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Our Top 5 Favorite Energy Stories This Week

This week in the news, Americans began slowly leaving their homes again as many governors begin to ease social distancing restrictions. However, the rebound in public movement was substantial – with American mobility being almost halfway back to where it was in February. And as more Americans are venturing out, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also issued guidelines to help schools and workplaces determine whether they are ready to open for business. Finally, even as the nation begins to open up more, Americans are still turning to Zoom meetings and now Houseparty is joining in with its celebrity-fronted video events, which will feature celebrities who will chat, dance, cook, sing, workout and more. We hope these headlines will help you start your weekend, but be sure to check out our favorite energy stories! Check out last week’s right here.

 

5The essential pipelines you never knew you needed are safer than ever.

America’s more than 2.6 million-mile network of pipelines is something we barely notice until we turn on our gas stoves or our heaters in the winter, or spot a small sign off the side of a trail out in the woods marking the unobtrusive arteries that fuel our country and economy. World Oil reports on how the safest, most reliable method of moving energy around just got better.

4Are the tanks full again? The Commodity Futures Trading Commission is warning about market volatility.

A few weeks ago, the price of a barrel of U.S. oil fell to a record low and even plunged briefly into negative territory. The CFTC urged the futures industry to be prepared. MarketWatch breaks down why we should be prepared for the potential possibly negative pricing again.

3The largest solar energy project in the history of the U.S. was approved.

This week a large solar energy project in Nevada was approved by the federal government. It is expected to generate enough electricity to power 260,000 homes. U.S. News reports on how it could be the eighth-biggest solar facility in the world.

2The first test in orbit for beaming solar energy to Earth with radio waves.

While the idea of beaming solar energy to Earth with radio waves has been discussed for decades, this weekend the technology will get its first test. The U.S. Air Force is expected to launch its secret space plane to conduct the first “orbital experiment” with space-based solar power. Wired looks at the plan to convert the sun’s energy into microwaves and beam it down.

1New film spotlights the transformative power of energy across the world.

As an alternative to Michael Moore’s Planet of the Humans, there is a new feature-length documentary, SwitchOn that allows viewers to see what life is like in remote regions of the world that have little or no access to modern energy. Real Clear Energy tells the story about how electricity fuels humans.

Already the Safest Shipper in the Energy Business, Pipelines Up Their Game

Pipeline construction with welder

America’s more than 2.6 million-mile network of pipelines is something we barely notice until we turn on our gas stoves or our heaters in the winter, or spot a small sign off the side of a trail out in the woods marking the unobtrusive arteries that fuel our country and economy.

They’re almost as invisible as they are essential, and what many people don’t know is that they’re the most environmentally friendly and safest way to move oil, natural gas and related products across the nation. That’s not what you’ll hear from activists who raise money by demonizing things they don’t really understand, but facts speak for themselves.

And this week, the facts say that the safest, most reliable method of moving energy around to meet the needs of our families, farmers and businesses just got better.

A new report from the Association of Oil Pipelines and the American Petroleum Industry tells the story of the constant vigilance and innovation that American pipeline companies bring to their operations. Here are the highlights from the report, compiled from government data.

Over the last five years, pipeline miles and the number of barrels increase 10 percent, yet:

  • Pipeline incidents impacting people or the environment fell by more than a third, or 36 percent
  • Total incidents fell 17 percent
  • And incidents involving cracking, corrosion or weld failure fell 50 percent

That’s continual improvement on an already incredible safety record which ensures that more than 99.999 percent of the energy we need gets to families and communities without a hitch.

And better, the evidence comes from unbiased, neutral government data that says it again, and says it loud – pipelines are the safest way to meet America’s energy needs. Consumer Energy Alliance applauds the tremendous efforts taken by the pipeline industry to get better and better at delivering the goods safely, reliably to our families, small businesses and economy.

Read the full report here.

 

 

Tipping Point New Mexico With David Holt

Albuquerque New Mexico skyline, mountains, and clouds

CEA President David Holt recently sat down with Tipping Point New Mexico to discuss the big-picture energy situation, but also comment on the drastic changes likely to occur in the supply chain and whether/how a shift away from China might impact New Mexico.

