U.S. first utility-scale A-CAES project has reached another milestone and construction is expected to begin next year.

Happy Tuesday!  

As you know by now, we believe in all types of energy to feed our future energy hungry needs.  Well, we received an email on an innovative technology which has been moving along with local, state and federal permits and approvals.  Did anyone happen to read HYDROSTOR’s Project Update on December 22, 2025, their Press Release titled, “Willow Rock Energy Storage Center Obtains Approval for Power Plant License”? In the press release, it speaks of a hurdle HYDROSTOR has jumped over recently to further their project in California; they have received its final permit from the California Energy Commission (CEC).   Now the Willow Rock Energy Storage Center is fully vetted; construction may begin in 2026.  Willow Rock Energy Storage Center will be a long duration energy storage center which will use advanced compressed air technology (A-CAES) with the capacity to store more than eight hours of energy underground or 500 MW/4,000 MWh to be used later during peak hours to power 400,000 homes and businesses.  Willow Rock Energy Storage Center will be constructed in Kern County, California, and it is expected to cost $500 million. The facility has a life expectancy of fifty years to help power California’s electric grid.  We wish HYDROSTOR luck with their first U.S. utility-scale A-CAES project.  If you would like to read more of HYDROSTOR’s Press Release, please click the link:   Willow Rock Obtains Final Approval for Power Plant License.

Don’t forget to check out our ESC website or contact us via the email in the Blog, if you have a hydrocarbon liquids project you would like to see get off the ground or you would like to see what’s under your feet to help with your emissions!  

Reminder:  Lamar High School Band’s Mattress Sale will be Saturday, January 24, 2026, starting a 10 A.M. If you need a mattress, come check out our selection of mattresses with great deals!

We hope you have a wonderful evening!  Happy Holidays!

**Disclaimer: Please see HYDROSTOR’s Press Release for specifics. **

SPEED Act passes U.S. House to help modernize permitting.

Happy Monday!  Welcome back to another week of ESC News Blog!  Hard to believe Christmas is only a few days off!  Are you prepared? 

Did anyone happen to read the Oil & Gas Journal’s OGJ Daily Update Newsletter on December 22, 2025, their article titled, “US House passes permitting -reform bill; Senate still must act”?  In the article, it speaks on how the U.S. House of Representatives have a passed the Standardized Permitting and Expediating Economic Development (SPEED) Act with support from both parties.  The SPEED Act is the answer to modernize the over 50-year-old National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).  The SPEED Act will not only help speed up permitting for oil and gas, transmission lines, as well as other industries like manufacturing and even roads. This bill will make scheduled timelines for agencies to follow and rid of redundancies from different agencies to accelerate permitting, so companies won’t have permitting drag on for years.  SPEED Act furthermore addresses how the judicial branch will defer cases to individual agencies, so the experts on a subject will address any technical analysis and a 150-day statute of limitations on lawsuits.  The SPEED Act is in hopes to help companies streamline permitting and rid of burdensome delays from litigation.  The Senate is trying to develop their own bill, hopefully they will include improvements for permitting for all types of energy.    If you would like to read more of the Oil & Gas Journal’s article, please click the link:   US House passes permitting-reform bill; Senate still must act | Oil & Gas Journal.

Don’t forget to check out our ESC website or contact us via the email in the Blog, if you have a hydrocarbon liquids project you would like to see get off the ground or you would like to see what’s under your feet to help with your emissions!  

We hope you have a wonderful evening!  Happy Holidays!

**Disclaimer: You may be charged a fee to read The Oil and Gas Journal’s article. **

3rd Annual Lamar High School Mattress Fundraiser is coming soon!

The 3rd Annual Lamar High School Mattress Fundraiser is almost here! You deserve a better night’s sleep! Come out on Saturday, January 24th from 10am – 5pm to try out over 35 different styles from brands like Helix, Purple, Beautyrest and others. You’ll save money. You’ll sleep better. You’ll support the school band. This is ONE DAY ONLY. We can't be successful without your help marking your calendar and spreading the word! Bring your family & friends! Have fun shopping for better sleep. Save Money. Sleep Better. Support our group! We can't achieve our dreams without you investing in yours!

