natural gas
Newsletter
FERC authorizes Mountain Valley Pipeline operations
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved Equitrans Midstream Corp. to commence operations on the Mountain Valley Pipeline, concluding years of regulatory and legal challenges.
In short:
- FERC’s approval confirms the pipeline’s compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
- The pipeline, transporting natural gas from West Virginia to Virginia, has faced significant opposition from environmental groups.
- Legal and regulatory hurdles included a 2023 safety warning and a 2022 debt ceiling deal that facilitated the project’s continuation.
Key quote:
“Mountain Valley has adequately stabilized the areas disturbed by construction and that restoration and stabilization of the construction work area is proceeding satisfactorily.’”
— Terry Turpin, director of the Office of Energy Projects at FERC
Why this matters:
The pipeline is expected to transport up to 2 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day, addressing growing demands in the southeastern United States. However, environmentalists have raised concerns about the potential impacts on ecosystems, water quality, and public health. The pipeline’s route traverses the Appalachian Mountains, a region known for its biodiversity and delicate ecosystems. Critics argue that construction and operation could lead to habitat destruction, soil erosion, and water contamination, particularly affecting rural and indigenous communities.
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Hydrogen energy projects set to transform New Mexico
Plans for hydrogen production, transportation, and power generation are emerging across New Mexico, raising environmental and economic concerns.
In short:
- Tallgrass Energy is leading multiple hydrogen-related projects in New Mexico, including converting a coal plant and constructing a hydrogen pipeline across the Navajo Nation.
- The production of hydrogen, especially from natural gas, raises environmental issues due to carbon dioxide emissions and methane leaks.
- Critics argue that the projects may not bring the promised economic benefits to the Navajo Nation and could lead to further environmental degradation.
Key quote:
"How companies choose to produce that hydrogen will fundamentally be a business decision they must make. Our greatest opportunity as a state is producing hydrogen from a range of feedstocks."
— Michael Coleman, director of communications to Gov. Lujan Grisham
Why this matters:
New Mexico’s vast open spaces and abundant sunshine make it an ideal candidate for green hydrogen production, which relies on renewable energy to split water molecules. This method produces no carbon emissions, positioning it as a promising alternative to fossil fuels. However, most hydrogen production currently relies on natural gas, leading to significant carbon emissions and questions about the true environmental benefits.
Read more about hydrogen technology: Rethinking Pennsylvania's hydrogen hub and its public backlash
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Effort begins to stop Washington's move away from natural gas
Backers of a new initiative have started gathering signatures to halt Washington's push to phase out natural gas use in buildings.
In short:
- Initiative 2066 aims to repeal parts of a state law promoting electrification over natural gas in new constructions.
- The measure prevents local governments from restricting the use of natural gas in heating and appliances.
- Supporters need over 324,000 signatures by July 5 to place the initiative on the November ballot.
Key quote:
“This initiative preserves the choice of natural gas for consumers.”
— Greg Lane, executive vice president of the Building Industry Association of Washington
Why this matters:
This initiative represents a significant pushback against state efforts to reduce carbon emissions through increased electrification. If passed, it could maintain higher natural gas usage, impacting both environmental goals and energy policies in Washington.
Derrick Z. Jackson argued in 2019 that by keeping Americans focused on the climate benefits of gas vs. coal, the gas industry seeks to delay a broader debate of the deficits of gas vs. renewables.
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Natural gas study draws criticism over industry influence
A recent report led by former U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz and funded by the natural gas industry, has faced backlash for downplaying the climate impact of natural gas.
In short:
- The report was funded by the natural gas industry and is said to favor LNG despite climate concerns.
- A congressional investigation revealed that oil and gas companies have been downplaying the climate impact of natural gas.
- Some scientists argue the climate impact of natural gas is as bad as or worse than coal.
Key quote:
"The facts presented then and subsequent research from RMI and peers have confirmed that leaks of methane, the main ingredient in natural gas, even at small amounts, make it as bad as or worse than coal for the climate and not necessarily the cleaner alternative it was once thought to be."
— Amory Lovins, cofounder and former chief scientist for the Rocky Mountain Institute
Why this matters:
Understanding the industry's influence on reports like this one is crucial to ensure policies are based on objective science. Read more: EPA’s “scientific integrity” program lacks teeth, group alleges.
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Hydrogen industry growth lags behind U.S. climate targets
Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm highlights the slow growth of the clean hydrogen industry, posing challenges to achieving U.S. climate goals.
In short:
- A Department of Energy advisory committee warns that current growth rates in the hydrogen sector are insufficient for meeting 2050 net-zero emission targets.
- The National Petroleum Council's report calls for increased policy support to scale hydrogen production and manage natural gas emissions effectively.
- Recommendations include extending tax subsidies and boosting infrastructure to facilitate hydrogen industry development and adoption.
Key quote:
" ... in five years or 10 years, the energy status quo is going to be obsolete."
— Jennifer Granholm, Energy Secretary.
Why this matters:
While hydrogen power holds significant promise for helping meet climate goals due to its clean and versatile energy solutions, its growth in the U.S. requires overcoming economic, technological and policy barriers.
In this 2021 piece, Seth Mullendore argued that those holding up carbon capture and hydrogen as new climate solutions are leading us down the wrong path.
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Biden's new stance on natural gas export permits sparks debate
President Biden halts new natural gas export permits amid environmental concerns, stirring a mix of reactions.
In short:
- The Biden administration's temporary freeze on new natural gas export permits is seen as a significant stand against the fossil fuel industry, as it reviews the environmental impacts.
- This decision has caused a divide, with climate advocates applauding the move, while some political figures and the fossil fuel industry decry it as detrimental to American energy.
- The life cycle of LNG, from extraction to export, is fraught with environmental challenges, including significant methane emissions and energy consumption.
Key quote:
"Um, I think we all just won. ... This is the biggest thing a U.S. president has ever done to stand up to the fossil fuel industry."
— Bill McKibben, climate advocate
Why this matters:
Critics argue that pausing LNG exports could have unintended consequences, such as increasing global reliance on coal, which is more polluting than natural gas, thereby potentially increasing global carbon emissions. This concern is especially relevant in countries without immediate or feasible alternatives to natural gas for power generation and heating. Environmental advocates, however, support the administration's cautious approach, emphasizing the need for a thorough review of LNG exports' impacts on climate change and domestic energy prices.
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Europe reassesses its heavy reliance on US energy
In the wake of Europe's pivot from Russian to American energy sources, concerns about dependency and sustainability surface.
In short:
- Europe's shift to U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) post-Russia invasion has sparked debate on over-reliance and future energy security.
- President Biden's halt on new LNG projects reflects climate concerns but stirs European fears of supply shortages and economic impact.
- Analysts and industry insiders call for a balanced approach to energy sourcing, emphasizing the need for diversification and sustainability.
Key quote:
"Texas is known for two things: barbecue and gas. There's money being made and the people making the money don't look like me and they don't live in Port Arthur."
— John Beard, Port Arthur, Texas resident
Why this matters:
While LNG is seen by some as a bridge fuel toward more renewable energy sources, its role in Europe's energy mix is poised to grow in the short to medium term as the continent seeks to balance energy security, economic, and environmental objectives. However, the environmental impact of fracking, methane emissions associated with natural gas, and the carbon footprint of LNG transport raise concerns about the sustainability of relying heavily on LNG.
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