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Newsletter
Texas to boost energy fund to $10 billion to expand power grid
In response to rising electricity demands, Texas will double its state fund for power grid expansion from $5 billion to $10 billion.
In short:
- Texas plans to expand the Texas Energy Fund to $10 billion, offering low-interest loans to build new gas-fueled power plants.
- The state’s grid operator predicts electricity demand will nearly double by 2030, prompting an immediate policy review.
- The fund will also provide bonuses and grants for plant connection, modernization and weatherization.
Key quote:
"[The numbers in the new forecast] call for an immediate review of all policies concerning the grid."
— Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick in a press release.
Why this matters:
The state's commitment to bolstering its power grid is a critical step towards ensuring reliable electricity for millions of residents. Recent years have highlighted the vulnerabilities in Texas's energy infrastructure, most notably during the devastating winter storm in 2021 that left millions without power in freezing temperatures. The expanded funding aims to prevent such crises by enhancing grid resilience and capacity.
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Credit: John Cameron/Unsplash
New Mexico considers reuse of oil and gas wastewater amid safety concerns
New Mexico regulators propose reusing treated oil and gas wastewater in industrial processes but prohibit its discharge into rivers due to safety concerns.
In short:
- New Mexico generates billions of gallons of toxic wastewater annually from oil and gas drilling, currently injected underground or transported to Texas for disposal.
- Proposed rules allow treated wastewater reuse in industry but prohibit river discharges, citing insufficient safety data.
- Environmental advocates worry about risks, while industry groups argue the rules are too restrictive compared to other states.
Key quote:
“The scientific research that would allow us to protectively permit treated produced water discharge simply does not exist.”
— Andrew Knight, NMED assistant general counsel
Why this matters:
New Mexico faces severe water shortages and must explore alternatives to traditional water sources. Safe reuse of treated wastewater could provide a new water supply but poses potential environmental and public health risks.
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Credit: Joel Muniz/Unsplash
California: Signal Hill employs firm with oil industry ties for drilling permit review
Residents of Signal Hill are opposing a proposal to extend a neighborhood oil drilling permit for 20 years, citing health risks and environmental concerns.
In short:
- Community members expressed concerns about health impacts, such as asthma and cancer, linked to local oil drilling operations.
- Signal Hill Petroleum seeks to extend its drilling operations, relying on an environmental review by a firm connected to the oil industry.
- California's Senate Bill 1137, if upheld, would restrict new wells and impose tighter regulations on existing ones near residential areas.
Key quote:
"The International Panel on Climate Change has stated that we must urgently ramp down fossil fuel production in order to avoid the most extreme effects of climate change. A proposed 20-year permit extension does the opposite."
— Catherine Ronan, Sierra Club’s Los Angeles chapter
Why this matters:
Extending oil drilling operations in residential areas poses significant health risks to the community, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The decision also challenges California's efforts to reduce fossil fuel dependence and mitigate climate change.
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Credit: Aunging/Big Stock Photo
LNG export debate intensifies as Louisiana fishers demand halt
A battle over LNG export expansion heats up as Louisiana fishermen and environmental groups push back against industry influence on federal decisions.
In short:
- The U.S. Department of Energy's pause on LNG export applications has sparked a research competition between industry and academic groups.
- Local fishers and environmental groups argue that LNG expansions disproportionately harm low-income and minority communities, contributing to pollution and climate change.
- A lawsuit from 16 states challenges the Biden administration's halt on LNG projects, claiming it disrupts the industry.
Key quote:
“There is always a concern that DOE would be influenced by an industry-funded report. That is the very nature of the government’s relationship with the fossil fuel industry, which has a long history of producing misleading and inaccurate information.”
— Robin Saha, director of the environmental studies program at the University of Montana
Why this matters:
Louisiana’s vast natural gas reserves have positioned it as a key player in the LNG market, but the expansion of LNG exports poses significant environmental and health risks, especially for vulnerable communities. Proponents of the expansion argue that increasing LNG exports will boost the economy, create jobs, and strengthen the United States' energy independence. However, local fishermen and environmental advocates see a different picture, one marred by potential environmental degradation and the loss of traditional ways of life.
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Credit: Robin Sommer/Unsplash
Why have emissions from oil refineries significantly decreased?
Benzene emissions from U.S. oil refineries have dropped due to stringent federal oversight and regulations implemented in 2015.
In short:
- Federal regulations require refineries to monitor and address benzene emissions, leading to significant decreases.
- The EPA's 2015 rule mandates action if annual average benzene levels exceed 9 micrograms per cubic meter.
- Despite overall progress, refineries along the Gulf Coast continue to struggle with high benzene emissions.
Key quote:
"It's a big improvement, and benzene is especially nasty."
— Eric Schaeffer, executive director of the Environmental Integrity Project
Why this matters:
Benzene is a well-known carcinogen, strongly linked to an increased risk of leukemia and other cancers. Chronic exposure, even at low levels, can lead to significant health issues. By reducing benzene emissions, we can lower the incidence of cancer among populations living near refineries and improve overall community health.
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Tennessee Valley Authority proceeds with gas plant despite environmental compliance concerns
Despite warnings from the Environmental Protection Agency, Tennessee Valley Authority is pushing forward with plans for a new gas-powered plant in Tennessee.
In short:
- The Environmental Protection Agency has criticized the Tennessee Valley Authority for its narrow scope in environmental assessments, suggesting a biased selection of gas over renewable options.
- Upcoming protests and criticism from government officials highlight ongoing concerns about the project's environmental and regulatory shortcomings.
- Tennessee Valley Authority remains committed to transitioning from coal, but faces legal challenges and criticism for not prioritizing renewable energy options more aggressively.
Key quote:
“They could build twice the amount of solar that they say they need and twice the amount of battery storage they say they need.”
— Dennis Wamsted, energy analyst at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis
Why this matters:
The TVA, a major utility provider, argues that the new facility is essential to meet the growing power demands of the region and to ensure reliability in its energy grid. The EPA's caution likely stems from broader federal objectives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The agency has emphasized the importance of shifting away from natural gas to avert the worst impacts of global warming. This includes promoting renewable energy technologies and improving energy efficiency rather than doubling down on fossil fuels.
Be sure to read Derrick Z. Jackson’s 2021 piece: “Code Red” for climate means reducing US oil and gas production.
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Credit: James Armbruster/Pixabay
Groundwater contamination in Alberta linked to sour gas treatment
Researchers in Alberta have found widespread contamination of sulfolane, a compound linked to cattle fertility issues, in the region's groundwater.
In short:
- Sulfolane, used in gas processing, has been detected in large amounts in Alberta's groundwater, raising concerns about potential risks to drinking water supplies.
- Ongoing research by Dr. Erica Pensini and her team aims to understand how sulfolane spreads in water and to develop mitigation strategies.
- Despite attempts to clean up, decades of sulfolane use have left persistent contamination in the area.
Key quote:
"Sulfolane plumes travel faster with fewer sulfates, so we're trying to clarify migration in the context of what can we do to tackle this contamination."
— Dr. Erica Pensini, associate professor at the University of Guelph
Why this matters:
Sulfolane is highly soluble in water, which allows it to spread rapidly through aquatic systems and leach into groundwater. This solubility makes containment and remediation challenging. Once in the water supply, it can affect aquatic life, potentially disrupting ecosystems and harming species that rely on these habitats.
EHN’s related coverage: An oil refining chemical infiltrated the water of a small Alaskan town, but families—many worried about health issues—were left with more questions than answers.
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