America’s SPR facilities need a plan to extend their life for a sound and long future.

Happy Monday!  We hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend!  Let’s get started.     

You know we like to be informed on the happenings of the U.S. Department of Energy’s SPR sites.  In recent months, the SPR has been delivering crude to various groups who won various solicitations.  Well, we have a tidbit on something else for this important middle aged American asset.  Let’s get started.

Did anyone happen to read the Oil & Gas Journal’s OGJ Daily Update Newsletter on July 6, 2026, their article titled, “GAO warns of aging US SPR, urgent need for long-term planning”?  In the article, it speaks on how the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) needs a long-term plan and maintenance according to U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) and Congress needs to act now.   The GAO acknowledges the Department of Energy (DOE) has done some life extension maintenance on a couple of the facilities in Texas and Louisiana nonetheless more needs to be done, if we are to expect a long-term life of the aging storage facilities.  The Life Extension Phase 2 (LS2) was part of the modernization Congress approved back in 2016, nonetheless more needs to be done.  Currently, the GAO encourages Congress to prioritize modernization and maintenance of the SPR to help it fulfill its duties for storing energy for the future as well as use the oil sales to help fund the projects.   We hope Congress hears their request and gets working on a plan.  We will let you know, if we hear anything else on the SPR!  If you would like to read more of the Oil & Gas Journal’s article, please click the link:   Aging US SPR ‘at risk’ of failing mission without updates, improvements: GAO | 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 and a productive week!  Keep cool!

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

 

Microsoft’s West Texas Data Center will be having an oil and gas major as its energy provider.

Happy Tuesday! 

We keep hearing on how oil and gas will be pairing with data centers, not just energy power companies.  Well, this is the first one we have actually read it is going to happen.

Did anyone happen to read the Oil & Gas Journal’s OGJ Daily Update Newsletter on June 23, 2026, their article titled, “Chevron to build gas-fired West Texas power plant, supply Microsoft”?   The article goes on to speak on how an energy development company owned by Chevron named Energy Forge One LLC will be developing a 2.67 GW natural gas power plant in West Texas named Project Kilby who will be providing electric to Microsoft.  The two facilities will be located side by side, and the project will be developed with a stage prefabricated style like current natural gas plants which allows it to grow as needed.  The Kilby project is a joint project with Engine No. 1; and they are expected to use West Texas industrial produced water instead of the groundwater as a way to re-use produced water which is no longer allowed to be pumped underground in certain areas around West Texas.   The Kilby project will be using innovative equipment as a way to cut emissions.   Chevron will be making a final investment decision later this year and their power plant is expected to be operational sometime in 2028.  We will let you know, if we hear anything else on this project.  If you would like to read more of the Oil & Gas Journal’s article, please click the link:   Chevron to build gas-fired West Texas power plant, supply Microsoft | Oil & Gas Journal.

Our team has experience in developing hydrocarbon storage facilities, so if you too would like to get a project going, we’re here to help!  Don’t forget to check out our ESC website or contact us via the email in the Blog!

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

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

U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their updates for the State Energy Portal, is now available on their website!

Happy Friday!

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their Updates for the State Energy Portal for week ending June 19, 2026, it is now available from the EIA website. 

Check out what happened the State Energy Portal; by clicking the link: https://www.eia.gov/states/overview.

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

Have a relaxing weekend! 

U.S. EIA Weekly Updates for Petroleum & Other Liquids, Natural Gas, 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, and Coal for the week ending June 19, 2026, 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 happened last week in Weekly Natural Gas Storage Report by clicking the link: Weekly Natural Gas Storage Report - EIA.

See what happened last week in Weekly Natural Gas Storage Report Supplement by clicking the link: https://www.eia.gov/beta/naturalgas/weekly/supplement/.

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

See what happened last week in Weekly Coal Production by clicking the link: https://www.eia.gov/coal/production/weekly/.

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! 

Go USA!  World Cup is ongoing, therefore be careful driving around town. 

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

 

U.S. DOE further their investment in nine more coal-fired power plants.

