MDN’s Energy Stories of Interest: Mon, Mar 31, 2025 [FREE ACCESS]
MARCELLUS/UTICA REGION: Dimock fractivist hero told by the court to shut up or else; OTHER U.S. REGIONS: Judge rules against sale of Gulf of America oil drilling rights; PJM defends itself in NJ energy blame game; General Assembly energy package a mixed bag for environmental groups; NATIONAL: Trump administration cancels clean energy grants as it prioritizes fossil fuels; USA crude oil inventories down 3.3MM barrels WoW; Trump’s trade tactics are driving new LNG deals; INTERNATIONAL: Oil slips despite weekly gain; Microsoft pulls back from more data center leases in US and Europe; It’s the biggest failure in history…nearly $1 Bn lost in hydrogen; India weighs scrapping import tax on US LNG, boosting purchases; Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw chiefs oppose new fracking law, considering legal action; Greta Thunberg — from climate warrior to Israel hater.
MARCELLUS/UTICA REGION
Dimock fractivist hero told by the court to shut up or else
Energy Security and Freedom
Ray Kemble, a Dimock resident exploited by groups like Food and Water Watch and Catskill Mountainkeeper, has been permanently silenced by a Pennsylvania court injunction won by Coterra Energy (formerly Cabot Oil & Gas) on November 30, 2024. Known for making outrageous claims against the natural gas industry, Kemble violated a 2012 settlement agreement’s non-disparagement clause by suing Coterra again in 2017 and continuing public criticism. The court found his breaches caused irreparable harm with no adequate legal remedy, granting Coterra’s request for a permanent injunction. Kemble is now barred from disparaging Coterra, its affiliates, or discussing related environmental or property issues publicly, under threat of contempt charges. The ruling highlights how special interest groups used Kemble as a tool in their anti-fracking campaign, likely abandoning him now that he’s no longer useful, leaving him to face potential consequences alone. [MDN: Another excellent post from our friend Tom Shepstone, who has covered the Dimock saga from the beginning. We encourage you to subscribe and read Tom’s excellent Energy Security and Freedom Substack site.]
OTHER U.S. REGIONS
Judge rules against sale of Gulf of America oil drilling rights
Bloomberg/Rigzone
On March 27, 2025, a federal district judge, Amit Mehta (appointed by Barack Hussein Obama), ruled against a Biden administration sale of oil and gas drilling rights in the Gulf of America, citing inadequate environmental analysis. The sale, mandated by the Inflation Reduction Act, offered 13,600 blocks across 73.3 million acres, with 32 companies, including Chevron, bidding $250.6 million for 299 leases in a March 2023 auction. Judge Mehta found that the Interior Department’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management failed to properly assess the mythical climate impacts, particularly so-called “greenhouse gas emissions,” and the effects on endangered whales. This decision marks a victory for environmental groups like the Sierra Club, who argued the sale violated federal law by underestimating emissions and risks to species like the Rice’s whale. The ruling halts the leases, spotlighting ongoing tensions between fossil fuel development and environmental protection in the Gulf region. [MDN: Isn’t it funny and interesting how Judge Mehta, an Obamadroid, wasn’t at all interested in whale deaths along the shore of New Jersey, where a bunch of gigantic offshore windmills being constructed were killing them? Neither was the Sierra Club interested in that situation. Yes, HYPOCRITES.]
PJM defends itself in NJ energy blame game
New Jersey Business & Industry Association
The article from NJBIA discusses the ongoing debate over New Jersey’s rising energy costs, spotlighting a March 28, 2025, joint committee hearing where PJM Interconnection, the regional grid operator, defended itself against criticism from state lawmakers. Republicans attribute the rate hikes to Governor Phil Murphy’s 2019 Energy Master Plan, which emphasizes electrification and phasing out natural gas, while Democrats blame PJM’s auction rules, slow project approvals, and governance structure. PJM’s Asim Haque countered that New Jersey’s policies contribute to the increases but emphasized the potential of offshore wind and denied any bias against clean energy. Lawmakers like Sen. Bob Smith questioned PJM’s forecasting, particularly regarding data center energy demands, calling the latest auction a “scam.” Both sides continued the blame game post-hearing, with Democrats criticizing PJM’s market flaws and Republicans pointing to state leadership’s energy policies as the root cause, highlighting a divide over accountability and solutions. [MDN: The truth that the Dems are trying to hide is that Phil Murphy’s policies of destroying new fossil energy and pushing expensive and unreliable renewables is now visible for all to see: HIGH ENERGY PRICES. That’s the bottom line. The Democrats own those high prices and are now trying (but failing) to run away from their own policies. The Dems obviously learned nothing from the last election.]
