oil
Newsletter
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The Bad River Tribe continues its fight to remove Line 5 pipeline from their land
A long-standing legal dispute between the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and Enbridge over the Line 5 oil pipeline threatens the tribe's wetlands and water supply.
In short:
- The 71-year-old Line 5 oil pipeline crosses the Bad River Band's reservation, and the tribe is fighting in court to have it removed.
- Enbridge has proposed rerouting the pipeline to avoid the reservation, but the tribe remains concerned about environmental impacts from the new route.
- The tribe fears an oil spill could devastate critical wetlands and wild rice beds, vital to their food and culture.
Key quote:
“I think it is remarkable that you could have a pipeline with easements that expired more than a decade ago, that a landowner has sued to have removed and that a federal court has determined is in trespass, yet is allowed to remain in operation.”
— Phil McKenna, reporter.
Why this matters:
An oil spill from Line 5 could severely damage the fragile wetlands and ecosystem that the tribe depends on for sustenance and cultural traditions. The court's decision will shape the future of these vital resources.
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Big Oil partners with clean energy to advance geothermal energy
Major oil companies are joining forces with startups and scientists to use oil industry technology to accelerate geothermal energy, which could become a key source of clean, on-demand power.
In short:
- Oil companies and startups in Houston are exploring ways to apply oil drilling technology to geothermal energy production.
- The Department of Energy projects geothermal could power 260 million homes by midcentury with the right investments.
- The new Geothermal Energy from Oil and Gas Demonstrated Engineering (GEODE) consortium aims to tackle barriers to scaling geothermal, including financing and technical challenges.
Key quote:
“There’s a lot of technical resources in the oil and gas industry that can be systematically applied to the geothermal sector.”
— Tim Latimer, CEO of Fervo Energy
Why this matters:
Geothermal energy could play a vital role in the shift to renewable energy by providing consistent, zero-carbon electricity. Collaboration between the oil industry and clean energy startups could accelerate breakthroughs needed to overcome current technical and financial obstacles.
Related EHN coverage:
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Harris shifts stance, backs domestic oil expansion amid fracking debate
Vice President Kamala Harris supported U.S. oil production during the presidential debate, highlighting a shift from her earlier stance on fracking and appealing to moderate voters.
In short:
- Harris emphasized the need to reduce foreign oil dependence while promoting record domestic production.
- Her remarks signal a shift in rhetoric from her past opposition to fracking, reflecting political realities in swing states like Pennsylvania.
- Younger climate activists criticized her position as a missed opportunity to differentiate herself from Donald Trump on energy policy.
Key quote:
“We have invested over a trillion dollars in a clean energy economy, while we have also increased domestic gas production to historic levels.”
— Kamala Harris, Vice President
Why this matters:
Harris’s support for oil production signals a pragmatic approach to win swing state votes but risks alienating young climate advocates. Balancing energy independence and climate action remains a key challenge for her campaign.
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Credit: Timothy Newman/Unsplash
Marathon oil refinery fire in Louisiana leaves residents worried, company claims no harm
Residents near Marathon Petroleum’s massive refinery in Garyville, Louisiana, reported health issues after a fire in August 2023, while the company maintained no offsite impacts.
Oliver Laughland, Sara Sneath and Will Craft report for The Guardian.
In short:
- A 2023 fire at Marathon's Garyville refinery burned for three days, releasing toxic chemicals into nearby communities.
- Despite health complaints, including breathing issues and headaches, Marathon and local authorities stated there were no offsite impacts.
- Investigations reveal significant concerns over company transparency and local government emergency responses during the incident.
Key quote:
“I’m having trouble with breathing. I taste oil in my mouth.”
— 911 caller in the town of Edgard
Why this matters:
The fire underscores concerns over industrial accidents in Louisiana's "Cancer Alley," where residents are frequently exposed to high pollution levels. As climate change intensifies, such incidents may become more frequent, further endangering vulnerable communities.
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Democrats frame climate action as economic opportunity in 2024 platform
The 2024 Democratic platform argues that addressing climate change is not only vital for the environment but also crucial for economic growth, positioning it as a key component of their economic populism.
In short:
- The platform stresses the economic benefits of renewable energy, noting job creation and projected energy cost savings.
- It connects environmental policies to Vice President Harris’s commitment to combat corporate price gouging, particularly in the oil and gas sectors.
- Republicans, led by Trump, argue that these policies harm the economy, citing impacts on gas prices and industry regulations.
Key quote:
“. . . when we hear of potential collusion or price-gouging, we’ll hold oil and gas executives accountable.”
— Democratic Party platform
Why this matters:
Framing climate action as an economic win may broaden support for policies traditionally seen as partisan. With economic concerns front and center, this strategy could attract voters wary of environmental regulations.
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Chevron mixes news and self-promotion in West Texas
Chevron's "Permian Proud" website offers regional news in West Texas and New Mexico, blending positive stories about the community with the company’s perspective on the oil industry.
In short:
- Chevron runs the "Permian Proud" website, offering local news alongside company-friendly content in a region with limited news outlets.
- Critics argue the site is part of a broader effort by Chevron to influence public perception in areas where it operates.
- Local officials generally support the site, viewing it as a community benefit.
Key quote:
“Permian Proud is a blatant, naked attempt by industry to have their side of the story be told.”
— Miguel Escoto, environmental advocate
Why this matters:
Chevron's control over local news narratives raises concerns about the lack of independent journalism in oil-rich regions, potentially skewing public understanding of environmental and economic issues.
Related EHN coverage:
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Shell’s foundation funded groups opposing climate action and LGBTQ+ rights
Shell USA's foundation gave more than $500,000 to right-wing organizations that promote climate denial, anti-abortion and anti-LGBTQ+ agendas, including several involved in Project 2025, which aims to weaken federal agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
In short:
- Shell’s foundation donated to at least 21 conservative groups opposing climate action and promoting right-wing agendas.
- Donations included significant funds to organizations linked to Project 2025, advocating for drastic changes to the U.S. government.
- The foundation claims it does not endorse any organizations and that donations are employee-driven.
Key quote:
“They’re all certainly working in the rightwing policy and propaganda space.”
— Peter Montgomery, research director at People for the American Way
Why this matters:
These donations align Shell with groups that could undermine climate policy, despite public commitments to sustainability. Such actions highlight the complex relationships between corporate philanthropy and political influence.
Related EHN coverage:
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