U.S. gasoline and diesel prices rose during February although retail average prices are below 2023 levels for this time of the year, according to a March 6 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The price increase can be attributed to the sharp decline in refinery utilization and decreasing regional inventories across the major…...
U.S. crude oil production has risen significantly over the last decade, in line with productivity increases at new wells according to a Mar .5 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The U.S. became the world’s largest crude oil producer in 2018 and as of October 2023 accounts for about 16 percent of total…...
The Environmental Protection Agency’s upcoming rule to limit carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel-fired power plants will omit existing natural gas-fired plants, according to a Feb. 29 statement. The rule is expected in April. The agency plans to take a new approach to address emissions from the existing gas-fired fleet, covering more pollutants and ensuring…...
The U.S. Energy Department on Feb. 27 announced over $366 million for 17 projects in rural and remote areas across 20 states, benefiting 30 Tribal Nations and communities. The projects are a part of the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas, or ERA, program. This funding, supported by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs…...
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has formalized planning requirements for the state’s major natural gas utilities. The initiative stems from the 2021 gas price spike during Winter Storm Uri, which underscored the need for a comprehensive planning approach to safeguard consumers from price volatility. The process aims to ensure safe, reliable, and cost-effective utility service…...
The U.S. is projected to retire 5.2 gigawatts (GW) of electricity generating capacity in 2024, according to a Feb. 20 report published by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The expected retirement of power generating capacity this year is 62 percent lower than 2023 and is the lowest yearly decline since 2008. Coal and natural gas…...
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Feb. 16 announced the availability of $81 million in funding opportunities to support eligible air agencies in expanding and upgrading the nation’s air quality monitoring networks. This investment, supported by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, or IRA, aims to address air pollution, enhance monitoring in and near communities, and…...
The U.S. is expected to add 62.8 gigawatts of new utility scale power generating capacity in 2024, up 55 percent compared to 2023, which saw capacity increase by 40.4 GW, according to a Feb. 15 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Solar and battery storage capacity are expected to account for 58 percent and…...
The New Mexico legislature on Feb. 13 approved legislation to implement a clean fuel standard aimed to lower the carbon intensity of transportation fuels used in the state by at least 30 percent by 2040, relative to 2018 levels. The bill now awaits Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s signature. New Mexico is set to become the…...
U.S. natural gas prices during 2023 were relatively lower, due to increases in natural gas supply surpassing the rise in natural gas demand, according to a Feb. 12 report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Domestic gas production and imports were robust during 2023, amid a backdrop of high U.S. natural gas storage levels. In…...
The U.S. liquefied natural gas industry experienced notable progress as three major projects commenced construction in 2023, as reported by the U.S. Energy Information Administration on Feb. 7. This advancement is fueled by the execution of sale and purchase agreements (SPAs) amounting to nearly 22 million metric tons per year of LNG, albeit reflecting a…...
Electricity usage related to U.S. cryptocurrency mining operations in the U.S. has increased significantly over the last few years, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Early estimates from the agency report that yearly electricity consumption due to cryptocurrency mining represents from 0.6 percent to 2.3 percent of total U.S. electricity usage. The increase in…...