oil
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A Maryland judge dismisses Baltimore's climate lawsuit against oil companies
A Baltimore judge dismissed the city's climate lawsuit against major oil companies, saying state courts cannot address global issues like climate change.
In short:
- Filed in 2018, Baltimore's lawsuit aimed to hold oil companies like Chevron, Exxon, and BP accountable for environmental damages.
- Judge Brown ruled that federal law, not state law, governs such global pollution-based complaints.
- Baltimore plans to appeal, arguing that the lawsuit addresses consumer fraud, not emission regulation.
Key quote:
"Global pollution-based complaints were never intended by Congress to be handled by individual states."
— Videtta A. Brown, Baltimore Circuit Court Judge
Why this matters:
This ruling sets a precedent that could limit state-level legal actions against oil companies for climate-related damages. It challenges efforts to hold fossil fuel industries accountable for their role in climate change.
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Credit: Alexandru Nika/Big Stock Photo
Lawmakers investigate potential shale collusion affecting federal land leases
A group of Democratic lawmakers is investigating if shale oil companies colluded to manipulate oil prices, potentially affecting their federal land leases and operations.
In short:
- Democratic lawmakers have asked the Department of the Interior to consider suspending or banning oil companies from federal land leases due to alleged antitrust violations.
- An FTC investigation found evidence suggesting at least eight major shale producers, including ExxonMobil and Pioneer, engaged in collusion to drive oil prices up.
- The lawmakers' request follows the FTC’s six-month review of the ExxonMobil-Pioneer merger, which allowed the merger but restricted Pioneer’s former CEO from joining ExxonMobil’s board.
Key quote:
“If a company is found guilty of something like collusion, we have regulations in place that make them ineligible to hold a lease in the future.”
— Liz Klein, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Director
Why this matters:
Collusion among shale producers could artificially inflate oil prices, burdening consumers and violating antitrust laws. Regulatory actions against these companies could disrupt their operations and impact their financial stability.
Related EHN coverage:
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Credit: Robson Machado/Pixabay
Manitoba's pipeline oversight faces scrutiny after recent shutdown
A recent pipeline shutdown has exposed significant gaps in Manitoba's oversight of its oil and gas industry, raising concerns about the province's regulatory practices.
In short:
- Manitoba has not updated its pipeline oversight policies despite an oil boom and calls for better practices.
- A recent pipeline shutdown revealed deficiencies in monitoring and staffing, with only 13 inspections in five years.
- Other provinces have improved oversight following critical reports, but Manitoba lags behind.
Key quote:
“This Imperial Oil incident has really highlighted some of the gaps, perhaps, in governmental oversight.”
— Tracy Schmidt, Manitoba Environment and Climate Change Minister
Why this matters:
Critics argue that this incident underscores the need for stronger regulatory practices to prevent such disruptions and protect the environment. The province’s current oversight mechanisms have been deemed insufficient to address the complexities and risks associated with oil and gas operations. Environmental advocates are particularly worried about the potential for oil spills and other ecological impacts that could arise from such regulatory failures.
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Credit: Brigitte Werner/Pixabay
Argentina faces pivotal decision with proposed oil extraction bill
A proposed bill could drive Argentina's economic future by tapping into its vast oilfields, despite concerns about environmental impacts and hindering energy transition efforts.
In short:
- The bill aims to attract billions in oil and gas investments, shifting Argentina toward fossil fuel reliance.
- President Javier Milei's administration supports the bill to boost the Vaca Muerta oilfield, one of the world's largest shale reserves.
- Environmentalists warn of severe pollution, water contamination, and negative impacts on local communities.
Key quote:
“We are facing the pinnacle of extractivism, the final adjustment of the screw so that Argentina is no longer a sovereign country over its territory.”
— Enrique Viale, lawyer and president of the Argentine Association of Environmental Lawyers
Why this matters:
Argentina's move to expand fossil fuel extraction could significantly impact global efforts to combat climate change. The potential environmental degradation poses serious risks to local ecosystems and communities.
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Tim Dunn, evangelical oil magnate, aims to boost Trump’s campaign
Billionaire Tim Dunn, a Texas oil mogul, is using his wealth to support Donald Trump's bid for the White House, reflecting his desire to influence national politics with his religious and conservative values.
In short:
- Tim Dunn, CEO of CrownRock, has contributed $5 million to Trump's campaign, making him one of Trump's top donors.
- Dunn’s efforts have reshaped Texas politics, financing primary challenges to Republicans who don’t align with his conservative values.
- He supports Project 2025, aiming to craft policies for a potential second Trump administration, and is preparing for more influence with an impending $2.2 billion from selling his company.
Key quote:
"The extremists want to deindustrialize America. They want to live in huts around a campfire.”
— Tim Dunn, CEO of CrownRock
Why this matters:
Dunn's involvement in politics emphasizes the increasing influence of wealthy individuals in shaping the country's political landscape. His contributions could amplify Trump's messaging and policy priorities, particularly those favoring the oil industry and conservative social policies. This alignment with Trump also highlights a trend among affluent conservatives who seek to steer the nation’s direction through substantial financial interventions.
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Ecuador faces challenge in ending oil extraction in national park
Ecuador's struggle to honor a referendum demanding an end to oil drilling in Yasuní national park highlights deep economic divisions.
In short:
- The Indigenous Quichua community in Yasuní celebrates the referendum result but faces internal conflict over the economic impact.
- President Noboa has proposed a moratorium on the referendum result, citing severe economic repercussions.
- Oil remains crucial to Ecuador's economy, accounting for nearly one-third of the GDP, and its cessation could exacerbate the fiscal crisis.
Key quote:
“The government has forgotten about these people. And it is the oil and service companies that take on this responsibility.”
— Ramiro Páez Rivera, executive with Petrolia Ecuador
Why this matters:
Yasuní National Park is home to countless species and indigenous communities who have lived there for centuries. Ending oil drilling in the park is a significant step toward protecting these invaluable natural and cultural resources.
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Credit: Clyde Thomas/Unsplash
Brazil weighs oil wealth against environmental commitments
Brazil's Amapá state, rich in forests but plagued by poverty, considers tapping offshore oil reserves for economic growth despite environmental risks.
In short:
- Amapá, an isolated state with high poverty rates, explores offshore oil to boost its economy.
- Environmentalists warn of risks to Amazonian ecosystems and Indigenous lands.
- President Lula faces balancing oil development with Brazil's environmental promises.
Key quote:
“We’re not going to throw away any opportunity for this country to grow.”
— President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
Why this matters:
Amapá's government faces a dilemma familiar to many resource-rich regions: how to harness natural wealth without sacrificing environmental integrity. Proponents argue that oil extraction could fund much-needed infrastructure and social programs, lifting many out of poverty. However, environmentalists warn of the significant risks. Offshore drilling can be catastrophic for marine ecosystems, potentially harming fisheries that local communities depend on.
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