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Consumer Advocate Applauds Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy for Issuing Great Lakes Tunnel Project Permits

Pipeline worker in pipe

LANSING, MI – Following today’s announcement by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) that it has completed its review and issued permits for Enbridge’s Great Lakes Tunnel Project to relocate the portion of the Line 5 pipeline that runs along the bottom of the Straits of Mackinac, Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) Midwest Executive Director Chris Ventura issued the following statement:

“Thank you to Michigan EGLE for their common-sense decision to help authorize the construction of the Great Lakes Tunnel Project. These permits are an important part of the process to help this project move forward. Consumer Energy Alliance appreciates how this action will help support making a safe pipeline ever safer – instead of turning to unnecessary litigation and political posturing.”

“With one step closer to the tunnel moving forward, we are pleased this project contains great environmental safeguards for the Great Lakes while also helping to support the delivery of energy safely to Michigan and its surrounding states. By being 100 feet under the lakebed, the tunnel will protect wildlife and fish, while still providing the safest way to bring into the state the essential energy that Michigan consumers rely on.”

The Rod Arquette Show with David Holt

Oil rig in Atlantic Ocean

CEA’s David Holt appeared on The Rod Arquette Show to talk about the negative effects of oil and gas lease bans on federal lands will have on the American economy.

Listen here – 105.9 KNRS

Leading Consumer Energy Advocate Applauds Conservation Funding Protection Act for Protecting Jobs, Coastlands and the Environment

Offshore Oil Rig

Washington, D.C. — Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) Federal Affairs Advisor Michael Zehr released the following statement of support for the Conservation Funding Protection Act, legislation introduced by U.S. Representative Crenshaw and supported by Representatives Carl, Gohmert, Gooden, Guest, Jackson, Pfluger, Scalise and Weber. The bill would provide regulatory certainty for existing Gulf of Mexico energy development by requiring two region-wide lease sales per year on available offshore acreage in the Western and Central Gulf of Mexico—essentially ensuring the continued funding of key conservation programs without expanding energy development to any new planning areas in the Gulf of Mexico.

“We applaud Congressman Crenshaw and the co-sponsors for introducing legislation that will both protect hundreds of thousands of jobs and provide billions of dollars for conservation. This legislation will protect offshore energy development in the limited areas of the Gulf of Mexico where production is already occurring, while safeguarding the primary source of funding for conservation, coastal restoration, and parks maintenance included in the Great American Outdoors Act passed last year.”

“In conjunction with the Biden Administration’s moratorium on new oil and gas leases on all federal lands and waters, this legislation does not expand drilling into new areas. It simply allows continued responsible development to take place in one of the least carbon-intensive basins on the planet – a clear win-win for our economy and our environment.”

“Following yesterday’s executive order by President Biden to restrict oil and gas leasing on federal lands, now more than ever, it is critically important that we protect the Western and Central Gulf of Mexico to provide regulatory and investment certainty.”

“Instead of restricting development in these areas and harming American workers, reducing U.S. energy independence and rewarding less efficient and less regulated foreign suppliers who may not share our commitment to the environment or human rights, let’s support legislation that will strengthen our economy and protect our environment. Consumer Energy Alliance urges the swift passage of the Conservation Funding Protection Act this Congress.”

Report: Indiana Consumers Saved More Than $12 Billion Over Decade from Lower Natural Gas Prices

Mother and son saving money in a piggybank

Indianapolis, IN – Hoosier families, small businesses, farmers and manufacturers saved more than $12 billion from 2009 to 2019, thanks to affordable and reliable natural gas, made possible by increased energy production and safe, responsible infrastructure to deliver it, according to a new report released by Consumer Energy Alliance. Households saved close to $4.6 billion while commercial and industrial users saved more than $8.1 billion combined, according to the report entitled “Abundance of Natural Gas Helps Indiana Maintain its Competitive Edge”.

The report underscores how expanded, environmentally responsible energy infrastructure modernization and natural gas have created billions in energy savings and led to greater energy affordability and reliability for families and businesses – all while the state has achieved substantial emissions reductions.

Not only is natural gas affordable, but is essential for families and businesses across the state. Natural gas heats nearly 60% of homes in Indiana, and businesses are increasingly reliant on it – natural gas accounts for almost half the energy used in the state. This affordable energy keeps our manufacturers competitive, supporting the highest concentration of manufacturing jobs in the nation.

