The future of the Gulf of Mexico’s carbon capture storage program is in limbo!

Happy Wednesday!   

Well, we had to let you know the Department of Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is in the news again for the Gulf of Mexico, and its future carbon capture program is now in the spotlight!

Did anyone see The Houston Chronicle’s Business Section on May 8, 2024, their article titled, “Gulf carbon storage plans await feds – Biden administration already 18 months past congressional deadline for leases and permits”?  This article is in regard to the U.S. Department of Interior’s (DOI) future offshore carbon capture storage (CCS) program, and in particular the Gulf of Mexico (GOM).  The future of offshore carbon capture storage projects destined for exhausted oil and gas fields; their structured regulatory program for permitting and leases as well as rules for monitoring the wells and making sure they are contained under the sea floor is a year and a half behind schedule.  The DOI was given a deadline by Congress in their 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to develop a structured system for permitting and leasing of carbon capture storage in federal waters; the task has proven to be more complex than originally expected.  The DOI has referred to the established CCS industry and other countries offshore programs to develop its own offshore CCS program as well as formed a team of experts to dive into this important task.  The GOM with its exhausted offshore wells seem to be the ideal location because they will not have to take into consideration aquifers and property easements, nonetheless orphan wells or badly plugged wells could exist in this ideal location.  The DOI doesn’t want the problems which have been discovered in established CCS offshore projects overseas, and they are trying to address them in this program’s development.  The DOI in time will develop a structured regulatory program which will get the offshore CCS industry moving.  If you would like to read more of the article from The Houston Chronicle, please click the link: Exxon's Gulf carbon storage plan: Biden's permitting causes delay (houstonchronicle.com).

If you would like to learn more information on Offshore Carbon Sequestration from the U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, please click the link: Carbon Sequestration | Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (boem.gov).

If you would like help in looking into how to transport your liquid product from your terminal and reduce your emissions to spearhead your company’s goal of becoming carbon neutral, contact us via the email in the blog and check out our ESC's website!

We hope you have a great and productive week!  

**Disclaimer – The Houston Chronicle may charge a fee to read this article. **

The anticipated channel user fee for Project 11 now has a meeting scheduled for May 21.

Happy Tuesday!

Did anyone see the Greater Houston Port Bureau’s (GHPB) Newsletter on May 14, 2024, they mention an announcement from the Port of Houston Authority titled, “Port of Houston Authority special public meeting, May 21 for the proposed channel user fee for Project 11”?   The announcement is in regard to a Notice from the Port of Houston Authority in regard to a Special Public Meeting on May 21, 2024, after their regularly scheduled Port Commission public meeting.   The Port of Houston Authority is having a meeting on the proposed channel user fee which will be used to help fund the Houston Ship Channel Expansion – Project 11.  Project 11 timeline has been sped up which means higher costs to the Houston Ship Channel users.  The special meeting will address several topics which include the possible user fee structure, the timeline of what has been invested in Project 11 to date, and what needs to happen to complete the project.  The meeting location has limited capacity, so they have made available a weblink, so one may attend virtually.  Attendees who would like to speak may register to address the Port Commission, please see the announcement for details.  If you would like more information on the Port of Houston Authority’s Special Public Meeting announcement including location, time and weblink, please click the link: Notices & Alerts - Port Houston. 

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'swebsite!

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

DOE is requesting bids to help refill the SPR at their Big Hill facility in Texas!

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

At this point, you know how we enjoy writing follow-ups to our Blog!  Back in January, February, and March 2024, we wrote about the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) having purchased or have had returned to them approximately 36.3 million barrels of oil.  Last month the SPR discontinued requests for bids and canceled a couple contracts to buy oil due to prices were too high!  Well, things have changed! They are resuming their strategy to refill these American assets now prices are good again.

Did anyone happen to read the Oil & Gas Journal’s Daily Update Newsletter on May 7, 2024, their article titled, “US resumes SPR refill as crude prices slip below $80/bbl”?  In the article, it speaks about the U.S. Department of Energy announced last week it is resuming buying oil to refill the SPR for its Big Hill facility in Texas.  The DOE is requesting proposals for bids to sell them roughly 3.3 million barrels of oil for October delivery, and the bids are due May 14, 2024. 