Listen here – Tipping Point New Mexico

 

Ohio-produced Energy Is Critical

Kids outdoors

As we have reported in the past, Ohio policymakers have embraced commonsense energy solutions which have resulted in improved air quality across the state.

And we don’t have to choose between economic opportunity and environmental protection — we can and must have both. According to new data from the Consumer Energy Alliance, Ohio’s air quality has improved faster than the rest of the nation as more natural gas is used to power our economy especially manufacturing.

Read more – Herald-Star

CEA’s Top 5 Favorite Energy Stories This Week

Top 5 energy stories

This week in regular news, EXIM Bank launched its “Strengthening American Competitiveness” Initiative. The focus is on how EXIM can support “made in the U.S.A.” exports – and the jobs that make them possible. Warner Bros. TV executives share how COVID-19 has dramatically changed our viewing habits, and how they think it will affect the entertainment sector. Moreover, considering many people may be having sport withdrawals, there has been a pivot to Reddit for content creation. These headlines and more kept us informed and optimistic about a new normal, but we can’t let you miss out on our favorite energy stories! Check out last week’s right here.

5Despite the Department of Energy (DOE) opening the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, oil traders still seek storage options.

Oil traders are continuing to find storage options for unused oil. Seeking salt caverns in Sweden and train cars in Chicago, traders are getting creative to find more solutions to store crude after the collapse in the price of oil earlier this month. Financial Times shares more here.

4A ban on natural gas would disproportionately impact low-income communities said Rev. Jesse Jackson who is standing behind a push for natural gas.

Jesse Jackson is standing apart from many Democrats and environmentalists in a move away from traditional fuels used in energy production. The Reverend cited the extraordinarily high prices communities are paying for their energy bills as a catalyst for standing behind natural gas production. Axios covers the rest of the details here.

3In throwback news, we just found out that termites have inspired research as possible renewable energy sources.

Termites are bioreactors that are able to produce two liters of hydrogen from ingesting a single sheet of paper. Hydrogen is a key element for creating electricity, and the termites provide an alternative to using water for this process. One research site has laid it out here, and researchers in Brazil found a vast, 4,000-year-old termite community – maybe they could help test the process?

2Greenhouse gas emissions are predicted to hit record decline.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported last week that the first quarter of 2020 showed a 3.8% decline in emissions. Predictions show that the decline could reach as high as 8% by the year’s end, which would be the biggest drop in the history of the agency. Inhabitat continues the story here.

1Countries with abundant coastlines are prime for harnessing tidal energy.

As people are learning, access to energy is different based on where you live. It also can dictate whether a location can be a producer of energy or an importer of energy. For states and countries with coastlines, researchers are looking to harness more energy from the waves through a process called tidal energy, which we’ve covered here. Now, researchers in Sydney are looking more closely at what the country’s waters could do to help be a source of renewable energy. CNN Business looks at the work being done down under, here.

Hidden Regulation Costing Wyoming and America’s Consumers Billions

Casper Wyoming

David Holt, Consumer Energy Alliance President explains how the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) is costing consumers billions of dollars.

“These outdated requirements are forcing consumers in Wyoming and elsewhere to pay more for power they don’t need.

 

For instance, in Wyoming, PacifiCorp’s levelized avoided cost rates for 15-year contract terms show a decrease of approximately 50% from 2011 through 2015. In plain language, the current PURPA rules prevented utilities from saving money and from passing those savings on to consumers.”

Read more – Wyoming Tribune Eagle

New Jersey’s Dangerous Pipeline Precedent Threatens State-Federal Balance of Power

Liberty State Park

Consumer Energy Alliance Vice President of State Affairs, Brydon Ross weighs in on the eminent domain case between PennEast and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals, and how it impacts the balance of power between state and federal government.

“The eternal tension between state and federal authority underpins the very founding of our country and Constitution, but rarely does it rise to the level of setting a dangerous precedent that threatens to upend the federal government’s power to regulate interstate commerce.

 

The 3rd Circuit’s decision ignores the plain text of the Natural Gas Act, 80 years of precedent and industry practice and amounts to a court sanctioning a game of state-sponsored keepaway. The ruling gives New Jersey and other states powers that were never intended under the NGA or the Commerce Clause of the Constitution. There is nothing in the law that allows the state to give itself veto power if an interstate pipeline project crosses or needs an easement on state land.”