“The need for affordable, reliable and environmentally responsible energy is more important than ever as Indiana emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic,” CEA Midwest Executive Director Chris Ventura said. “While small businesses and manufacturers continue to face challenges and unemployment remains at unacceptably high levels, Hoosiers deserve energy that they can count on to be both affordable and reliable. This is especially true for those on fixed incomes or living below the poverty line, who are disproportionally affected by higher energy costs. The savings Indiana’s energy consumers have received over a decade have helped families and businesses overcome economic hardship and will continue to do so as we enter another uncertain year.”

Rick Wajda, CEO of the Indiana Builders Association, an organization representing Indiana’s home building, remodeling and light commercial construction industry, agrees. “Natural gas is one of the key components of making a newly built or remodeled house feel like a home. From cooking over a stove to enjoying family time by the fire, Hoosiers have benefitted from having access to affordable natural gas – saving $874 every year compared to those using other energy sources,” Wajda said.

Ventura added: “Despite the tremendous benefits and critical importance of environmentally responsible energy production to our families, farmers, and manufacturers, a few loud activists continue to work to eliminate the production of safe, affordable sources of energy without offering any solutions to help meet consumer demand as well as our environmental goals. CEA encourages Indiana’s policymakers, regulators and leaders to continue to come together in support of energy policies that will keep our state moving forward.”

Highlights from the report:

  • On average, Indiana households spent $4,486 to meet their energy needs in 2018. With 871,000 Hoosiers living in poverty in 2018, this translates to more than 36% of their income going toward energy expenses
  • Natural gas consumption in Indiana is up 76% over the past decade due to increased domestic energy production and competitive natural gas prices
  • Indiana’s emissions have declined sharply from 1990-2019. These across-the-board reductions include a:
    • 73% reduction in nitrogen oxides (NOx)
    • 95% reduction in sulfur dioxide (SO2)
    • 61% reduction in volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

To view the report, click here.

Leading Consumer Energy Advocate Announces Support for Conservation Funding Protection Act

Kayaking outdoors

Washington, D.C. — Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) Federal Affairs Advisor Michael Zehr released the following statement of support for the Conservation Funding Protection Act, legislation re-introduced by Senator Kennedy and supported by Senators Cornyn, Cruz, Cassidy, Daines, Hyde-Smith, Lummis and Wicker, which would provide regulatory certainty for existing Gulf of Mexico energy development by requiring two region-wide lease sales per year on available offshore acreage in the Western and Central Gulf of Mexico—essentially ensuring the continued funding of key conservation programs without expanding energy development to any new planning areas in the Gulf of Mexico.

“We commend the sponsors for introducing legislation that will protect offshore energy development in the limited areas of the Gulf of Mexico where production is already occurring, while safeguarding the primary source of funding for conservation, coastal restoration, and parks maintenance included in the Great American Outdoors Act passed last year.”

“By protecting hundreds of thousands of jobs and providing billions of dollars for conservation, this bill is a clear win-win for our economy and our environment. In conjunction with the Biden Administration’s moratorium on new oil and gas leases on all federal lands and waters, this legislation does not expand drilling into new areas. It simply allows continued responsible development to take place in one of the least carbon-intensive basins on the planet.”

“With President Biden’s executive order restrictions on oil and gas leasing, it is critically important that we protect the Western and Central Gulf of Mexico to provide regulatory and investment certainty. Unfortunately, any further restrictions of development in these areas risks harming American workers, reducing U.S. energy independence and rewarding less efficient and less regulated foreign suppliers who may not share our commitment to the environment or human rights.”

“We are happy to support legislation that will strengthen our economy and protect our environment. This legislation would do both, and we urge its swift passage this Congress.”

Biden Administration’s Oil and Gas Leasing Moratorium Will Needlessly Hamper Economy, Hurt Struggling Families and Offer No Environmental Benefits

Pandemic Construction Site

WASHINGTON, D.C. –In response to today’s announcement by the Biden Administration of an order to pause issuing oil and gas leases on all federal lands and waters for an indefinite period, Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) President David Holt issued the following statement:

“Unfortunately, today’s moratorium isn’t about climate change or helping lower global emissions. The fact remains that the U.S. for two decades has led the world in environmental improvement by delivering the largest absolute emissions reductions year after year, even while becoming one of the largest producers of oil and gas. We have demonstrated to the rest of the globe the resolve, discipline and ingenuity required to meet environmental goals, economic needs and energy requirements simultaneously.”