The previous solicitations for oil buybacks had the median price of $76.98 per barrel under the DOE’s Office of Petroleum Reserves’ strategy to pay no more than $79 per barrel.  April’s high prices brought their buyback strategy to a halt, and with them loosening up again they will resume their three-part strategy to refill the SPR until they have returned to full capacity.  If you would like to read more of Oil and Gas Journal’s article, please click the link:   US resumes SPR refills as crude prices slip below $80/bbl | Oil & Gas Journal (ogj.com).

If you would like to read about the SPR’s Sale and Exchange Program, please click the link: SPR Sales and Exchanges | Department of Energy.

If you would like help in looking into how to transport your product efficiently, safely, and with less of a carbon footprint 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's website!

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 Monthly Report for the STEO is now available on their website!

Happy Friday!

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their Monthly Report for the STEO for week ending May 10, 2024, 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).

Check out our ESC website!  We are always here to help you out with your next project to move your liquid product!  You may reach us by the email in the Blog.

Don’t forget to follow our Blog to hear more interesting matters which happen in and around the energy and marine industry!

Have a fun and relaxing weekend!

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

Happy Friday!

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Weekly Reports for Petroleum and Other Liquids, Gasoline and Diesel Fuel, and Natural Gas for the week ending May 10, 2024, are all now available from the EIA website. 

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

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 this 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 this week in Natural Gas Weekly Update by clicking the link: Natural Gas Weekly Update (eia.gov).

See what happened this week in Natural Gas Storage 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).

We are always here to help you out with your next project to move your liquid product or help you look under your feet 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 interesting matters which happen in and around the energy and marine industry!

Have a great and relaxing weekend!  See you next week for another week of ESC News Blog!

 

EPA has modernized their Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program.

Happy Thursday!

We love a follow-up to a follow-up!  We spoke in our Blog about the upcoming implementation of the Methane Rules and about the impending Methane Emission Fees.  We blogged about the new tools being used for example MiQ-Highwood Index™, and MethaneSat.  We blogged at the end of March 2024, about the Oil and Gas Industry stepping up and upgrading and implementing the latest technology to help clean up their emissions as well as monitor their own methane by satellites, cameras and other technology.  Well, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken notice of the under reporting and is implementing new standards for reporting.   

Did anyone happen to read the Oil & Gas Journal’s Daily Update Newsletter on May 7, 2024, their article titled, “Biden administration finalizes strict methane reporting standards”?  The article was on how U.S. EPA on May 6 released their reporting standards for greenhouse gas (GHG) which include methane by changing the ways oil and gas companies calculate and report their emissions.  The modernized Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program (GHGRP) was in need of improvements due to companies were underreporting their GHG emissions and with all the new technology and satellites the discrepancies between real and reported are more readily known.  The GHGRP’s calculations will help to figure out a company’s Waste Emissions Charge (WEC) when it is over the baseline of 25,000 tonnes/year of GHG emissions.  Starting this year for every additional tonne of GHG over the baseline will cost $900, and the cost will increase by $300 /tonne in 2025 and it will be up to $1500/tonne by 2026 on these emissions.  The EPA has implemented a plan to stop wasting natural gas with unnecessary flaring and cleaning up emissions to help our fight against climate change and to protect American consumer.  If you would like to read more of Oil & Gas Journal’s article, please click the link: Biden administration finalizes strict methane reporting standards | Oil & Gas Journal (ogj.com).

If you would like to see the EPA’s new Methane Rules for Oil and Gas, please click the link: EPA's Final Rule for Oil and Natural Gas Operations Will Sharply Reduce Methane andOther Harmful Pollution. | US EPA.

If you would like to information on the revisions to the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program for the oil and gas industry, please click the link: Revisions to GHGRP Subpart W (Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems) | US EPA.

If you would like information about the technical and financial help offered by the Methane Emissions Reduction Program, please click the link: Financial and Technical Assistance from the Methane Emissions Reduction Program | US EPA.

