DOE has opened the fourth and possibly final round of the Emergency Exchange Program for up to 92M barrels.

Happy Thursday!

You know we like to keep up with the happenings at the Department of Energy’s SPR.  Let’s dig in. 

Did anyone happen to read the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrocarbon and Geothermal Energy Office Release on April 30, 2026, their announcement, “Energy Department Issues RFP to Continue Swift Execution of 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 (April 30th) published a notice for Request for Proposal (RFP) from the Emergency Exchange Program for approximately 92 million barrels of crude oil from one of the four SPR sites: Bayou Choctaw, West Hackberry, Big Hill, or Bryan Mound.  This is the fourth RFP for exchange of crude the DOE has published in recent weeks, and as promised the U.S. have made available 172-million barrels over the past few weeks to ease the strain caused by the US-Iran War and the revolving door the Strait of Hormuz has been placed in.  The Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) is accepting Proposals until Monday, May 4, 2026; see News Release for specifics date and times.  The parties whose proposal is accepted have a year to return the barrels with additional oil.  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 Continue Swift Execution of President Trump’s172-Million-Barrel Strategic Petroleum Reserve Exchange.

Another little tidbit: according to EIA during the time period March 20 and April 24, 2026, the DOE has drawn down the SPR by approximately 17-million barrels.  The EIA has the SPR holding a bit under 398 million barrels. Please check link for details: DOE has released17.5 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve since March - U.S.Energy Information Administration (EIA).

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. **

 

U.S. DOE’s H2O Office will soon be releasing funding for the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity Incentives program.

Happy Wednesday! 

You know we like to energy and we try keep up with the happenings at the Department of Energy and their various departments.  Let’s get started. 

Did anyone happen to read the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation Office’s CMEI News newsletter on April 27, 2026, they had an announcement, “DOE’s Hydropower and Hydrokinetic Office to Release $430 Million to Improve America’s Hydropower Fleet”?  In the announcement, it goes on to speak on how the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Hydropower and Hydrokinetic Office (H2O) recently published they will resume talks this week with awardees of $430 million from the Maintaining and Enhancing Hydroelectricity Incentives program. The Hydroelectric Incentive program was part of the previous administration’s agenda to invest in low emission energy, and is for American hydropower facilities to modernize, so they will continue to be part of the U.S. energy solution to keep America’s lights on with reliable low emission power.  H2O has 293 projects with 212 facilities in 33 states to work out deals with.  The hydropower facilities modernization is a private – federal partnership to revamp their aging infrastructure, and the partnership is investing almost $3 billion.  We wish them luck keeping America’s lights on.  We will keep you posted on anything interesting we hear out of the DOE’s H2O.  If you would like to read more of the Announcement from the U.S. DOE’s Hydropower and Hydrokinetic Office, please click the link: DOE's Hydropower and Hydrokinetic Office to Release $430 Million to Improve America's Hydropower Fleet | 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 Announcement from the U.S. DOE’s CMEI for specifics. **

 

Gulf Offshore Research Institute has another academic partner UH.

Happy Tuesday

Did anyone happen to read the Offshore Daily Newsletter on April 24, 2026, their article titled, “University of Houston joins $20M initiative to repurpose offshore infrastructure in the Gulf”?  In the article, it speaks on how University of Houston (UH) has aligned with the Gulf Offshore Research Institute (GORI) and other academics including Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi, University of Michigan, as well as others in the non-profit and private sectors who are looking into giving idle Gulf of Mexico (GOM) offshore oil and gas structures a new purpose.  GORI has been awarded $20M from the Gulf Futures Challenge project to find innovative ways to use the old and idle offshore assets for mineral recovery and aquaculture, future workforce readiness, and energy transition.  UH will be part of the Repurposing Offshore Infrastructure Continued Energy (ROICE) of the project and has been awarded $1.3M over the next ½ decade to further research for future labor force development as well as evaluating technical feasibility and economic viability of repurposing the infrastructure.   The goal is to help lower decommissioning costs by giving the infrastructure a new life.  We will let you know, if we hear anything else on this opportunity to innovate the GOM and its idle offshore assets!  If you would like to read more of the Oil & Gas Journal’s article, please click the link:   University of Houston joins $20M initiative to repurpose offshore infrastructure in the Gulf | Offshore Magazine.

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! 

**Disclaimer: You may be charged a fee to read the Offshore article. **

U.S. BLM Oil and Gas Lease Sale for coastal area of the ANWR is scheduled for June 2026.