“Our nation is already more than halfway toward reaching our emissions reduction goals under the Paris climate accord, while other nations like China and Russia with weak or non-existent environmental controls have no obligation to reduce theirs. Since economic output and emissions are so closely tied together, we encourage the Biden Administration to look at how to balance both priorities without targeting an industry that provides as much as 8% of the country’s gross domestic product.

“Already, the Administration’s actions affecting the energy industry have cost American laborers jobs and further similar moves will hurt our post-COVID recovery, all to satisfy the demands of interest groups for whom no environmental action, no matter how strong, is enough.”

“This decision will not help our environmental performance or combat climate change – it will do the opposite. By handing American energy production back to unstable foreign energy producers with weak or non-existent environmental controls, we are contributing to greater global emissions and creating higher energy costs at home.”

“While we continue to expand the use of wind and solar and improve our energy efficiency, traditional energy from federal lands remains critical to America’s ability to serve the growing energy needs of its families and small businesses. Federal lands and waters account for 12% of U.S. natural gas production and nearly a quarter of U.S. oil production, and provide billions in royalties that pay for environmental improvement and conservation across the country that is now at risk.”

“Unfortunately, this decision will risk the U.S. destroying 1 million jobs by 2022 and increasing energy prices at a time when the nation can least afford it. On top of the American laborers, workers, families, and small businesses who depend on reliable, affordable energy for their daily needs, those among us living at or below the poverty line in struggling rural and urban communities, or getting by on fixed incomes, will face outsized harm.”

“With the latest calls for unity, we must all recognize the need for compromise and support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future. There are ample ways to accomplish our shared emission reduction goals that do not include overly restricting American companies in a way that costs consumers and eliminates jobs, while pledging employment that does not exist yet.”

“A promise is no replacement for a steady paycheck. Consumer Energy Alliance stands ready to work together to achieve our climate and environmental goals while protecting the safe, affordable and reliable energy that improves the lives of all of America’s homes and businesses.”

 

CEA’s Top 5 Favorite Energy Stories This Week – January 22

This week was all about politics with Joe Biden and Kamala Harris being sworn in as President and Vice President during the 59th U.S. Presidential Inauguration on Wednesday. President Biden didn’t waste any time in signing of a slew of executive orders only hours later, initiating the process of the U.S. rejoining the Paris Climate accord and revoking permits previously granted for the Keystone XL pipeline. And on Thursday, the new Administration halted the issuing of oil and gas leases on all federal lands and waters for 60 days.

As Biden stepped into his new role, oil markets rose for the second straight session upon expectations that the new administration will usher in more pandemic aid spending.

Meanwhile, outside of the U.S., Canada announced a major green hydrogen project by Hydro-Québec, which is expected to generate 11,100 metric tons of green hydrogen per year once constructed. We also read that China surpassed their previous record for renewable energy installations last year with an enormous addition of wind power, adding nearly 72 gigawatts of wind power in 2020.

Busy weeks bring busy news cycles, and this was certainly an interesting one! Check out our five favorite stories and stay current on all things energy.

 

Rooftop Solar

5Solar energy isn’t just for roofs anymore

Researchers are looking beyond rooftop solar for electricity these days. Nanowerk News explains how facades and house walls could offer opportunities for the generation of renewable energy.

Father and Child on a Boat

4What’s next for boat enthusiasts? Solar-powered yachts!

Yacht builders are creating zero-emissions yachts that have solar as the main source of power – including for propulsion. Robb Report shares how the builders did this by creating an electrical system designed to only use solar energy.

Wind turbine in farm field

3Carbon fiber could offer wind industry savings

Researchers found a new carbon fiber material could bring cost and performance benefits to the wind industry. Albuquerque Journal reports on how a switch to carbon fiber for wind blades could improve efficiency and save money by lasting longer.

Offshore energy production in the Gulf of Mexico

2First-ever West Coast lease for wave energy

The U.S. Department of Interior announced the first-ever lease this week for wave energy projects on the West Coast. E&E News updated readers on how one of the test centers would “solve one of the most critical challenges of ocean testing” by providing streamlined permits for companies.