If you would like to see some suggested equipment from the EPA to reduce emissions, please click the link: Methane Mitigation Technologies Platform | US EPA.

If you would like help in looking into how to reduce your methane emissions on your liquid petroleum product with emission controls and help with adopting best practices, contact us via email in the blog and check out our ESC's website!

We hope you have a wonderful evening!

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

Enbridge has picked their tunnel builders for under the Straits of Mackinac.

Happy Wednesday!  Well, we hope you had a chance to check ILTA’s Conference and Trade Show which closed today at lunchtime.  We had a productive day speaking to our suppliers and old clients who were in attendance.

We blogged about Enbridge’s Line 5 and its Great Lakes Tunnel back in December, when they received the first of many approvals on their way to increasing its capacity.  Enbridge is in the news again with some positive news as they get their ducks in a row for the building of the tunnel. 

Did anyone happen to read the Oil & Gas Journal’s Daily Update Newsletter on April 30, 2024, their article titled, “Enbridge chooses contractors for Great Lakes Tunnel to house Line 5”?  In the article, it speaks about Enbridge’s Line 5 section under the lakebed of the Straits of Mackinac which is the waterway which connects Lake Michigan to Lake Huron and their proposed tunnel.   Enbridge has brought onboard Mackinac Straits Partners which is a joint venture partnership linking Barnard Construction Co, Inc. and Civil and Building North America, Inc. (CBNA) to construct the Great Lakes Tunnel in the Straits of Mackinac in Michigan.   Mackinac Straits Partners will construct the 4.5-mile crossing under Lake Huron by drilling a hole through the bedrock for the 30-in OD line to construct the tunnel.   The Mackinac Straights Corridor Authority (MSCA) approved Enbridge’s request for proposal (RPF) for the tunnel.  Enbridge is lining things up in anticipation of building the line while they wait for the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) environmental permits which are expected in the beginning of 2026, after approximately a six year wait.    Enbridge’s Line 5 is on its way to be a safer, more environmentally friendly pipeline getting the U.S. much needed energy.  If you would like to read more of the Oil & Gas Journal’s article, please click the link:   Enbridge chooses contractors for Great Lakes Tunnel to house Line 5 | Oil & Gas Journal (ogj.com).

If you would like help in looking into how to transport your product efficiently, safely, and with less of a carbon footprint 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's website!

We hope you have a wonderful evening!  

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

We’re at ILTA2024 in Houston, today!

 Happy Tuesday!

Unfortunately, we don’t have anything from the news today, but ILTA 2024 in happening and the Trade Show doors opened at 10 a.m. this morning!  If you would like more information, please click the link: ILTA 2024.

Check back tomorrow for something interesting happening in the energy and marine industry!

Have a great day!

The 2025 Gulf of Mexico Oil and Gas Lease Sale may be in limbo!

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

We blogged about the Gulf of Mexico Oil and Gas Lease Sales back in the beginning of April 2024, and a possible delay.  Well, the GOM O&G Lease Sale is in the news again.

Did anyone see The Houston Chronicle’s Business Section on May 3, 2024, their article titled, “Gulf leasing likely delayed until 2026 – Preparing the 2025 offshore sale now will take 18 months”?  This article is in regard to the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) offshore oil and gas lease sale scheduled for 2025 is in questionable territory.   The Department of Interior (DOI) appeared before the Senate’s Energy and Natural Resources Committee last week, and the DOI admitted with them having completed a GOM lease sale in December they have only started preparing for the next one, and the estimated timeline is 18 months.    If this is the case, the DOI will be in violation of a clause in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and future wind lease sales may be in jeopardy!  The head of the DOI says they will meet their duties to keep all offshores lease sales on track.  If you would like to read more of the article from The Houston Chronicle, please click the link: Gulf oil and gas leasing likely delayed (houstonchronicle.com).  

If you would like to learn in regard to the GOM Offshore Oil and Gas Leasing Program from the U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, please click the link: National OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program | Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (boem.gov).

If you would like help in looking into how to transport your liquid product from your terminal and reduce your emissions to spearhead your company’s goal of becoming carbon neutral, contact us via the email in the blog and check out our ESC's website!