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

We always enjoy an update to one of our blogs, and we did say, if we heard anything else on this Alaskan wonderland!  Last October, we blogged on how the U.S. BLM showed interest in the National Petroleum Reserve- Alaska (NPR-A), and they had a lease sale back in March which was a success, hence they announced their going to have another lease sale and here’s the skinny!

Did anyone happen to read the Oil & Gas Journal’s OGJ Daily Update Newsletter on April 20, 2026, their article titled, “US BLM to offer 400,000 acres for oil and gas leasing under ANWR’s coastal plain in June”?  In the article, it speaks on how U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) and its Office of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) have published they will be having an oil and gas lease sale on June 5^th, 2026, for 400,000 acres of coastal plain in the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).  The lease sale is one of the requirements from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) signed last year.   A previous oil and gas lease sale last year stirred little appeal to the industry, nonetheless the March 2026, lease sale was a success (See our previous blogs for details).  If you are interested in the June lease sale, bids are due on June 3^rd, with the announcements on June 5^th, please click the link for specific details from the Federal Register: Federal Register: Notice of 2026 Coastal Plain Oil and Gas Lease Sale.   We will let you know, if we hear anything else on this American asset!  If you would like to read more of the Oil & Gas Journal’s article, please click the link:   US BLM to offer 400,000 acres for oil and gas leasing under ANWR’s coastal plain in June | 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! 

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

U.S. EIA Monthly Reports for Electric Power and others are now available!

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their April monthly reports for Electric Power and Electricity Update for 2026, are now available on the EIA website.

See what happened in the Electric Power Monthly by clicking the link: https://www.eia.gov/electricity/monthly/.

See what happened in the Electricity Monthly Update by clicking the link: https://www.eia.gov/electricity/monthly/update/.

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

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, 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 April 24, 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!  Be careful driving around town we heard many roads will be closed.

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

Golden Pass LNG is now exporting to the World with its Train 1.

Happy Thursday!    

We always enjoy an update on a previous blog.  We have good news coming from Golden Pass LNG in Texas.  They expected exports to begin the 2^nd Quarter of 2026, and we have reached the milestone.

Did anyone happen to read the Oil & Gas Journal’s OGJ Daily Update Newsletter on April 23, 2026, their article titled, “Golden Pass LNG ships first export cargo”?  In the article, it speaks on how QatarEnergy and Exxon Mobil’s Golden Pass LNG with Train 1 is operational has loaded its first tanker and it is on its way abroad.  Now with their first successful export they can continue progress on Trains 2 and 3 as well as perfecting production with Train 1.  Train 2 is expected to be operational later this year, and Train 3 next year.   Golden Pass LNG is the 10^th LNG plant in the US according to the article’s sources.  We will let you know, if we hear anything else!  If you would like to read more of the Oil & Gas Journal’s article, please click the link:   Golden Pass LNG ships first LNG export cargo | 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! 

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

HPF Annual Crawfish Boil, tonight!

Happy Wednesday! 

We hope to see you the Houston Producers Forum (HPF) Annual Crawfish Boil tonight, April 22, 2026, 4 PM to 7 PM.  The festivities will be held at Kirby Ice House, 3333 Eastside St., Houston, Texas 77098.

The Annual Crawfish Boil is a fun time with music and chances to network with other professionals from around the oil and gas industry.  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! 

Greater Houston Port Bureau’s Women in Maritime Spring Happy Hour is this evening!

Happy Tuesday! 

We hope you reserved your place for this evening’s event for the Greater Houston Port Bureau’s Women in Maritime Happy Hour at the Houston Pilots Office from 4:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M.

We are looking forward to Guest Speaker, Matt Douglas, Wine Supervisor for Total Wine.  Mr. Douglas will be speaking on the History of Transportation of Wine.  It should be pretty interesting. We will be saying goodbye to our friend, Andrea LaVorgna, who will be retiring at the end of the month from the Greater Houston Port Bureau.  If you would like more details, please click the link: Women in Maritime Happy Hour - 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!  Keep dry!

DOE has accepted contracts in their third round RFP from the Emergency Exchange Program for delivery from West Hackberry SPR. Happy Monday! We hope you had a relaxing

Happy Monday!  We hope you had a relaxing weekend and were able to stay out of the rain on Saturday.  Let’s get started.

You know we like to keep up with the happenings at the Department of Energy’s SPR, and we have an update on the third round for Requests for Proposals, which closed April 13, 2026.  Let’s dig in. 