Happy Thursday!  We hope you have been able to find a cool place to get out of the heat; we’re not sure this is better than the rain we had the last few days.  Let’s get started.

You know we like to keep up with the happenings at the Department of Energy, and they are furthering their investment in the American coal power plant industry.  Check out our blog last week for more on coal. 

Did anyone happen to read the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrocarbon and Geothermal Energy Office Release on June 10, 2026, their announcement, “DOE’s Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office Invests $3.6 million to Modernize America’s Coal-Fired Power Plants”?  In the announcement, it goes on to speak on how the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) last week published they will be investing $3.5 million in nine projects to innovate existing coal plants under two of the current administration’s Executive Orders.  The nine projects awarded will have money released as the complete the three phases: Phase 1 they will execute their designs and engineering, Phase 2 they will execute by completing their engineering design process; and the Phase 3 the project will construct their vision.   The nine projects chosen are a mix of universities and private sector companies chosen to extend the life of our aging infrastructure and under three topics.  The first group of projects chosen will modernize methods used to treat and manage wastewater to minimize costs, reuse water, and innovate byproduct reclamation; the awardees are Baker Hughes Energy Transition LLC, Heartland Water Technology Inc., University of Kentucky Research Foundation, and University of Wyoming.  Another project awardee is Hallador Power Company LLC who will receive funding for 2 of their projects: one project will redevelop their facility to become a dual-firing plant with natural gas and coal; and their other project will create and pilot use of an innovative boiler system which is capable of using both coal and natural gas concurrently. Other projects chosen for the innovative boiler system includes: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois and Zolo Carbon Smartech Inc.  These projects were chosen to innovate and make improvements to the coal power industry.   We wish these projects we wish them luck innovating the power industry as well as improving the communities they are located in.  If you would like to read more of the Announcement from the U.S. DOE’s Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office, please click the link: DOE’s Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office Invests $3.6 Million to Modernize America’s Coal-Fired Power Plants | Department of Energy.

If you would like help in looking into how to store your liquid hydrocarbon safely in underground storage or just find out what is underneath your feet to help with your emission reduction goals, contact us via email in the Blog and check out our ESC website!

We hope you have a wonderful evening and a productive week.  Keep Cool!

**Disclaimer: Please see the Immediate Release from the U.S. DOE for specifics. **

U.S. SPR update.

Happy Tuesday! 

We visited the ILTA Trade Show, yesterday and had an informative visit with some of our vendors.  We hope you had a chance to stop by the show and wasn’t frustrated by the lack of parking with the World Cup, Astros baseball game and another exhibition show at George R. Brown.  It was a very busy area for the show, nonetheless it was a show worthy of a visit.   

Did anyone happen to read the Oil & Gas Journal’s OGJ Daily Update Newsletter on June 11, 2026, their article titled, “US emergency stockpile dropping to critical levels, DOE continues to release crude”?   In the article, it gives on an update on the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR).  The SPR has reached a low of approximately 350 million barrels of oil.  The DOE on Monday had an RFP close which will lower it further, and there are scheduled deliveries thru July.  The end of July, the SPR is expected to be at approximately 250 million barrels which is a low not seen since the SPR was still being filled approximately forty-five years ago. This has energy experts concerned due to hurricane, wildfire and other emergencies will not have the padding we normally have when these emergencies hit the states and refiners are slowed.  It is estimated 250 million barrels is approximately thirteen days of use for the U.S.  The article went on the discuss how the DOE is in discussions to create a west coast SPR site in California now drilling has resumed offshore and the concern over California importing more than half the oil used.   We will let you know, if we hear anything else on the SPR.  If you would like to read more of the Oil & Gas Journal’s article, please click the link:   US emergency stockpile dropping to critical levels, DOE continues to release crude | Oil & Gas Journal.

Our team has experience in developing hydrocarbon storage facilities, so if you too would like to get a project going, we’re here to help!  Don’t forget to check out our ESC website or contact us via the email in the Blog!

We hope you have a wonderful evening and a productive week!  Keep dry and be safe!

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

ILTA’s Conference & Trade Show has begun, and the Trade Show starts today!