ITLA’s Conference and Trade Show (May 6 – 8, 2024) in Houston, Texas has started. If you would like more information, please click the link: ILTA 2024.  Representatives of ESC will be attending the Trade Show Tuesday afternoon we hope to see you there!

We hope you have a great and productive rest week!  

**Disclaimer – The Houston Chronicle may charge a fee to read this article. **

U.S. EIA released its Country Analysis Brief for Russia is now available!

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

See what happened in the Russia’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 figure out the best way to move your liquid and reduce your emissions!

Have a nice and relaxing evening and weekend! 

U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their data reports for their yearly Underground Natural Gas Working Storage Capacity and Others, and they are now available on their website!

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their yearly Underground Natural Gas Working Storage Capacity, U.S. Crude Oil and Natural Gas Proved Reserves, and U.S. Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions, they are now available from the EIA website. 

Check out what happened in the Underground Natural Gas Working Storage Capacity by clicking the link: Underground Natural Gas Working Storage Capacity - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).

Check out what happened in the U.S. Crude Oil and Natural Gas Proved Reserves, Year-end 2022 by clicking the link: Proved Reserves of Crude Oil and Natural Gas in the United States, Year-End 2022 (eia.gov).

Check out what happened in the U.S. Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions, 2023 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 liquids!

Have a safe and relaxing weekend! 

U.S. EIA Monthly Reports for Petroleum & Other, Biofuels, Natural Gas, and Others are now available!

Happy Friday!  

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) released their Monthly Reports for the beginning of May 2024, all are now available from the EIA website.

See what happened in the Petroleum Marketing Monthly by clicking the link: Petroleum Marketing Monthly (PMM) - May 2024 With Data for February 2024 (eia.gov).

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

See how crude moved in the Monthly U.S. Movement of Crude Oil by Rail by clicking the link: U.S. Movements of Crude Oil by Rail (eia.gov).

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 Monthly Crude Oil and Natural Gas Production by clicking the link: EIA-914 monthly production report.

See what happened in the Natural Gas Monthly by clicking the link: Natural Gas Monthly (NGM) - Energy Information Administration - April 2024 With Datafor February 2024 (eia.gov).

See what happened in the Monthly Biofuels Capacity and Feedstocks Update by clicking the link: Monthly Biofuels Capacity and Feedstocks Update - 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.

The EIA has updated their State Energy Data System (SEDS) for Wood and Biomass Waste through 2022: 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!

Don’t forget ITLA’s Conference and Trade Show is starts Monday (May 6 – 8, 2024) in Houston, Texas. If you would like more information, please click the link: ILTA2024.  We hope to see you there!

Have a relaxing and enjoyable weekend!  Happy Cinco De Mayo!

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

Happy Friday!

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Weekly Reports for Petroleum and Other Liquids, Gasoline and Diesel Fuel, and Natural Gas for the week ending May 3, 2024, are all now available from the EIA website. 

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

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 this 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 this week in Natural Gas Weekly Update by clicking the link: Natural Gas Weekly Update (eia.gov).

See what happened this week in Natural Gas Storage 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).

We are always here to help you out with your next project to transport your liquid product or update your valves to motorized operating valves in your tank farm!  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 interesting matters which happen in and around the energy and marine industry!

Don’t forget ITLA’s Conference and Trade Show is starts Monday (May 6 – 8, 2024) in Houston, Texas. If you would like more information, please click the link: ILTA2024.  We hope to see you there!

Have a great and relaxing weekend!  See you next week for another week of ESC News Blog!

The second U.S. nuclear reactor built from the ground up in over 30+ years is online!

Happy Thursday!

You know how we love a happy ending to our blogs.  We blogged about the first nuclear reactor built in 30-plus years in the U.S. the beginning of last August, and we mentioned they had a March completion date of the second one.  We are pleased to let you know it is up and running.   