Did anyone happen to read the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrocarbon and Geothermal Energy Office Release on April 17, 2026, their announcement, “Energy Department Awards New Contracts from Strategic Petroleum Reserve, Advancing Emergency Exchange”?  In the announcement, it goes on to speak on how the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently (April 17^th) published they have awarded nine companies exchanges in their third round of Request for Proposals (RFP) from the Emergency Exchange Program for more than 26 million barrels of crude oil from its West Hackberry SPR.  The Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) accepted RFP’s which closed on April 13^th, 2026, and the lucky awardees have until 2027 to return the barrels with additional oil, and they may have quick delivery.  The DOE has in the last two RFPs set up exchanges for a total of 26 million barrels of oil from their Bayou Choctaw, Bryan Mound and West Hackberry SPRs.   Some of the current awardees are as follows: BP Products North America (1 million barrels), Energy Transfer Crude Marketing (1.1 million barrels), ExxonMobil Oil Corporation (3 million barrels), Vitol (3.5 million barrels) as well as other companies totaling over 26 million barrels.  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 Awards New Contracts from Strategic Petroleum Reserve, Advancing Emergency 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. **

 

U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their SEDS, and it is now available on their website!

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their State Energy Data System (SEDS); it is now available from the EIA website. 

Check out what happened in the State Energy Data System by clicking the link: 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 liquids!

Have a safe and relaxing 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 April 17, 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! 

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

AFR has lined up its FEED contractor.

 Happy Thursday!

We love an update to a previous blog (See March 11), and we read something which fit the bill. 

Did anyone see Tank News International’s Weekly Newsletter on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, they had an article titled, “Fluor awarded contract to engineer and design the America first refining facility in Brownsville, Texas”?  In the article, it speaks on how Fluor announced they have been given the contract for front-end engineering and design (FEED) for the America First Refining facility.  The facility will be producing cleaner low carbon fuels using shale derived oil.  If we hear anything else interesting, we will let you know.  If you would like to read more of the article from Tank News International, please click the link: Fluor awarded contract to engineer and design the America First refining facility in Brownsville, Texas | Tank News International.

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 week!  

**Disclaimer – The Tank News International may charge a fee to read their articles. **

DOE has accepted contracts in their second round RFP from the Emergency Exchange Program for delivery from Bryan Mound SPR.

Happy Wednesday!  We hope you have been able to get your taxes in on time.  We were busy finishing ours up and getting them filed.  Let’s get started.

You know we like to keep up with the happenings at the Department of Energy’s SPR, and we have an update on the second round for Requests for Proposals, which closed April 6, 2026.  Let’s dig in. 

Did anyone happen to read the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrocarbon and Geothermal Energy Office Release on April 10, 2026, their announcement, “Energy Department Awards Contracts for 8.5 Million Barrels from SPR in Second Phase of Emergency Exchange”?  In the announcement, it goes on to speak on how the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently (April 10^th) published they awarded exchanges for their second round of Request for Proposals (RFP) from the Emergency Exchange Program for approximately 8.5 million barrels of crude oil from its Bryan Mound SPR.  The Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) accepted RFP’s which closed on April 6^th, 2026, and the lucky awardees have until 2027 to return the barrels with additional oil, and they may have quick delivery.  We unfortunately didn’t find the list of awardees.  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 Awards Contracts for 8.5 Million Barrels from SPR in Second Phase of Emergency 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. **

DOE has opened the third round of the Emergency Exchange Program for up to 30M barrels.

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

You know we like to keep up with the happenings at the Department of Energy’s SPR.  Let’s dig in. 

Did anyone happen to read the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrocarbon and Geothermal Energy Office Release on April 9, 2026, their announcement, “Energy Department Continues Initiating Strategic Petroleum Reserve Emergency Exchanges”?  In the announcement, it goes on to speak on how the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently (April 9th) published a notice for Request for Proposal (RFP) from the Emergency Exchange Program for approximately 30 million barrels of sweet crude oil from its West Hackberry SPR.  This is the third RFP for exchange of crude the DOE has published in recent weeks.  The Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) is accepting Proposals until Monday, April 13, 2026, which was today; see News Release for specifics date and times.  The parties whose proposal is accepted has until 2027 to return the barrels with additional oil.  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 Continues Initiating Strategic Petroleum Reserve Emergency Exchanges| 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.  Good luck getting your income taxes in this week! 

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

 

U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their Annual Energy Outlook 2026, and it is now available on their website!

