** More than 40 environmental, health and community groups are calling on the Biden administration to issue stronger methane emissions standards for new and existing oil and natural gas sites nationwide and cut methane pollution from the oil and gas sector by 65 percent by 2025, according to POLITICO.
** Iraq is poised to sign a multibillion-dollar contract with China ZhenHua Oil Co., a bailout from Beijing for the cash-strapped government which will receive money upfront in exchange for long-term oil supplies.
** Reuters reported that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will finalize this week its overhaul of how it measures the costs and benefits of proposed new curbs on pollution, a move that is likely to sap the agency’s power to impose tough future regulations, according to a source familiar with the process.
** The Senate voted along party lines to confirm the appointment of President Trump’s nominee to the FCC, Nathan Simington — who was opposed by Democrats. Simington’s confirmation, critics said, could stall the incoming Biden administration’s agenda, including the move to reinstate net neutrality rules.
** The Associated Press reported Tesla CEO Elon Musk moves to Texas after fighting with California regulators over coronavirus restrictions that have kept the company’s Bay Area factory closed.
** Thirty new stations and 300 electric bikes will be added to Philadelphia’s bicycle sharing program as it expands outside of the central business district.
** Noble Midstream Partners LP announced that the Partnership has successfully integrated its business into its new affiliate, Chevron Corporation . Chevron has announced its capital and exploratory budget for 2021, with activity planned on Noble Midstream dedicated acreage in both the DJ and Delaware basins.
** The EPA has granted more than $1.2 million to the Port of New Orleans to help reduce diesel emissions. Money will be used to replace some of its diesel trucks.
** Several of Royal Dutch Shell Plc’s clean energy executives have abruptly left the company in a split over how fast the oil giant should make steps to greener fuels.
** The Detroit News reports General Motors says the first orders of its all-electric Hummer quickly sold out after the vehicle was unveiled in October, and testing is underway in metro Detroit.
** The Biden administration could affect the outcome of five major pipeline projects across the U.S. while influencing oil and gas developments reported E & E News.