** APA Corp is exploring the sale of oil and gas drilling properties spread across parts of the Permian basin of Texas and New Mexico, in a deal that could be valued at about $1 billion, people familiar with the matter told Reuters. ** The United Auto Workers union said on Monday some local units …
Mitchell Talks Energy with Jerry Bohnen—the latest on the Todd Hiett scandal
The latest edition of Mitchell Talks Energy with Jerry Bohnen. Today, we focus again on the Oklahoma Corporation Commission and the latest effort of the agency to conduct an investigation into the scandal surrounding Commissioner Todd Hiett.
OK energy stocks gained Monday on crude oil’s big drop
Crude oil prices plunged more than $2 a barrel on Monday but most Oklahoma energy stocks recorded gains for the day. What brought down crude prices? They fell as the chances increased for successful Middle Eastern peace talks, thereby perhaps stabilizing oil supplies. Also affecting the trading was economic weakness in China which could harm …
Sick jokes and hot weather in Oklahoma
How hot has it been in Oklahoma? State Climatologist Gary McManus put it this way in his Monday morning Oklahoma Mesonet report. “Ugh. It was so hot I saw a couple of fire hydrants fighting over a dog.” Or. “It was so hot yesterday I saw a funeral procession pull into Sonic at 2:30pm to …
Utilities hold “Happy Hour” events with Corporation Commission staffers
Those critical of Oklahoma Corporation Commissioners funding their election campaigns by way of huge contributions from utilities might also find it objectionable to learn those same utilities hold “Happy Hour” events with staffers at the Corporation Commission. While such social-gatherings at some Oklahoma City bars and restaurants are not against any law, they might …
Chevron promotes Permian Basin with its own news site
Oil giant Chevron reporting the news? Well, sort of. The oil industry is now running its own local news website for the Permian Basin. Called Permian Proud, it provides local news coverage in the region. Definitely not in the strictest sense of news—rather more in a public relations vein. Floodlight says it’s no longer a start-up …
Pipeline operators score court win against Biden administration
Some of the new natural gas pipeline safety standards implemented by the Biden administration have been thrown out by a U.S. appeals court. And the ruling no doubt will have an impact in favor of Oklahoma pipeline operators. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled in favor of a …
Energy briefs
** According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, developers and power plant owners added 20.2 gigawatts (GW) of utility-scale electric generating capacity in the United States during the first half of 2024. This new capacity is 3.6 GW (21%) more than the capacity added during the first six months of 2023. ** A pipeline worker who …
Landowners ready to challenge Iowa carbon dioxide pipeline
Sounds like a legal fight will be needed to settle a recent decision by the Iowa Utilities Commission to approve a large carbon dioxide pipeline project by Summit Carbon Solutions. The Commission had a deadline to answer appeals filed by conservation groups and landowners, in addition to counties and lawmakers and didn’t do it. …
Arkansas solar plant to provide power for 3 GM car plants
General Motors is making a big move toward solar power and it’s good news for an Arkansas-based solar power plant. The car and truck manufacturer announced a 15-year renewable energy purchase to supply three U.S. assembly plants, including the Wentzville Assembly plant in Missouri. The Detroit News reported the purchase is from NorthStar …