General Assembly energy package a mixed bag for environmental groups
Maryland Matters
On March 29, 2025, Maryland Matters reported that a comprehensive energy reform package advancing through the Maryland General Assembly has elicited mixed reactions from environmental groups. The package, aimed at addressing soaring utility costs and energy shortages, includes measures like an $81 average household refund, expedited solar and battery storage projects, and potential expansions of fossil fuel and nuclear energy. While environmentalists applaud the push for solar and storage, they are wary of provisions that might increase fossil fuel use, conflicting with Maryland’s climate goals. Critics like Jamie DeMarco of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network argue against new fossil fuel plants, and Josh Tulkin of the Sierra Club expressed frustration over limited consultation. Meanwhile, legislative leaders defend the package as a balanced approach to lower costs and ensure grid reliability, though Senate Minority Leader Stephen Hershey blames past environmental policies for driving up rates, highlighting the ongoing tension between affordability and sustainability. [MDN: Even the extremists in the Maryland legislature see the need for more gas-fired power in the so-called Free State. The Big Green-backed NGOs like Chesapeake Climate Action Network (a completely unreasonable organization) object. Surprised?]
NATIONAL
Trump administration cancels clean energy grants as it prioritizes fossil fuels
Associated Press
On March 28, 2025, the Associated Press reported that the Trump administration is terminating grants for two clean energy projects and jeopardizing approximately 300 others funded by the Department of Energy, as President Trump prioritizes fossil fuels over renewable energy sources. This shift threatens projects involving wind, solar, battery storage, and electric vehicle infrastructure, many of which were supported by the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law signed by President Biden. The Environmental Protection Agency also canceled $20 billion in “green bank” grants, though a federal judge has temporarily blocked this move. The cancellations include a $5.3 million grant for retrofitting low-income buildings and a $1.5 million grant for electric vehicle carsharing, both awarded to RMI in Colorado. Critics, including U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, argue this will raise energy costs, while the Energy Department defends the decision as benefiting Americans, highlighting a stark policy shift from Biden’s clean energy focus. [MDN: Good! We don’t need to spend taxpayer money on these boondoggles! If these projects can’t get funded via the free market (or Big Green NGOs), they don’t deserve to get built. Period.]
USA crude oil inventories down 3.3MM barrels WoW
Rigzone
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) latest weekly petroleum status report, U.S. crude oil inventories, excluding the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), decreased by 3.3 million barrels for the week ending March 21, 2025, bringing the total to 433.6 million barrels. This drop follows a week where stocks were at 437.0 million barrels, compared to 448.2 million barrels a year earlier on March 22, 2024. Refinery inputs rose slightly, averaging 15.8 million barrels per day, up 87,000 barrels from the prior week. Total petroleum stocks, encompassing crude oil and various refined products, stood at 1.600 billion barrels. The EIA’s next report, due April 2, will cover the week ending March 28. This decline in crude inventories aligns with forecasts from Macquarie strategists, who predicted a reduction, though their estimate was slightly lower at 2.8 million barrels, reflecting ongoing shifts in U.S. oil supply dynamics. [MDN: A drop in inventories typically means we’re using more, which connotes an increase in economic activity.]
Trump’s trade tactics are driving new LNG deals
OilPrice.com
President Trump’s aggressive trade policies, including tariff threats, are driving global demand for U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG), reshaping energy trade dynamics. On his first day in office, Trump lifted a Biden-era pause on new LNG export terminal construction, boosting U.S. production capacity, which has made it the world’s top LNG exporter, particularly to Europe after the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine disrupted energy supplies. Exports to Europe surged from 25 million tonnes annually pre-2022 to 55 million tonnes in 2022 and 2023, with plans for nearly 100 million additional tonnes by 2031. Trump’s recent executive order imposes 25% tariffs on imports from countries buying Venezuelan oil, pressuring nations like Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea to revive a $44 billion Alaskan LNG project. While some countries comply, the EU is exploring diverse LNG sources to enhance security, balancing Trump’s demands with cost-competitive alternatives amid rising global demand and winter shortages. [MDN: The bottom line is that Trump’s tariffs are working.]
INTERNATIONAL
Oil slips despite weekly gain
Bloomberg/Rigzone
On March 28, 2025, oil prices dipped slightly as West Texas Intermediate fell 0.8% to settle above $69 per barrel, retreating alongside equity markets due to concerns over new U.S. tariffs potentially weakening global energy demand. Despite this daily slip, crude oil marked its third consecutive weekly gain, bolstered by fading expectations of an imminent oversupply. The market’s reaction was influenced by fears of demand softening, though prices held above key technical levels, with Brent crude also declining 0.8% to just over $73 per barrel. Trading volumes were notably thin due to a U.S. holiday-shortened week, contributing to muted volatility. Additionally, a significant $23 billion deal between Blackrock and Mediterranean Shipping Company to control 43 ports was noted as a geopolitical move challenging China’s influence, potentially impacting future oil logistics, though its immediate effect on prices remained unclear. [MDN: WTI for May delivery fell 0.8% to settle at $69.36 a barrel in New York. Brent for May settlement dipped 0.5% to settle at $73.63 a barrel.]
