Author's posts
Judge Overrules Nebraska Decision to Allow Out-of-State Fracking Waste in Disposal Well
Nebraska state leaders indicate they will not challenge a judge’s decision against allowing a Colorado company from using a well in the Nebraska Panhandle to dispose of fracking wastewater from other states’ wells. The judge had ruled last month the Nebraska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission exceeded its authority in granting the request by Terex …
Older Oil Tanker Cars Banned in Canada
The kind of oil tanker cars that resulted in a fiery crash and killed 47 people in Quebec, Canada three years ago are being banned by the Canadian government. As of Nov. 1, the older tankers called DOT-111 cars will not be allowed to transport oil in the country, according to Marc Garneau, Canada’s transport …
BP takes 45 Percent Hit on 2nd Q Earnings
Talk about taking a hit. How about the 45% drop in earnings in the second quarter for BP, the British energy company. Profits fell to $720 million from $1.3 billion in the same quarter a year ago, according to a statement released by the company. BP’s net loss narrowed to $1.4 billion from $5.8 billion. The …
Oklahoma Oil and Gas Operator Files Chapter 11
Add Fort Worth, Texas based Atlas Resource Partners, L.P. to the list of those filing for bankruptcy amidst the energy downturn. The company says it will file a prepackaged Chapter 11 plan of reorganization to reduce its debt by nary $900 million and hand control of the firm over to its lenders. Atlas is accomplishing …
Impact of Koch Industries is Felt in 50 States
Say what you want about the politics of the Koch brothers, but their Koch companies in 2015 directly employed nearly 60,000 people in 50 states and the District of Columbia. The Wichita, Kansas based company also paid compensation and benefits totaling more than $5.5 billion according to a recent study by the independent economic research firm Harrah …
Texas Wind Company Expands Holdings with Purchase of Michigan Wind Farm
Houston, Texas based Sempra U.S. Gas and Power has expanded its holdings with the purchase of the Apple Blossom wind project in Michigan. No sale price was announced but the purchase of the 100-MW wind farm was made from Geronimo Energy LLC. It’s the second Geronimo sale to Sempra. Construction on the wind farm …
Is a Shutdown of Oil Refineries Looming?
As oil prices continue to slip into the lower $40 range, now there is concern that the situation could result in the shutdown of some oil refineries. As Bloomberg News reports, it could lead to a shortage of oil. When summer-time driving and gasoline demand drops in August and September, refiners in the past used it …
Bartlesville Awaits More Possible Layoffs at ConocoPhillips Operations
Nine months after ConocoPhilips laid off 1,800 workers, including 170 at its Bartlesville, Oklahoma operation, the company has to cut another thousand workers from its payroll. But there’s no indication some of those losing their jobs are workers in Bartlesville, home to Phillips 66 before it merged with Conoco. The latest round of layoffs is …
Clean and Green Energy Emphasized in Democratic Party Platform
With the national Democratic party convention underway this week in Philadelphia, the party’s national platform has been adopted, one focusing on the rights and needs of workers and an emphasis on green energy and environmentally friendly development. Two who helped draw up the platform were Charles Hoskins of Vinita and Alberta Swanegan-Owens of Oklahoma City. …
EPA’s Next Step is Regulating Jet Engine Exhaust Emissions
The Environmental Protection Agency now says jet engine exhaust is contributing to climate change and is endangering public health. The agency finalized its rules, determining that greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft are a danger to the environment. The move clears the way for federal regulation. It means regulations will soon cover the emissions of those …