Murphy USA Layoffs and Revenue Losses
El Dorado, Arkansas-based Murphy USA laid off about 100 corporate employees as part of a restructuring plan, C-Store Dive reports. The company faced setbacks in 2024, including scheduling delays that hurt both fuel and merchandise sales, leading to a $1.3 billion revenue decline.
Wisconsin Approves Wind and Solar Farms
Wisconsin regulators approved a 118-megawatt wind farm and a 180-megawatt solar farm—the state’s first new wind project since 2011. Officials say the solar farm will also improve water quality in surrounding areas.
Texas Lawsuit Over Permian Basin Leases
Pony Oil, a Texas-based mineral acquisition firm, is fighting a $534 million lawsuit from Pioneer Natural Resources. Pioneer alleges Pony blocked drilling of 11 wells in the Permian Basin by taking over a top lease on certain land.
PJM Grid Operator Calls for Reform
The CEO of PJM Interconnection warned that states must reform their energy siting rules to encourage more power production. PJM faces soaring demand from data centers and skyrocketing electricity prices.
Ohio Gas Rate Case Heads to Court
The Ohio Supreme Court will review whether Columbia Gas’ 2023 fixed customer charge increase unfairly burdens low-use customers.
Wisconsin Refinery Cited for Pollution
Wisconsin regulators say the state’s only oil refinery violated air pollution laws more than two dozen times, failing to conduct proper emissions monitoring.
Texas Approves Loan for Gas Plant
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced a $562 million loan for NRG Energy’s 721 MW gas-fired plant in Baytown, marking the third such loan from the Texas Energy Fund.
World Energy Briefs
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Oil Prices Retreat – Oil fell after Kurdistan crude exports resumed and OPEC+ hinted at another November production increase (OilPrice.com).
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BYD Expands Exports – Chinese EV maker BYD projects exports will account for 20% of sales this year (South China Morning Post).
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Global Shipping & China – Shipping companies continue ordering commercial vessels from Chinese shipyards despite new U.S. port fees.
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Hungary Defies U.S. – PM Viktor Orbán said Hungary will keep sourcing fossil fuels from Russia despite U.S. pressure.
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U.S. Tariff Investigation – Customs officials probe whether Waaree Energies avoided tariffs on Chinese solar panels by re-labeling them as Indian-made.