Happy Tuesday!

We hope to see you at ILTA at their Trade Show this afternoon!

The event runs through June 17, 2026.   Check out their website for information by clicking the link: ILTA 2026.

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!  Keep dry!

Another natural gas pipeline is operational on the Gulf Coast.

Happy Monday!  Welcome back to another week of ESC News Blog.  We hope you had a relaxing weekend in spite of the FIFA World Cup activities happening around town.  Today, we hope haven’t gotten too wet with all the rain.  Let’s get started.

Did anyone happen to read the Oil & Gas Journal’s OGJ Daily Update Newsletter on June 9, 2026, their article titled, “Sempra Infrastructure places Port Artur Pipeline Louisiana Connector online”?   In the article, it speaks on Sempra Infrastructure’s Port Arthur Pipeline Louisiana Connector which is a 72-mile, 42-inch OD natural gas pipeline and related infrastructure has begun start up.  Sempra Infrastructure has started their 2-bcfd Port Arthur Pipeline which connects to their Port Arthur LNG Plant on the Gulf Coast.  The Port Arthur LNG plant is being built in Jefferson County on the Gulf Coast.  The Port Arthur Pipeline has connections to their Gillis Hub Pipeline in Louisiana and their LA Storage which is being constructed in the region.    We will let you know, if we hear anything else on Sempra Infrastructure’s Port Arthur LNG project!  If you would like to read more of the Oil & Gas Journal’s article, please click the link:   Sempra Infrastructure places Port Arthur Pipeline Louisiana Connector online | Oil & Gas Journal.

Our team has experience in developing hydrocarbon storage facilities, so if you too would like to get a project going, we’re here to help!  Don’t forget to check out our ESC website or contact us via the email in the Blog!

Don’t forget ITLA’s Conference and Trade Show has started today, Monday (June 15 – 17, 2026) in Houston, Texas. If you would like more information, please click the link ILTA 2026.  We hope to see you there!

We hope you have a wonderful evening and a productive week!  Keep dry!

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

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

Happy Friday!

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their Monthly STEO Report for week ending June 12, 2026, 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).

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

Have a relaxing weekend! 

U.S. EIA Weekly Updates for Petroleum & Other Liquids, Natural Gas, 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, and Coal for the week ending June 12, 2026, 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 happened last week in Weekly Natural Gas Storage Report by clicking the link: Weekly Natural Gas Storage Report - EIA.

See what happened last week in Weekly Natural Gas Storage Report Supplement by clicking the link: https://www.eia.gov/beta/naturalgas/weekly/supplement/.

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

See what happened last week in Weekly Coal Production by clicking the link: https://www.eia.gov/coal/production/weekly/.

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! 

Go USA!  World Cup has begun, therefore be careful driving around town. 

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

Learnings from the GHPB’s Commerce Club Luncheon from Thursday, June 10, 2026.

Happy Thursday!

We went to the Greater Houston Port Bureau’s (GHPB) Commerce Club Luncheon at the Houston Marriot South at Hobby Airport today. 

The speaker was Doug Schrock, Managing Principal, Artificial Intelligence, Crow, LLP.  Mr. Schrock talk was on, “Artificial Intelligence: Getting Real Results - Understanding AI & Lessons from Market Adoption Efforts.”  Mr. Schrock spoke on introducing artificial intelligence to his organization and their over 6000 employees across the globe over three years ago and how it changed the organization for the better.  The company’s quality improved for its customers, as well as their employees were happier at the office, and the number of employees naturally decreased.  With their adoption of AI, they brought more value and efficiency to their clients. 

AI isn’t going anywhere and it is in its 2^nd inning of its adoption.   As AI is adopted in many industries knowing how to use it as well as what it is will be a necessity in the workplace.  We need to train or educate people to use it.   We need to see it as alternative staff or a digital colleague, instead of an IT tool.  AI sees connections better than the average person and this is how it should be utilized, nonetheless you need to confirm its answers this is where you as a team will succeed.  