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their Annual Energy Outlook 2026; it is now available from the EIA website. 

Check out what happened in the Annual Energy Outlook 2026 by clicking the link: https://www.eia.gov/outlooks/aeo/.

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! 

U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their Monthly STEO Report and Densified Biomass Fuel Report, they are now available on their website!

Happy Friday!

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their Monthly STEO Report and Densified Biomass Report for week ending April 10, 2025, 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).

See what happened in the Monthly Densified Biomass Fuel Report by clicking the link: 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 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 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 April 10, 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! 

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

Learnings from the GHPB’s Commerce Club Luncheon from Thursday, April 9, 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 GHPB’s Commerce Club Luncheon began with Jessica Thomas, The Ex Officio Director – Chairman of the Houston Ship Channel Security District recognized Gary Spivey with a Dedication Award for Service.  

The speaker was Robert Howden. Mr. Howden is the Senior Advisor and Director of Legislative Affairs for Governor Greg Abbott.  He came in to speak on what legislation passed in the previous session, and what is on the horizon for this incoming session.  Workforce development: the Texas Legislature passed a Career Path Education Fund with $100 million to help students pursue career paths, and those who are not looking to go to traditional colleges, and the program is geared toward helping rural communities in Texas.  Mr. Howden brought up Texas had water issues in the 1950s, when he was growing up and elaborated, we have a water transportation problem, not a water problem.  Texas Legislature created a $200 million fund to help with water infrastructure projects for infrastructure like desalination plants and pipelines.  Were a couple of the things Mr. Howden discussed.

The incoming Legislature will be addressing several issues, for example bail reform, the rising cost of insurance, possibly lowering the exemption for seniors to 55 and over, instead of 65 were briefly mentioned.  Mr. Howden stressed infrastructure and how it’s a priority for Texas Department of Transportation.  He knows many people in the room are interested in the Pelican Island bridge and having it expanded to help the business there.  The electricity grid and data centers were discussed and especially how it will affect rural Texas, and there has been a push for them to provide their own electric and water, even though many data centers do not use water to cool the super computers.  The Texas Legislature has many issues to address in the next session.

Thank you, Mr. Howden.   You are an interesting and informative speaker, and we wish you well.  

We almost forgot!  The Commerce Club Luncheon ended with the news Andrea Lavorgna of GHPB will be retiring at the end of April.  You will have one more chance to visit with her at the GHPB’s Women in Maritime Happy Hour, so please don’t forget to sign up to help say goodbye to our friend!  We wish her luck in the next phase of her life! 

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 May 14, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Houston Marriot South at Hobby Airport.  Please check out the website, if you would like to learn more.  May 2026 GHPB Commerce Club Luncheon - Greater Houston Port Bureau.

If you haven’t signed up for the GHPB’s Women in Maritime Happy Hour on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 4:30 P.M.; please do because it’s a place for all to learn and have a fun time.  Please click the link: Women in Maritime Happy Hour - Greater Houston Port Bureau.

Reminder: Fleet Week Houston 2026 will be Wednesday, April 15 to Wednesday, April 22, 2026 for details click the link: Fleet Week Houston.

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!

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

GHPB’s Monthly Commerce Club Luncheon – April 9, 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, April 9^th, 2026.  We will be there learning something new. 

We are looking forward to Guest Speaker, Robert Howden, Senior Advisor and Director of Legislative Affairs for Texas Governor Greg Abbott.  Mr. Howden should speak on what the Governor’s Office has in store for Texas and how it will affect the maritime and energy industries.  If you would like more details, please click the link: April 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 rest of your week! 

Tidal Energy showed promise in the latest testing for helping remote locations and their microgrids.

Happy Tuesday!

We have an update from our Blog from February 2024 on tidal energy.  Did anyone happen to read the Oil & Gas Journal’s Energy Transition Update Newsletter on April 2, 2026, their article titled, “Swedish Tidal Energy Achieves Microgrid Generation at Remote Faroe Islands”?  In the article, it speaks on how Minesto, a Swedish renewable company, installed another tidal energy and microgrid project for Faroe Island which received funding from the Swedish government has results for its Dragon 4 power plant.  The project was able to produce 100 KW from tidal energy which is less than their Dragon 12 (we blogged on it in 2024), nonetheless it showed them this is a viable option for making electric for hard to access locations.  We will let you know, if we hear anything else on this emission lowering tech!  If you would like to read more of the Oil & Gas Journal’s article, please click the link: Swedish Tidal Energy Startup Achieves Microgrid Generation at Remote Faroe Island |Microgrid Knowledge.   

