Since the turn of the century, increased scrutiny has been placed on the U.S. electric grid. The threat of weather disruption, physical and cyber-attacks, and decreased regional power generation capacity due to emissions regulations are key factors framing the debate over how to achieve power security and supply. Overview In 2012, Hurricane Sandy exposed electric…
The Supreme Court upheld EPA’s air pollution rule that regulates cross-border emissions of 28 upwind states to address downwind states’ compliance with air quality standards. On April 29, 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), reversing an August 2012 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals…
The American shipping industry has become less competitive in the global market, leading to questions on whether domestic restrictions still make economic sense. High cost of living in outlying U.S. states and territories and high energy prices are bringing the Jones Act under scrutiny. Overview The Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act…
U.S. petroleum product exports increased by ten percent from 2012-2013, reflecting a significant boost in domestic crude oil and natural gas production. On April 22, 2014, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) released a report showing that 2013 U.S. petroleum product exports averaged 3.5 million barrels per day (MMbbl/d) increasing by ten percent from 2012 levels….
The Alaska Legislature has approved a measure directing negotiations for state partnership in the proposed Alaska LNG pipeline project. On April 20, 2014, Alaska Legislature passed SB 138, allowing negotiations to establish state partnership with the major North Slope producers – BP, ConocoPhillips, and ExxonMobil – and pipeline company TransCanada in the proposed large-diameter Alaska…
EPA and Texas have issued the first joint greenhouse gas permit in the State. On April 16, 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) issued a final greenhouse gas (GHG) permit to Equistar Chemicals to expand and modify an existing petrochemical plant. The permit is the first to be drafted…
A federal appeals court upheld EPA’s regulation to limit emissions of mercury and hazardous air pollutants from coal- and oil-fired power plants. On April 15, 2014, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia upheld the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) for coal- and oil-fired electric utility steam…
ConocoPhillips has obtained DOE authorization to export LNG to non-FTA countries from its Kenai Facility in Alaska. On April 14, 2014, the Department of Energy (DOE) issued authorization for ConocoPhillips Alaska Natural Gas Corporation (CPANGC) to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) from its Kenai LNG facility in Alaska to non-Free Trade Agreement (FTA) countries. CPANGC…
EIA’s 2014 Annual Energy Outlook projects strong potential for fueling freight locomotives with liquefied natural gas. On April 14, 2014, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) released a report highlighting the potential of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to fuel freight locomotives. The report draws on EIA’s Annual Energy Outlook 2014 (AEO2014) which projects significant appeal to…
On January 2, 2014, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission officially entered into two Memoranda of Understanding (MOU). The MOUs will provide solutions for overlapping jurisdiction and sharing information of mutual interest. Overview On March 5, 2014, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) announced…
The House Energy and Power Subcommittee has approved a bill aimed to expedite natural gas exports to U.S. allies. On April 9, 2014, the House Energy and Power Subcommittee approved the Domestic Prosperity and Global Freedom Act (H.R. 6) aimed to amend the Natural Gas Act to expedite export application approval for U.S. liquefied natural…
DOE has released a five-year Strategic Plan outlining priorities to address the nation’s energy, security, economic, and environmental challenges. On April 7, 2014, the Department of Energy (DOE) released its Strategic Plan for 2014-2018 to advance its mission of enhancing U.S. security and economic growth through transformative science, technology, and market solutions to address energy,…