Mr. Schrock spoke on what is AI.  AI doesn’t store data.  AI read many books and learned, hence it knows what things are and uses logic and its knowledge of things to answer questions asked or to problem solve.  AI is an artificial neural network which makes connections with the data introduced to it.  AI uses the information (qualitative and un-qualitive data) you feed it to answer your questions, nonetheless if your data is incomplete, it can help you see where problems or gaps in your data lie and what additional information you need to make a complete data set, and in turn help problem solve. This is where an AI Agent will have developed which should make your job easier, nonetheless you need to check its work to make sure you understand where and how it came up with the answers it did.  Through these AI Agents is how you will increase productivity and decrease costs. He tried to stress how good data and understanding will help organizations be successful using AI.      

Doug Schrock, Crow, LLP
GHPB's Commerce Club Luncheon

Thank you, Mr. Schrock.  You are an interesting and informative speaker, and we wish you well.  Good luck with your new investors in Crow, LLP.  

As you see the speakers at the GHPB’s Commerce Club Luncheons bring an informative talk to all that attend.  The next Commerce Club Luncheon is on July 9th, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Houston Marriot South at Hobby Airport, and it will be an update from the Gulf Coast Protection District.  Please check out the website, if you would like to learn more.  July 2026 GHPB Commerce Club Luncheon - Greater Houston Port Bureau.

We almost forgot to mention, GHPB announced the member of the month: Denise Schaffer, Odfjell USA.   She is the Manager Documentation & Regulatory Compliance and a regular at the GHPB's Commerce Club Luncheons.  Congratulations, Denise!

If you would like help in figuring out how to get your product moving with less of a carbon footprint, contact us via the email on the Blog or give us a call: 281-901-5554.  Check out our ESC website!

Good Luck U.S. Men’s Soccer in the FIFA World Cup!  We believe in you! GO USA!

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

DOE has opened the fifth final round of the SPR Emergency Exchange Program for up to 40M barrels.

Happy Wednesday!

You know we like to keep up with the happenings at the Department of Energy’s The Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR).  We haven’t heard much from them since the fourth round for the Emergency Exchange Program back in early May and at the time of the last awards for the program they hadn’t depleted the promise to release 172 million barrels of oil.  Well, looks like another round has been opened to help them keep their promise.  Let’s dig in. 

Did anyone happen to read the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrocarbon and Geothermal Energy Office Release on June 10, 2026, their announcement, “Energy Department Issues RFP to Advance President Trump’s 172-Million-Barrel Strategic Petroleum Reserve Exchange”?  In the announcement, it goes on to speak on how the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently (June 10th) published a notice for Request for Proposal (RFP) from the Emergency Exchange Program for approximately 40 million barrels of crude oil from either Big Hill or Bryan Mound SPR sites.  This is the fifth RFP for exchange of crude from the DOE in recent months, and it is part of a promise the U.S. made to make 172-million barrels available over the past few months to ease the strain caused by the US-Iran War and the revolving door the Strait of Hormuz has been placed in.  Currently, 133 million barrels have been released from the SPR sites.   The SPR is accepting Proposals until Monday, June 15, 2026; see News Release for specifics date and times.  The party’s whose proposal is accepted have a year to return the barrels with additional oil and currently the SPR is expecting 26% more back from previous deals.  We will keep you posted on anything interesting we hear out of the DOE and the SPR.  If you would like to read more of the Announcement from the U.S. DOE’s Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office, please click the link: Energy Department Issues RFP to Advance President Trump’s 172-Million-Barrel Strategic Petroleum Reserve Exchange | Department of Energy.

If you would like help in looking into how to store your liquid hydrocarbon safely in underground storage or just find out what is underneath your feet to help with your emission reduction goals, contact us via email in the Blog and check out our ESC website!

We hope you have a wonderful evening and a productive week. 

**Disclaimer: Please see the Immediate Release from the U.S. DOE for specifics. **

 

GHPB’s Monthly Commerce Club Luncheon – June 11, 2026, at 11 AM.

Happy Wednesday! 

We hope you reserved your place for the Greater Houston Port Bureau’s Commerce Club Luncheon at the Houston Marriott South at Hobby Airport tomorrow, Thursday, June 11, 2026.  We will be there learning something new.   

