Crude oil prices opened June with another increase as US crude pushed close to the $68 a barrel price while overseas prices are at $70 and hit a two-year high. West Texas Intermediate crude for July delivery rose $1.40 to settle at $67.72 a barrel in trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Global …
Category: Oil & Gas
Battery storage systems create challenges for Arkansas solar installers
Solar installers in Arkansas experience signs of good news and bad news. The good news is a growth in demand for their battery storage systems. But the bad news is they also face shortages of materials according to a report by the Arkansas Business. Click here for Arkansas Business story.
Kansas utility to speed up coal plant shutdowns
Evergy, the large utility in Kansas filed a plan with state regulators indicating an accelerated timeline for its dependence on renewable energy and at the same time reducing its carbon emissions. The Topeka Capital-Journal reported the plan also called for the retirement of some of its coal-fired power plants. Click here for Topeka Capital-Journal.
PSO announces application period for AEP foundation FFA STEM after-school grants
Now through July 9, FFA chapters in areas across the state have the opportunity to apply for a share of $40,000 in STEM grants from the American Electric Power Foundation and Public Service Company of Oklahoma. FFA STEM After-School grants support FFA chapter projects and give students opportunities to learn and grow in STEM-related …
Oilfield workers fight the stereotype
Oilfield workers in northern Colorado are pushing back on the stereotype the public might have about them when it comes to the environment. The Greeley Tribune reported many of the workers are far from the image portrayed by critics of the oil and gas industry. Click here for the Greeley Tribune.
Energy news in brief
** Iran started its first transfer of crude oil via its strategic Goreh-Jask pipeline, allowing the country to bypass the Strait of Hormuz, the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency reported. ** The U.S. has sold some 2 million barrels of Iranian crude oil after seizing an oil tanker off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, court …
Rig counts grow in Oklahoma and US
The slow recovery of the nation’s oil and gas industry resulted in recent growth in Oklahoma’s oil and gas exploration as well as the nation. Baker Hughes Co. reported Oklahoma’s count increased by two to reach 28 rigs active in the state’s oil plays. A year ago, there were only 12 active rigs. Nationally, …
Study begins into Nebraska ethanol plant
Researchers in Nebraska have launched a 10-year study of the effects of the waste produced by an ethanol plant at Mead, Nebraska where residents now contend they were needlessly exposed to chemicals from the biofuel production process. Click here for story from The Guardian.
WOTUS returns
The return of WOTUS—the controversial Obama-era Waters of the U.S. rule raises many questions. For Oklahoma farmers who opposed it and applauded the Trump administration’s suspension of the rule, they wonder how extreme the Biden administration might go in enforcing it. EPA administrator Michael Regan has pledged his application of the rule will not …
Hurricane Preparations Underway by Gulf Coast Oil and Gas Companies
The nation’s oil and gas companies are diligently preparing for the 2021 hurricane season, according to an American Petroleum Institute security and emergency expert who recently led a conference call discussion with energy industry experts. “We’re trying to be as prepared as possible in 2021,” said Suzanne Lemieux, API’s operations security and emergency manager. She …