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! 

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

US Marine Minerals Administration is the modernized US BOEM and US SBEE.

Happy Monday and welcome back to another week of ESC News Blog.    

Did anyone happen to read the Oil & Gas Journal’s OGJ Daily Update Newsletter on April 6, 2026, their article titled, “Interior Department to merge offshore oil and gas regulatory agencies”?  In the article, it speaks on how last week the US Department of Interior announced they are re-combining their US Bureau of Energy Management (BOEM) and Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (SBEE) to a new agency called, “Marine Minerals Administration.”  The U.S. Marine Mineral Administration will be in charge of offshore oil and natural gas leasing as well as permitting, assessments, and supervision of the offshore industry.   In the early 2010s, the two were divided because of an offshore incident on Deepwater Horizon. The move now is to return to a sensible way of supervision and oversight as well as modernize the agencies.  We wish the US Marine Minerals Administration luck reimaging its new updated purpose.  We will let you know, if we hear anything else!  If you would like to read more of the Oil & Gas Journal’s article, please click the link:   Interior Department to merge offshore oil and gas regulatory agencies | 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! 

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

U.S. EIA released its Country Analysis Brief for Taiwan, and it is now available!

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their Country Analysis Brief for Taiwan, so check it out on the EIA website. 

See what happened in Taiwan’s Analysis Brief by clicking the link: International - 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!

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

Have a nice and relaxing weekend! 

See you next week for another week of ESC News Blog!

U.S. EIA Monthly Reports for Petroleum Supply Monthly and others are now available!

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their March-April monthly reports for Petroleum Supply Monthly and others for 2026, are now available on the EIA website.

See what happened in the Petroleum Marketing Monthly by clicking the link: https://www.eia.gov/petroleum/marketing/monthly/.

See what happened in the Petroleum Supply Monthly by clicking the link: Petroleum Supply Monthly - Energy Information Administration.

See what happened in the Company Level Imports by clicking the link: Company Level Imports - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

See what happened in the Natural Gas Monthly by clicking the link: Natural Gas Monthly Report.

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

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

Have a relaxing and enjoyable weekend!

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

Happy Good Friday!  For those of you lucky to be off today we hope you are having a relaxing day!

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 April 3, 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 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/.

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!  Happy Easter!

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

Federal Land lease sale in Mountain West had a successful sale earlier this week.

Happy Thursday! 

Did anyone happen to read the Oil & Gas Journal’s OGJ Daily Update Newsletter on April 1, 2026, their article titled, “BLM lease sales in Colorado, Nevada, Utah generate $64.8 million”?  In the article, it speaks on the results of the recent U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) quarterly federal land lease sale for Colorado, Nevada, and Utah, and how it made a bit under $65 million.  Utah had the most federal property leased with 11 parcels for over 68K acres for a value of a bit over $56 million; Colorado leased 68 parcels for over 42K acres and a value of a bit over $8 million; and Nevada leased 11 parcels for almost 20K acres for almost $300,000.  In Nevada, one company leased all 11 parcels.  While in Utah nine companies secured numerous leases, and Colorado seven companies secured numerous leases.    We will let you know, if we hear anything else from the BLM!  If you would like to read more of the Oil & Gas Journal’s article, please click the link:   BLM lease sales in Colorado, Nevada, Utah generate $64.8 million | 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 Good Friday, enjoy your time off. 

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

DOE has opened the second round of the Emergency Exchange Program for up to 10M barrels.

Happy Wednesday!         

You know we like to keep up with the happenings at the Department of Energy’s SPR.  Let’s dig in. 

Did anyone happen to read the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrocarbon and Geothermal Energy Office Release on April 1, 2026, their announcement, “Energy Department Initiates Additional Strategic Petroleum Reserve Emergency Exchange to Stabilize Global Oil Supply”?  In the announcement, it goes on to speak on how the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently (April 1^st) published a notice for Request for Proposal (RFP) from the Emergency Exchange Program for approximately 10 million barrels of crude oil from its Bryan Mound SPR.  The Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) is accepting Proposals until Monday, April 6, 2026; see News Release for specifics date and times.  The parties whose proposal is accepted has until 2027 to return the barrels with additional oil.  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 Initiates Additional Strategic Petroleum Reserve Emergency Exchange to Stabilize Global Oil Supply | 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. **