Electric transmission lines

1Megabatteries coming to rescue overloaded power grids

Overloaded power grids may be getting relief from a megabattery boom. According to Bloomberg Businessweek, California, known for its brownouts and blackouts, could add more than 2 gigawatts of energy storage by summer. 

Temporary Halt to Oil Leasing on Federal Lands: Bad for America’s Consumers and Economic Recovery

Father and Daughter Sitting in the Kitchen with Bills

Consumer Energy Advocate Expresses Disappointment with Decision to Enact 60-Day Moratorium on Oil and Gas Leases

WASHINGTON, D.C. –In response to today’s action by the Biden Administration to halt the issuing of oil and gas leases on all federal lands and waters for 60 days, Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) President David Holt issued the following statement:

“While CEA has been a longtime advocate for strong environmental progress, it is important to acknowledge that we have to meet our environmental goals and our energy requirements simultaneously. Federal lands and waters account for 12% of U.S. natural gas production and nearly a quarter of U.S. oil production, which make them critical to America’s ability to serve the growing energy needs of its families and small businesses. Unfortunately, this decision will harm American laborers, workers, families, and small businesses who depend on reliable, affordable energy. There are ample ways to accomplish the Administration’s emission reduction goals that do not include overly restrictive impacts on our daily energy needs.”

“National calls for unity and reconciliation must recognize the need for compromise and logical solutions. For too long, both sides have argued toward a zero-sum outcome; now is the time to achieve both our climate and environmental goals and continue to bring safe, affordable and reliable energy to America’s households and business.”

“Today’s action risks increasing energy prices at a time when the nation can least afford it. More than any others, those among us living at or below the poverty line or on fixed-incomes will be the most harmed.”

“And, based on the fact that the U.S. leads the world in environmental improvement, it is unclear what, if any, impact this decision will have on further improving our environmental performance. It almost certainly will increase global emissions and raise consumer prices by replacing American production with energy sources from nations which produce less affordably and with far fewer environmental protections.”

“Even as one of the largest producers of oil and gas in the world, the U.S. has led the world for two decades with the largest absolute emissions reductions. We managed this massive achievement even at a time of record oil and gas production, through commitment, strong regulations and technological advances. We are already more than halfway toward reaching our emissions reduction goals under the Paris climate accord, while other nations like China and Russia with weak or non-existent environmental controls have no obligation to reduce their emissions at all.”

“As we revive America’s communities and economy from the COVID-19 crisis, we must remember that thoughtful, environmentally responsible energy production that keeps our economy growing will continue to benefit families, farmers and small businesses across the country. We look forward to working with President Biden on balanced, unifying policies that advance our environmental goals and help meet the economic and energy needs of families and businesses across the nation.”

 

Largest National Energy Consumer Group Reacts to President Biden’s Keystone XL Cancellation

Laborers working on pipeline

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In response to today’s action by President Joe Biden canceling the Keystone XL pipeline, Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) President David Holt issued the following statement:

“Consumer Energy Alliance joins American energy consumers across the nation in expressing their deep disappointment in President Biden’s Inaugural Day decision to cancel the Keystone XL pipeline. Instead of choosing to keep Americans working through the post-COVID recovery, supporting private investment that will augment America’s world-leading emissions reductions and strengthening North American economic and energy security, President Biden bowed to the demands of a handful of special interests on his first day in office at the expense of American laborers, workers, families, and small businesses who depend on reliable energy.”

“CEA has historically advocated for all types of energy resources across the country and supports policies that will help the U.S. lead the world in enhanced environmental protections and reduced emissions. Given that our nation develops energy infrastructure safely and in the most environmentally-responsible way possible, this decision disregards the volumes of scientific evidence that shows the Keystone XL pipeline would be safe, enhance environmental standards, and be a more cost-effective alternative to importing oil from overseas.”

“As America continues to lead the world in environmental improvement, pipelines and advanced pipeline technology provide the safest method for transporting energy, according to the Department of Transportation, and the quantity of oil the Keystone XL would carry every day is equal to 4,150 trucks or 1,185 rail cars. This is a pipeline that has already committed to being zero carbon emissions and operated by 100% renewable energy. It is unfortunate that, in this instance, ideology has trumped common sense, and will achieve the opposite environmental effect than was intended.”