Lamar High School in Houston, Texas.  Come on down and help us raise funds for new band instruments. When you go tell them, "Claire sent you!"  

Have a great and relaxing weekend!  Keep warm and safe!  Happy Holidays!

U.S. EIA released their data Wholesale Electricity and Natural Gas Market Data and SEDS!

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their Wholesale Electricity and Natural Gas Market Data and State Energy Data System (SEDS) which were out by December 19, 2025, are all now available from the EIA website. 

See what happened this month in the Wholesale Electricity and Natural Gas Market Data by clicking the link: U.S. Energy Information Administration - EIA - Independent Statistics and Analysis.

The EIA has updated their State Energy Data System (SEDS) for renewable energy through 2024: U.S. Energy Information Administration - EIA - Independent Statistics and Analysis.

Don’t forget to check out our ESC website!  We are always here to help you out with your next project to transport your hydrocarbon liquid or to see what’s underneath your feet!

Have a great and relaxing weekend!  Keep warm and safe!  Happy Holidays!

U.S. EIA Weekly Updates for Petroleum & Other Liquids, Natural Gas, Propane, and Coal are all now available!

Happy Friday! 

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Weekly Reports for Petroleum and Other Liquids, Gasoline and Diesel Fuel, Natural Gas, Propane, and Coal for the week ending December 19, 2025, are all now available from the EIA website. 

See what happened in the Weekly Petroleum Status Report by clicking the link: Weekly Petroleum Status Report - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

See what happened last week in Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update by clicking the link: Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

See what else happened last week in Natural Gas Weekly Update by clicking the link: Natural Gas Weekly Update (eia.gov).

See what happened last week in Weekly Natural Gas Storage Report by clicking the link: Weekly Natural Gas Storage Report - EIA.

See what happened this week on the Weekly Natural Gas Dashboard by clicking the link: Natural Gas Storage Dashboard (eia.gov).

See what happened last week in the Heating Oil and Propane Update by clicking the link: Heating Oil and Propane Update - Energy Information Administration (eia.gov).

See what happened last week in Coal Markets Report by clicking the link: https://www.eia.gov/coal/markets/.

Note: Please be aware there are Federal Holidays next week starting Wednesday, December 24 thru Friday, December 26, 2025, and Federal Offices will be closed, and some of the EIA updates will be delayed to the following week according to their email.  

We are always here to help you out with your next project to move your hydrocarbons or to update your equipment to help reduce your emissions!  Connect with us through the Blog email or give us a call: 281-901-5554!

Don’t forget to follow our Blog to hear more on the ever-changing energy and marine industry!

We hope you have a fun and relaxing weekend!  Happy Holidays!

We hope to see you next week for another week of ESC News Blog!

GCPD and their partners have chosen two engineering firms to advance design on Ike Dike and coastal erosion mitigation.

Happy Thursday!

We ran into some news on what is being called “Ike Dike” where the local, state, and federal governments are combining their efforts to help protect those of us on the Gulf Coast.  They are getting closer to making the coastal protection barrier a reality.

Did anyone see the Greater Houston Port Bureau’s (GHPB) Newsletter on December 9, 2025, they mention an announcement from the Gulf Coast Protection District titled, “U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Texas GLO, and GCPD unite to advance national’s largest coastal protection project to build “The Gate”?   The announcement is in regard to a press release from the Gulf Coast Protection District (GCPD) and the Texas General Land Office (GLO) and their partner U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has picked two engineering companies to design two coastal protection projects, one company will be planning the biggest coastal barrier gate called Galveston Bay Barrier System or ”Ike Dike,” and other will be planning improvements for beaches and dunes on Bolivar and West Galveston beach and dune system. The engineering firm with the task of planning, “Ike Dike” is Jacobs, and the Beach and Dune improvements have been awarded to HDR.  We wish these two firms’ luck on their important tasks of protecting us on the Gulf Coast.  If you would like more information on GCPD’s announcement, please click the link: Texas Leads Bold Push to Build “The Gate" — U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, TexasGLO, and GCPD Unite to Advance Nation’s Largest Coastal Protection Project -Gulf Coast Protection District. 