Read more – Morning Consult

Leading Consumer Energy Advocate Asks New York Regulators Consider Rate Relief

Statue of Liberty

ALBANY, NY – Consumer Energy Alliance, the leading consumer energy advocate, submitted comments to the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) on a petition filed by a group of energy users seeking temporary rate relief as consumers struggle with financial hardships from COVID-19.

CEA’s New York Executive Director Wendy Hijos said:

“Due to the widespread nature of COVID-19, we are seeing unprecedented impacts to all facets of the energy and electricity delivery, generation, transmission, distribution and supply chain. CEA’s members, manufacturing companies, utilities, small businesses and community groups are stepping up to provide financial donations, production and disbursement of personal protective equipment, food deliveries, life-saving cleaning and hygiene products. They are also suspending service shut-offs and working with families, seniors and customers who have been hit hard by this global pandemic.”

“We are thankful for their efforts and for faithfully providing essential energy and services to keep hospitals, healthcare providers, first responders, grocery stores and our homes powered, fueled and online. Energy workers are putting their communities’ needs above their own and risking their health to keep our economy moving. CEA salutes their dedication and the incredible work our frontline workers are performing for the benefit of our public health and nation.”

“Over 1.6 million people in New York have filed for unemployment and businesses across the state continue to lay off or furlough employees to try and stay afloat. More than $1.15 billion in unspent or uncommitted funds, collected from consumers and customers, are available and have never been used for New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) projects or programs.”

“We encourage the Commission to consider rate relief and temporarily suspending collection for mandates and programs that are not critical to maintaining grid reliability, service and other mission-essential activities. Putting more than $1 billion back in the hands of small businesses, households, seniors, and manufacturers could make a significant difference in these uncertain times – especially since it would not impact existing projects or activities underway at NYSERDA.”

CEA also encouraged the NY PSC to create a working group that brings all interested parties together to address the complex variables in play and to explore potential ways to provide rate relief for customers, and temporary regulatory relief for utilities. Some of these programs, which are government-mandated and are collected via utility bills, can put a strain on family and business budgets – especially in the middle of a crisis.

“CEA stands ready to be a constructive partner to help create solutions as New Yorkers recover and get back on their feet,” Hijos said.

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About Consumer Energy Alliance

Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is the leading consumer advocate for energy, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future. With more than 550,000 members nationwide, our mission is to help ensure stable prices and energy security for households and businesses across the country. CEA works daily to encourage people across the nation to seek sensible, realistic and environmentally responsible solutions to meeting our energy needs. Learn more at ConsumerEnergyAlliance.org.

Contact:

Bryson Hull
P: 202-657-2855
bhull@consumerenergyalliance.org

FERC Commissioner Discusses Energy Industry, Tele-Town Hall Series

Energy efficient LED light bulb

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Commissioner Bernie McNamee sat down with CEA President David Holt to talk about the current state of the energy industry.

“McNamee emphasized the work FERC is doing to ensure cyber and fiscal security issues, and stressed the commission is paying attention to the challenges of today to ensure grids operate seamlessly and pipelines function safely. But, he also made clear that the agency is focused on the future. That means continued access to abundant, affordable energy sources — and America is primed for continued growth because of a renaissance that has turned the United States into a net exporter of oil and natural gas.”

Read more – Pennsylvania Energy Infrastructure Alliance

DEP Permits Necessary for PA to Keep Benefiting Southwest Pennsylvania

The high bridge at the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Mike Butler, Consumer Energy Alliance Mid-Atlantic Director shares why Pennsylvanians and the Department of Environmental Protection should support the Marcus Hook Industrial Complex air permits.

“Pennsylvanians have enjoyed the fruits of the growing energy sector. A study by the Consumer Energy Alliance showed that natural gas consumers have saved billions – $30.5 billion to be exact – over the course of a decade as Pennsylvania coal was displaced by Marcellus natural gas. These savings come in a variety of forms for Pennsylvanians, including from lower rates for household energy bills, commercial power, and the myriad of industries that use natural gas. It may surprise some people, but agriculture operations are some of the heaviest natural gas users, particularly crops that require drying and storage.”

Read more – Observer-Reporter

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