“On top of giving a victory to foreign energy sources, it also ignores more than a decade of work done by the Department of State, Department of Energy and PHMSA which have collectively concluded that Keystone XL would be an incredibly safe pipeline with state-of-the-art monitoring technology, would lower gasoline and diesel prices and would reduce carbon emissions associated moving oil into American refineries. Shutting this project down at a time when the U.S. has returned to being a net oil importer and lost the energy independence that took decades to achieve will, once again, put energy prices in the hands of foreign nations at the cost of our families and small businesses.”

“We had over a dozen years to evaluate the economic and environmental impacts of the Keystone XL project. In fact, this vital infrastructure project was estimated by President Obama’s State Department to have generated significant economic growth – $3.4 billion or roughly 0.2% of GDP – and 42,100 jobs with no significant or harmful environmental impacts. President Biden and members of his administration, including former Secretary of State John Kerry, should know these findings well.”

“We look forward to working with President Biden on common-sense policies that are good both for our environment and our economy. We already have globe-leading environmental improvement and must expand it while meeting the energy needs of families across the nation, and delivering safe, affordable and reliable energy.  As we revive America’s communities and economy from the COVID-19 crisis, we must have a clear, certain regulatory framework for our country’s energy infrastructure, because pipelines play a critical role in fueling our lives, powering our homes, advancing our economy, and helping improve our environment. No matter what certain loud interest groups say, pipelines are essential in propelling the evolution of our energy mix, and are a powerful way to make immediate environmental gains.”

 

CEA’s Top 5 Favorite Energy Stories This Week – January 15

Today everyone was talking about President-elect Joe Biden unveiling his $1.9 trillion coronavirus plan with the goal of speeding up vaccines and increasing financial aid to those struggling from the pandemic’s prolonged economic fallout.

Despite this news, global shares fell as this potential boost was overpowered by the likelihood of stricter lockdowns in Europe and a reappearance of COVID-19 cases in China.

Earlier this week, the Energy Information Administration’s outlook provided the first projection for U.S. output in 2022. According to the EIA, U.S. production reached around 13 million barrels per day at the beginning of 2020 but then fell precipitously as COVID-19 caused demand and prices to decline.

We also saw a report this week showing how the pandemic slowdown led to U.S. greenhouse gas emissions falling by 10 percent according to a new report. Fortunately, the U.S. was already leading in global emissions reductions even before the coronavirus lockdowns began earlier this year.

Looking for more good news? Here are our five favorite stories to help you start your weekend!

Power generating wind turbines on rolling hills of green spring wheat, Rio Vista, California

5Energy companies explore using tiny satellites to monitor hard-to-reach wind farms

More than a dozen startups are building their own network of nanosatellites that can be used to monitor and connect everything from wind farms, shipping containers and even cattle to the internet. The Wall Street Journal explains how for a fraction of the cost of earlier satellite tracking systems, people, companies and organizations can access satellite tracking capabilities that were previously unattainable from a budget perspective.

People dining in restaurant

4California brewery poised to brew 6 million cases of beer annually using solar energy

Duke Energy and Firestone Walker Brewing Company have finished a new solar array and solar carport in Paso Robles, California that will generate most of the energy needed for the brewery. Renewable Energy World reports that the array will generate enough energy for the brewery to make and bottle 6 million cases of beer annually!

Airplane landing

3United Airlines announces initiative to suck carbon dioxide from the sky

United Airlines is the first U.S. carrier to invest in carbon capture, a technology that essentially sucks the carbon dioxide from our atmosphere. Crain’s reports that United’s contribution to the initiative is expected to draw as much CO₂ out of the air every year as 40 million trees do. 

Hydrogen Storage Tanks

2Researchers produce sustainable hydrogen fuel with nickel

Researchers have recently proposed a way to efficiently produce hydrogen fuel via water-electrolysis using nickel as the catalyst. Science Daily explains how this new method of utilizing abundant and readily available nickel is a game changer for hydrogen production, making it more affordable and more efficient than ever.

Eiffel Tower

1Wind turbines the size of the Eiffel Tower?

The most powerful wind turbine is nearly as tall as the Eiffel Tower, has blades as long a football field, and could be coming to a coast near you. The World explains how each of these mega turbines can power about 16,000 homes. 

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