Don’t forget to sign up for the GHPB’s Commerce Club Luncheon for January.  The next Commerce Club Luncheon is January 8, 2026, at 11 a.m.  The guest speaker at the next luncheon will Professor Scott Sonenshein of Rice University, and he will be discussing balancing your work and home life and getting more with less.  Please check out their website, if you would like to sign up for their luncheon; January 2026 GHPB Commerce Club Luncheon - Greater Houston Port Bureau.  P.S. The Annual Meeting has been moved to February.         

If you would like help in looking into how to transport your product efficiently, safely, and with less of a carbon footprint from a terminal, contact us via email in the Blog and check out our ESC website!

We hope you have a wonderful evening and a great rest of your week!  

**Disclaimer: Please see the Gulf Coast Protection District for specific details. **

In 2024, Port of Brownsville added $11.9 billion to Texas GDP according to Texas Impact Study.

Happy Wednesday! 

We try and keep up to date on what is happening in ports along the Texas coastline, and the Port of Brownville (POB) had an announcement today which caught our eyes.  Did anyone see the Port of Brownsville’s announcement on December 17, 2025, their press release titled, “Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock Presents Port of Brownsville 2024 Economic Impact Study”?  The announcement was on how the current Texas Comptroller, Kelly Hancock, the Chairman of the Brownsville Navigation District, Esteban “Steve Guerra, and the local Texas Senator, Adam Hinojosa unveiled the Port of Brownsville’s 2024 Economic Impact Study at the Port’s Office.  Port of Brownville plays an important part in Texas’ gross domestic product (GDP) in the tune of $11.9 billion as well as playing a part in global commerce.  The study found the POB and the businesses directly or indirectly involved with the port employ approximately 101,073 employees which makes major impact to South Texas and in particular the Rio Grande Valley (RGV).   The POB is a player in driving economic value to the region by bringing good paying jobs and business opportunities which attract talent to the area.  Mexico is POB leading international economic collaborator in 2024 with over 90% of exports and almost 85% imports coming through this deepwater port.  Leading exports were hydrocarbon products with a value of $4.5 billion, in addition the category of electric machinery and equipment is a major cargo which support international trade at the port.  The POB invested in the Brazos Island Harbor Improvement Project which is deepening the waterway to 52 feet (Please see our past Blogs on this important project). Well, the article didn’t tell us something we didn’t know Texas’ ports are major players in Texas as well as the United States economy.  If you would like to read more of the announcement from Port of Brownsville, please click the link Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock Presents Port of Brownsville 2024 Economic Impact Study - Port of Brownsville.

If you would like help in looking into how to transport and store your hydrocarbon products, contact us via the email in the Blog and check out our ESC website!

We hope you have a great and productive rest of your week!  Happy Holidays!

**Disclaimer: Please see the Port of Brownsville News Release for specifics. **

Woodside’s Louisiana LNG has been approved for an extension for exporting by DOE.

Happy Tuesday!

We love a follow-up and well this fits the bill.  The Woodside Energy Group Ltd. (Woodside) the owner of Louisiana LNG recently added a partner into the mix back in October and held a public ceremony in November.  In 2024, Woodside Louisiana LNG Project received an extension from FERC.  (Check out our Blog on details) Well, Woodside’s Louisiana LNG is in the news again. 

Did anyone happen to read the DOE’s Fossil Energy Newsletter on December 16, 2025, their announcement for, “Energy Department Grants Woodside Louisiana LNG Project Additional Time To Commence Exports”?  In the announcement, it goes on to speak of how the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today published an approval from Energy Secretary Chris Wright for an extension of over three and a half years for Woodside’s Louisiana LNG to begin shipping aboard to Non-Free Trade Agreement Countries.  Louisiana LNG is being built in Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana and is expected to be completed in 2029.  We wish Woodside a speedy completion of its Louisiana LNG Project.  If you would like to read more of the Announcement from the U.S. DOE, please click the link: Energy Department Grants Woodside Louisiana LNG Project Additional Time to CommenceExports.

If you would like help in looking into how to move your liquid hydrocarbon and reduce your emissions or help with drawings for your LNG modules, contact us via email in the Blog and check out our ESC website!

**Disclaimer: Please see the U.S. DOE’s Announcement for the specifics. **

An update on Battleship Texas.

