Energy news in brief

** Rosgeologia’s seismic surveys and other related work since the 70s to now indicate that there is at least 513 billion barrels of oil and gas equivalent in Antarctica, and Moscow has now set its sights on the world’s most underexplored continent.

** A Chicago City Council committee approves an ordinance requiring certain new commercial and residential buildings to have at least 20% of parking spaces ready for EV equipment.

** Solar accounted for 40% of all new U.S. generating capacity in 2019, its highest share ever and more than any other electricity source, according to a new report.

** An Enbridge official discusses permits and approvals still needed to replace and expand the Line 3 pipeline through northern Minnesota. 

** Minnesota regulators cancel public meetings this week on the Line 3 pipeline and all other meetings for the next two weeks due to the coronavirus outbreak.

** U.S. grid operators say no substantial effect on electricity demand has occurred yet as the coronavirus has spread, but that could change.

** Wyoming coal, oil, and gas companies are intensifying their response to the spread of COVID-19, attempting to keep workers safe while weathering volatile energy markets and keeping up production.

** Celebrity drag queen RuPaul draws criticism from fans after revealing that he leases oil rights on his 60,000 acre Wyoming ranch.

** Wyoming’s oil and gas industry is expected to change significantly in the wake of two bills signed into law last week, notably the ability for mineral owners to receive 16% of the mineral royalty interest during the time the owner is paying the risk penalty.

** Alaska faces upwards of a $600 million revenue reduction in the 2021 fiscal year starting July 1 due to plummeting oil prices.

** The BLM could sell off up to 50,000 acres of public lands in Nevada under a  newly-introduced  bill.