AI's hunger for energy fuels geothermal startup but rivalry over natgas clouds the future
The number of geothermal energy startups is on the rise, as Big Tech companies look to power their AI data centers with natural gas. However, long-term investment remains uncertain because oil majors are doubling down on natural gases. Meta and Alphabet’s Google…
Chris Wright, CEO of the oil industry, is appointed Energy Secretary by Trump
Donald Trump, the President-elect, announced on Saturday that Chris Wright, an oil and gas executive who is a staunch supporter of fossil fuels, will be his choice to lead the Department of Energy. Wright is the founder of Liberty Energy in Denver, a firm that provides oilfield services.
As Biden's term ends, the US introduces a methane tax on gas and oil emitters.
The U.S. administration of President Joe Biden finalized on Tuesday a fee for large oil and gas companies to reduce emissions of this powerful greenhouse gas. However, the incoming Trump presidency is likely to scrap the fee. The methane tax is one of the last…
Trump's Victory Lifts Small-Caps, Banks
Donald Trump's second term as U.S. President on Wednesday lifted equity markets, on the back of bets on lower corporate taxes, favorable tariffs, and deregulation. This lifted shares of local small-cap companies, banks, and Trump Media.Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla Motors…
Biden Administration spending climate cash quickly as Trump threatens cancel it
If Donald Trump wins the Nov. 5 presidential election, he has promised to cancel all funds that have not been spent from President Joe Biden’s climate law. Biden administration officials say that the majority of the grants will have been spent by January when a new President takes office.
Texas sued for anti-ESG laws
Texas was sued on Thursday by a nonprofit whose members support environmentally-friendly policies, and which seeks to block a state law targeting businesses that support reduced reliance on fossil fuels. The American Sustainable Business Council claimed that the 2021 law…
The policy uncertainty highlighted by the rise in US executives' election talk
U.S. executives are more concerned about the presidential election this year than they were four years ago. A wider policy divide between Donald Trump and Kamalah Harris raises concerns over taxes, tariffs, and pricing power. According to a LSEG Workspace screen on S&P 500 companies…
Legal Beat: Jones Act Moon Shot
What does the Jones Act have to do with the moon, you ask? Well, we must go to ground on the Jones Act to answer the question.The “Jones Act” we are talking about is the section in the Merchant Marine Act, 1920 which revised the pre-existing reservation of U.S. domestic maritime commerce to qualified U.S.-flag vessels.
U.S. Climate Bill Exempts most of Oil Industry from Methane Fees
The U.S. Senate climate bill’s fee on oil and gas industry methane emissions will cover less than half the sector’s releases of the powerful greenhouse gas, thanks to concessions made to win over party holdout Joe Manchin, according to a review of the legislation…
Oil Drillers, Bitcoin Miners Bond over Natural Gas
On U.S. oil patches stretching along the Rockies and Great Plains, trailers hitched to trucks back up toward well pads to capture natural gas and convert it on the spot into electricity.The trailers - carrying pipes, generators and computers - are called “mining rigs.” But their owners aren’t there to drill for oil.
ENERGY: Oil Rises on Vaccine Optimism, U.S. Stimulus
Oil prices open March 2021 on a strong note, supported by optimism about COVID-19 vaccinations, a U.S. stimulus package and growing factory activity in Europe despite coronavirus restrictions.Brent crude was up 63 cents or 1% at $65.05 a barrel by 1150 GMT, and U.S.
Biden to Target Drilling, Fossil Fuel Subsidies in New Climate Orders
President Joe Biden was set on Wednesday to sign executive actions to combat climate change, including pausing new oil and gas leases on federal land and cutting fossil fuel subsidies as he pursues green policies in stark contrast to those of his predecessor…
EXIM Bank Amends Mozambique LNG Loan. Earmarks $1.8B for Offshore Work
The U.S. EXIM Bank has amended its previously approved September 2019 direct loan supporting U.S. exports for the development and construction of the Total-operated LNG project located on the Afungi Peninsula in northern Mozambique.The original scope of the…
Brent Crude Drops to $26.35. Outlook Bleak
Oil prices fell on Thursday, ending three sessions of gains, as movement restrictions worldwide to contain the coronavirus destroyed demand and overshadowed expectations that a U.S. $2 trillion emergency stimulus will bolster economic activity.Brent crude futures fell $1.04, or 3.75%, to $26.35 a barrel by 0834 GMT.
Oil, Fishing, Tourism: Alaska Economy Faces Triple Hit from Coronavirus
The U.S. state of Alaska is so far distant from the worst medical ravages of the coronavirus pandemic, but its economy is in critical condition. Alaska is especially vulnerable because it depends on oil, tourism and fisheries – basic industries that are reeling…
U.S. Clean Energy Sector Seeks Subsidies to Keep Projects Moving
Wind and solar energy companies on Thursday called on Congress to pass tax incentives that would help the sector avoid project delays and keep financing flowing amid a pandemic that has choked off supply chains and slowed construction.In a letter to House and Senate leadership…
Trump Nominates Brouillette as New Energy Secretary
The U.S. Department of Energy said on Thursday that President Donald Trump had formally nominated Deputy Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette, a former vice president of Ford Motor Co and Louisiana state energy regulator, to head the department.If confirmed by the Senate…
U.S. Senate Panel Backs Nord Stream 2 Pipeline Sanctions Bill
A U.S. Senate committee passed a bill on Wednesday to slap sanctions on companies and individuals involved in building the Nord Stream 2 pipeline from Russia to Germany that the Trump administration says would strengthen Moscow's economic grip on Europe.The…
US Extends Offshore Wind Tax Credit
The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) issued a statement in support of two bills introduced in the U.S. Senate this week, which would both extend the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for offshore wind energy.The legislation comes at a critical time for offshore wind in America…
NOIA Applauds Confirmation of Interior Secretary
National Ocean Industries Association President Randall Luthi has issued the following statement on the Senate confirmation of David Bernhardt as Secretary of the Interior:“I congratulate David Bernhardt on his confirmation as Secretary of the Department of the Interior.