 

Happy Monday! Welcome back to another week of ESC News Blog.  

We hope you had an enjoyable weekend!  Unfortunately, the cold snap came in and we had to bring out the winter clothes this morning.  The weather did warm up more than expected but a bit too cool for our liking.  Let’s get started.   

We love an update.  Back in July the Battleship Texas was in the news for the Galveston Wharves’ Board approving Pier 15 for its new home.  Well, the centurium was in the news again.

Did anyone happen to read the Houston Chronicle Front Page Section on December 12, 2025, their article titled, “Battleship Texas “free-floating again”?  In the article, it goes on the speak about how USS Texas towed just over three years ago to Galveston to Gulf Copper Dry Dock and Rig Repair for repairs and renovation is a step closer to coming to life.  The last dreadnought ship has had major work to improve its structural integrity, and after years of band aid fixes and water pumps helping keep it afloat; it is floating on its own and is no longer taking on water.  The $75-million renovations for the Battleship Texas have brought back a promise to the American people, it will stand proud and now teach Americans about our past. The repairs and renovations are expected to be completed in approximately one year. The vessel will have new exhibits to help educate its visitors on ow those who served on the USS Texas lived and worked and the Battleship Texas Foundation is expecting the ship museum open in approximately two years from its new berth at Pier 15.  We wish them luck with completing the renovations and repairs on Battleship Texas and its new home.  If you would like to read more of the Houston Chronicle’s article on MSN for free, please click the link: $75M Battleship Texas restoration reaches milestone as crews push toward 2026 reopening.

The Battleship Texas Foundation has more information on the status of this great ship, so please check their website for further details.  If you would like to help with donations for this wonderful project, please check out their website by clicking the link: Battleship Texas Foundation.

If you would like help in looking into how to update your liquids terminal, so it runs more efficiently, safely, and with less of a carbon footprint, contact us via email in the Blog or our ESC website!

We hope you enjoy your evening!  Keep warm!

**Disclaimer: You may be charged a fee to read the Houston Chronicle’s article. **

U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released the U.S. Oil and Natural Gas Wells by Production Rate, and it is now available on their website!

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their annual report for U.S. Oil and Natural Gas Wells By Production Rate; it is now available from the EIA website. 

Check out what happened in the U.S. Oil and Natural Gas Wells By Production Rate by clicking the link: US Oil and Gas Wells by Production Rate - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Don’t forget to check out our ESC website!  We are always here to help you out with your next project to transport your liquids!

Have a safe and relaxing weekend!  Happy Holidays!

U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their Monthly STEO Report; it is now available on their website!

Happy Friday!

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their Monthly STEO Report for week ending December 12, 2025, it is now available from the EIA website. 

Check out what happened in the Monthly Short Term Energy Outlook by clicking the link: Short-Term Energy Outlook - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

We are always here to help you out with your next hydrocarbon project to move your product or help you reduce your emissions!  You may reach us by the email in the Blog! Don’t forget to check out our ESC website! 

Don’t forget to follow our Blog to hear more on the ever-changing energy and marine industry!

Have a good weekend! 

U.S. EIA Weekly Updates for Petroleum & Other Liquids, Natural Gas, Propane, and Coal are all now available!

Happy Friday! 

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Weekly Reports for Petroleum and Other Liquids, Gasoline and Diesel Fuel, Natural Gas, Propane, and Coal for the week ending December 12, 2025, are all now available from the EIA website. 

See what happened in the Weekly Petroleum Status Report by clicking the link: Weekly Petroleum Status Report - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

See what happened last week in Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update by clicking the link: Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

See what else happened last week in Natural Gas Weekly Update by clicking the link: Natural Gas Weekly Update (eia.gov).

See what happened last week in Weekly Natural Gas Storage Report by clicking the link: Weekly Natural Gas Storage Report - EIA.

See what happened this week on the Weekly Natural Gas Dashboard by clicking the link: Natural Gas Storage Dashboard (eia.gov).

See what happened last week in the Heating Oil and Propane Update by clicking the link: Heating Oil and Propane Update - Energy Information Administration (eia.gov).

See what happened last week in Coal Markets Report by clicking the link: https://www.eia.gov/coal/markets/.

