states that Keystone XL pipeline would have minimal environmental impact, adding a new asset to their list of benefits, which includes economic growth and stringent safety measures for construction and operation. At a forum held on February 19, 2013, TransCanada and Keystone XL supporters reiterated the pipeline’s potential to create multiple U.S. economic benefits including energy…...

GAO Report Reveals Fragmented Energy Policy Continues to Delay Industry Growth

Fossil Fuels, Natural Gas

A new Government report shows need for streamlined interstate and intrastate natural gas pipeline permitting process. On February 15, 2013, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report revealing an increasingly fragmented multi-stakeholder permitting processes for interstate and intrastate natural gas pipeline construction. Application approvals are time-consuming and overly complex due to multiple regulators having jurisdiction…...

Alaska LNG Export Project On Track

Fossil Fuels, Natural Gas

Companies working on the Alaska LNG Export project released a report on pipeline progress, fulfilling another round of benchmarks laid out by Governor Parnell. On February 15, 2013, North Slope energy giants Exxon Mobil, BP, and ConocoPhillips, along with Calgary-based TransCanada, submitted a report to Alaskan Governor Sean Parnell, detailing new developments in their proposed Alaska…...

NY Hydraulic Fracturing Decision Delayed Again

Fossil Fuels, Natural Gas, Oil

New York State’s decision to permit hydraulic fracturing faced yet another delay, citing more time needed for the health department to complete its ongoing public health review. On February 12, 2013, New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Nirav Shah wrote to the Department of Environmental Commission (DEC) stating that the ongoing hydraulic fracturing impact review…...

SOTU 2013: President Obama Pushes For Climate Change Action

Biofuels, Coal Power, Electric Vehicles, Emissions, Energy Efficiency, Energy Storage, Fossil Fuels, Natural Gas, Nuclear Power, Oil, Power & Utilities, Renewables, Smart Grid, Solar Power, Wind Power

President Obama outlined bold actions to combat climate change, elaborating on his inaugural vow to address the issue.  Obama further pledged to use his executive power to tackle climate change challenges if Congress denied action. At his State of the Union (SOTU) speech on February 12, 2013, President Obama cast a bold vision on climate change…...

Climate Change Debate Intensifies

Biofuels, Coal Power, Electric Vehicles, Emissions, Energy Efficiency, Energy Storage, Fossil Fuels, Natural Gas, Nuclear Power, Oil, Power & Utilities, Renewables, Smart Grid, Solar Power, Wind Power

Divided opinions over climate change issues delayed approval of the draft oversight plan in the House Energy and Commerce Committee.  Democrats called to amend the draft plan to hold hearings on climate change science, an issue that Republicans have long opposed. On February 6, 2013, democrats in the House Energy and Commerce Committee introduced a…...

Nebraska Governor’s Move sets the Stage for Final Decision on Keystone XL Pipeline

Fossil Fuels, Oil

On January 22, 2013, Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman approved a new Nebraska route for the controversial Keystone XL oil pipeline, setting the stage for the Obama administration to make a final decision on the long-drawn-out subject.  Following Governor Heineman’s approval, the reroute becomes part of TransCanada’s Presidential Permit application filed with the State Department on…...