Microsoft pulls back from more data center leases in US and Europe
Microsoft has scaled back its data center expansion plans, abandoning projects slated to use 2 gigawatts of electricity across the U.S. and Europe over the past six months, according to TD Cowen analysts. This retreat, driven by an oversupply relative to current demand forecasts, includes canceling or deferring leases, notably due to Microsoft’s decision to not support additional training workloads for OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The move has sparked investor skepticism about the hefty AI spending by U.S. tech giants, especially amid slow returns and competition from cost-efficient Chinese startup DeepSeek. As Microsoft pulls back, Alphabet’s Google and Meta Platforms are stepping in to fill the capacity gap in international and U.S. markets, respectively. Despite this adjustment, Microsoft maintains its $80 billion AI infrastructure investment plan for fiscal 2025, signaling a strategic recalibration rather than a full retreat from its AI ambitions. [MDN: Is this the beginning of a pullback by Microsoft in the AI space? Sure seems like it to us.]
It’s the biggest failure in history…nearly $1 Bn lost in hydrogen
Ecoportal
The article from EcoPortal.net details the collapse of the Trafigura green hydrogen project in Port Pirie, South Australia, deemed the largest failure in hydrogen history with nearly $1 billion lost. Initially envisioned as a sustainable development to boost economic growth and job creation, the project aimed to transform the region into a hydrogen powerhouse with significant government funding. However, it was abandoned before construction began, with developers pulling out after the $472 million first phase due to financial and logistical challenges. High production costs, inadequate infrastructure, and an unresponsive hydrogen market undermined its feasibility. While some sources suggest a sudden cancellation, others indicate it never progressed beyond planning. The failure highlights broader issues in the hydrogen sector, such as economic barriers and the need for improved infrastructure, though it doesn’t diminish hydrogen’s potential as a clean energy source if these challenges are addressed. [MDN: We’ve been saying this for a while—where are the Big Customers for Big Hydrogen? We don’t see the market demanding more hydrogen. Is all the hype around hydrogen smoke and mirrors? Sure seems that way, and this enormous failure in Australia proves our point.]
India weighs scrapping import tax on US LNG, boosting purchases
BOE Report
India is contemplating eliminating its import tax on U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) to increase purchases and address its trade surplus with the U.S., a point of contention for President Donald Trump, according to government and industry sources. The U.S. is India’s second-largest LNG supplier after Qatar, and this move aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent pledge to boost U.S. energy imports by $10-25 billion, aiming for $500 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. Currently, India imposes a 2.5% customs duty and a 0.25% social welfare tax on LNG, though exemptions exist for the UAE and Australia. Scrapping the tax could make U.S. LNG more competitive, especially as China’s 15% tax on U.S. LNG may redirect supplies to India. Indian firms like GAIL, Indian Oil Corp, and Bharat Petroleum are negotiating additional U.S. LNG deals, supported by the oil ministry’s push to enhance energy imports amid rising demand. [MDN: The Bottom line here is that Trump’s tariffs are working. You won’t hear that in lamestream media.]
Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw chiefs oppose new fracking law, considering legal action
Toronto (ON) Globe and Mail
The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs is contemplating legal action, including a potential injunction, against a new provincial law that lifts bans on uranium mining and hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for natural gas, passed on March 28, 2025. The chiefs argue that the government made these decisions affecting unceded Mi’kmaq territory without proper consultation, violating their rights and ignoring environmental concerns. Chief Michelle Glasgow highlighted the lack of meaningful dialogue despite a March 7 meeting with Premier Tim Houston, who claims improved technology justifies the policy shift—a claim Chief Terrance Paul disputes, demanding evidence. The chiefs remain steadfastly opposed to fracking until their concerns are addressed, accusing the province of colonial practices. Houston’s office insists future projects will involve extensive consultation and environmental safeguards, but the Mi’kmaq leadership sees this as insufficient, signaling a potential court battle over treaty rights and land use. [MDN: The local Indians are up in arms that they weren’t cut in on the fracking action. We keep an eye on fracking in Nova Scotia hoping if it can happen there, maybe, just maybe, it can happen in New York State one day. NS gives us hope.]
Greta Thunberg — from climate warrior to Israel hater
Rishon Lezion (Israel) Ynetnews
Greta Thunberg’s shift from climate activism to vocal criticism of Israel has sparked division within the global climate movement, according to an article from Ynetnews. Once a unifying figure rallying millions against environmental degradation, Thunberg has pivoted to focus on the Palestinian cause, notably condemning Israel at rallies while ignoring Hamas atrocities committed on October 7. Her political stance, exemplified by statements like “No climate justice on occupied land” at a 2023 Amsterdam event, has alienated some supporters who see it as unrelated to environmentalism. This shift coincides with a decline in large-scale climate protests over the past 18 months, contrasting with her earlier influence during Trump’s first term. Critics argue her focus damages the climate fight, especially as global leaders act slowly amid Trump’s return to power and his anti-environment policies, leaving the movement fractured and less effective. [MDN: Thunberg wears a keffiyeh, poses with Palestinian flags and accuses Israel of “genocide,” while largely ignoring Qatar, which, for years, has been transferring to Hamas funds derived from its oil and natural gas sales profits. Paradoxically, burning these fuels emits greenhouse gases, a contributing factor to global warming – the very issue Thunberg has been protesting for years. She had her 15 minutes of fame, and it’s now over.]