We are looking forward to Guest Speaker, Doug Schrock, Managing Principal/Artificial Intelligence at Crowe, LLP.  Mr. Schrock will be speaking on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it is being adopted in the C-Suite, and how it may help other firms’ business strategies, as well as how it may help the maritime and energy industries.  If you would like more details, please click the link: June 2026 GHPB Commerce Club Luncheon - Greater Houston Port Bureau.

We hope to see you there!

If you need help with planning your next hydrocarbon liquids project in this low carbon world, contact us via the email in the Blog and check out our ESC website!

We hope you have a great and productive week! 

More underground storage is coming to East Texas.

Happy Tuesday!

Did anyone happen to read the Oil & Gas Journal’s OGJ Daily Update Newsletter on June 5, 2026, their article titled, “Caliche’s Spindletop project to boost natural gas storage capacity with new caverns in Beaumont”?  In the article, it speaks on Caleche Development Partners III’s affiliate Golden Triangle Storage LLC (GTS) has decided to move forward with their Spindletop Expansion project a future expanded natural gas underground storage facility.  GTS with their final investment decision has been moving forward into their phase 1 of its project located in the Beaumont, Texas.  GTS has their Federal Energy Regulatory Commission permits and has lined up financing with MUFG.  The first phase includes two salt dome storage caverns and all surface equipment, and the facility will have connections to both Kinder Morgan’s (KM) Trident and ARM’s Mustang pipelines (P/L) (Please see our blogs in early June for updates on KM’s Trident P/L, and Arm Energy’s Mustang P/L in October 2025).  GTS’ FERC approval includes two more caverns with final investment decision to be at a future date.  GTS expect the facility to be fully operational by early 2029 and may have eight caverns.  We will let you know, if we hear anything else on the GTS and their Spindletop Expansion Project!  If you would like to read more of the Oil & Gas Journal’s article, please click the link:   Caliche takes FID on first phase of Spindletop natural gas storage expansion project | Oil & Gas Journal.

Our team has experience in developing underground storage facilities, so if you too would like to get an underground project going, we’re here to help! Don’t forget to check out our ESC website or contact us via the email in the Blog!

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

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

U.S. DOE further their investment in four more coal fired power plants.

Happy Monday!  Welcome back to another week of ESC News Blog.  We hope you had a good weekend!  Let’s get started.

You know we like to keep up with the happenings at the Department of Energy, and they are furthering their investment in the American coal industry. Check out our blog in mid-February for details for recipients of the first round.  Let’s dig in. 

Did anyone happen to read the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrocarbon and Geothermal Energy Office Release on June 4, 2026, their announcement, “Energy Department to Invest $350 Million to Build, Modernize, and Restart Coal Power Plants”?  In the announcement, it goes on to speak on how the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently (June 4^th) published they will be investing in four more coal plants under their “Restoring Reliability: Coal Recommissioning and Modernization” plan.  The four projects awarded will be eligible to share no more than $350 million and their combined generation capacity will be over 3560 megawatts, if the projects are completed.  Two of the projects are for new coal- fired plants and the plants will be in Alaska and West Virginia.  Another project will be in Puerto Rico and they will be innovating their existing plant.  The last project will be in Maryland where they intend to restart and innovate a previously closed plant.  These projects combined with the first round of awardees exhaust the $525 million the administration had available for their “Restoring Reliability: Coal Recommissioning and Modernization” plan.  We wish these projects luck innovating and adding power to the American grid as well as improving their emissions.  If you would like to read more of the Announcement from the U.S. DOE’s Hydrocarbons and Geothermal Energy Office, please click the link: Energy Department to Invest $350 Million to Build, Modernize, and Restart Coal Plants| Department of Energy.

If you would like help in looking into how to store your liquid hydrocarbon safely in underground storage or just find out what is underneath your feet to help with your emission reduction goals, contact us via email in the Blog and check out our ESC website!

We hope you have a wonderful evening and a productive week. 

**Disclaimer: Please see the Immediate Release from the U.S. DOE for specifics. **