Did anyone see The Houston Chronicle’s Business Section on April 30, 2024, reprint of the article from Associated Press titled, “Second nuclear reactor completed at Georgia plant”?  The article is in regard to the second nuclear reactor is now providing the good people of Georgia carbon-free power.   Georgia Power Company’s Vogtle Unit 3 was entered into service back August 2023, after a long road and with many cost overruns.  Vogtle Unit 4 like Unit 3 had its delays and hiccups, nevertheless now it is online it has the ability to power 500,000 homes and businesses.  The two reactors join a pair of older reactors in the same area to provide electricity to the area and possibility into neighboring states.  The Vogtle Unit 3 and 4 cost about double of the original estimate of $17 billion.   Time will be the only judge, if this was a worthwhile investment.  Nonetheless, this project is helping with our path for a carbon-free world!  If you would like to read more of the reprinted article from the Associated Press on Microsoft Start for free, please click the link: A second new nuclear reactor is completed in Georgia. The carbon-free power comes at a high price (msn.com).     

If you would like to see how the U.S. Department of Energy helped with this carbon-free project, please click the link: VOGTLE| Department of Energy.

If you would like help in looking into how to update your facility or terminal to keep up with the low-carbon world, contact us via the email in the blog and check out our ESC's website!

We hope you have a great and productive rest week!  

**Disclaimer – Associated Press may charge a fee to read this article. **

Canada’s Trans Mountain Pipeline has CER operational approvals, and is weeks away from filling its first vessel.

Happy Wednesday! 

By now you know we like to follow-up on our previous blogs, and the Canadian Trans Mountain Pipeline we blogged on the last four months is in the news again.  Trans Mountain Corp. who jumped the hurdle of government approval, changes in pipeline size due to the terrain as well as supply hang-ups has made the news again this time for something positive even more positive than the Blog in March and April in which they were doing initial testing of the pipeline.  Check out our blog for more details of previous hiccups on this important pipeline!

Did anyone happen to read the Oil & Gas Journal’s Daily Update Newsletter on May 1, 2024, their article titled, “CER approves operation of Trans Mountain crude pipeline expansion”?  The article speaks on Canada’s Trans Mountain Pipeline has received the Canadian Energy Regulator (CER) approval for operation they were waiting for in April.  The CER approval is right on time for their May 1, 2024, timeline they released previously.  The pipeline started filling its 988 km (approx. 614 miles) of new pipe in Mid-April, and it is almost ¾ full by volume and about the same in distance. Once the pipeline is filled and commissioning is complete the line will hold 590,000-b/d, and CER will be keeping an eye on things to protect the environment, and the people of Canada.  It should be noted the pipeline will still working on clean up, final improvements, and restoring along the pipeline’s route for the foreseeable future, even when the pipeline is at capacity in full operations. 

Here's a bit of information about the Trans Mountain Crude Oil Pipeline.   The pipeline mostly shadows its existing 300,000-b/d line which starts at its Edmonton Terminal in Strathcona County, Alberta to its Westridge Marine Terminal in Burnaby, British Columbia, and it is 988 km (approx. 614 miles) long.  Trans Mountain Pipeline reactivated 193 km (approx. 120 miles) of pipeline, it has 12 new pump stations, 19 new storage tanks (Burnaby – 14, Sumas – 1, and Edmonton - 4), and 3 new berths were added to Westridge Terminal.  The two parallel pipelines have the compacity to move 890,000-b/d to export to the world. 

Since the pipeline’s approval in June 2019, it has had a rough and long ride to get to this point!  It was riddled with delays and technical problems and in spite of it all they have reached the finish line.  We wish them a speedy end to fill its first commercial vessel!  If you would like to read more about the Canadian Trans Mountain Pipeline from The Oil and Gas Journal, please click the link: CER approves operation of Trans Mountain crude pipeline expansion | Oil & Gas Journal (ogj.com).

If you would like help in looking into how to transport your product efficiently, safely, and with less of a carbon footprint, please check us out!  Contact us via email in the blog and check out our ESC's website and ask how we can help you!

Don’t forget ITLA’s Conference and Trade Show is coming up next week (May 6 – 8, 2024) in Houston, Texas. If you would like more information, please click the link: ILTA2024.  We hope to see you there!

We hope you have a wonderful evening! 

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