We are always here to help you out with your next project to move your hydrocarbons or to update your equipment to help reduce your emissions!  Connect with us through the Blog email or give us a call: 281-901-5554!

Don’t forget to follow our Blog to hear more on the ever-changing energy and marine industry!

We hope you have a fun and relaxing weekend!    

We hope to see you next week for another week of ESC News Blog!

BBG1 lease sale was a successful sale and the some of the major’s brought their checkbooks!

Happy Thursday!

Well, the BBG1 lease sale was all the buzz this week.  We decided we should let you know how things turned out for the current administration’s first mandatory lease sale and some of the winners. 

Did anyone happen to read gCaptain Daily Newsletter on December 11, 2025, their article titled, “Trump Administration Completes First Gulf Lease Sale Under One Big Beautiful Bill Act”?  The article speaks in regard to the U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) first oil and gas lease sale in the Gulf of America (Mexico) under the direction from the Big Beautiful Bill Act (BBBA) called BBG1.  The lease sale’s deadline was Tuesday, and the results were live on Wednesday Morning, December 10.   219 bids were turned in for BBG1 from thirty companies with a value of $371.9 million.   Of the 219 bids, 181 tracts covering 80 million acres in federal waters were leased for almost $280 million at a 12.5% royalty rate.  The three top bidders were BP, Chevron and Shell.  This lease sale was the first since 2023, and it was considered successful especially in light of the current dismal prices of oil.   The returns from the BOEM’s lease sales help fund the U.S. Treasury, Gulf Coast states, the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Historic Preservation Fund.  Last year offshore leases brought in $6.5 billion in royalties, nearly $373 million in bonuses and nearly $123 million in rental fees.  The BOEM will have information on the specifics from BBG1 by the end of March 2026.  If you would like to read more of gCaptain’s article, please click the link: Trump Administration Completes First Gulf Lease Sale Under One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

If you would like help in looking into how to update your midstream terminal, contact us via email in the Blog and check out ESC's website for contact information!

We hope you have a wonderful evening, and a great rest of your week!

**Disclaimer: You may be charged a fee to read the gCaptain’s article. **

NISTM has their 18th Annual National Aboveground Storage Tank Conference & Trade Show, and the Trade Show starts today!

Happy Wednesday!

We hope to see you at NISTM at their Trade Show and Network Mixer today!

The event runs through December 11, 2025.   Check out their website for information by clicking the link: NISTM - National Institute for Storage Tank Management. 

Don’t forget to check out our ESC website or contact us via the email in the Blog, if you have a hydrocarbon liquids storage project you would like to see get off the ground or you would like to upgrade your valves on your tanks!  

We hope you have a great and productive week! 

BBG1 lease sale will be live tomorrow!

Happy Tuesday!

Well, we received another update from the U.S Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) with some more information for the BBG1, and it looks like the BOEM is all in on this lease sale.  The sealed bids deadline was earlier today!

Did anyone happen to receive the News Release from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) on December 9, 2025, their News Release titled, “BOEM to Host Press Conference Following Big Beautiful Gulf 1 Lease Sale”?  In the release, it speaks on how Department of Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) under the direction of One Big Beautiful Bill Act (BBBA) (H.R.1) and the first sales deadline for sealed bids was earlier today, and it appears after there will be a press conference by RSVP only.   BOEM has issued the notice for the Gulf of America BBG1 in the Federal Register on November 10, 2025, and tomorrow we will find out the results.    The Oil and Gas Lease Sale (BBG1) will be live at 9 a.m. on December 10, 2025.  For the media there will be a Q&A session from the BOEM starting at 11:15 a.m.  We’ll let you know, if we hear any additional information on the first Gulf oil and gas sale.  If you would like to read more of the BOEM’s News Release, please click the link: BOEM to Host Press Conference Following Big Beautiful Gulf 1 Lease Sale | Bureau ofOcean Energy Management.

If you would like help in looking into how to transport your liquid product efficiently and with less of a carbon footprint, contact us via the email in the Blog and check out our ESC website!

We hope you have a wonderful evening and a great week!

**Disclaimer: Please see the News Release from the BOEM for exact information and deadline time. **