Oklahoma’s Energy Sector Eyes New Federal Actions
The Trump administration opened 1.56 million acres of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge’s coastal plain for oil and gas leasing. The move reverses Biden-era restrictions and reopens a politically charged frontier for energy production. Energy firms in Oklahoma and across the nation are watching how the new policy could affect future federal land leasing.
U.S. Sens. Cynthia Lummis and John Barrasso of Wyoming introduced legislation that would permanently end an Obama-era ban on new federal coal leasing. The senators said the proposal supports energy independence and strengthens state economies dependent on mining.
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe said his company recently disassembled a Chinese-made Xiaomi SU7 to study its technology. “There’s nothing new to learn from it,” he said. “But it’s nicely done.” The California-based EV maker continues to compete with global automakers in design and innovation.
Rare Earth Partnership and Renewable Energy Rulings
In a move tied to U.S. efforts to secure mineral supply chains outside China’s control, American rare earth developer REAlloys Inc. announced a partnership with Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC). The alliance supports Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) in safeguarding industrial resources for both nations.
A federal judge ruled the Federal Emergency Management Agency must consider solar energy in its plan to rebuild Puerto Rico’s storm-damaged grid. The decision challenges previous Trump-era directions that limited renewable focus and could affect how federal disaster grants support energy resiliency.
Federal documents also revealed plans to open large portions of the East and West Coasts to offshore drilling. This marks the first time since the 1980s that companies could operate along the East Coast, though Florida’s offshore drilling ban remains in place.
World Energy Developments
The European Union imposed additional sanctions on Russia, aligning with U.S. measures announced by President Trump against Russian oil. Russian President Vladimir Putin called the actions “an unfriendly act” and warned they could raise global oil prices.
Chinese state oil companies halted seaborne Russian oil purchases after U.S. sanctions hit Rosneft and Lukoil. Indian refiners also plan to reduce Russian crude imports to comply with the sanctions imposed for the war in Ukraine.
Residents in Russia’s Belgorod region report frequent blackouts and air-raid sirens as Ukraine strikes back across the border in retaliation for continued Russian bombardments.
China pledged to expand its high-tech sector during closed-door meetings outlining priorities for the next Five-Year Plan. Leaders promised rapid technological growth across energy and manufacturing.
BMO Capital Markets reported U.S. investors now own 59% of Canadian oil and gas companies, up from 56% at the end of 2024, while Canadian ownership fell to 34% from 37%.
South Korea announced new legislation to expand agrivoltaics, allowing more solar panel use on farmland to boost renewable generation.