MDN’s Energy Stories of Interest: Mon, Apr 28, 2025 [FREE ACCESS]
MARCELLUS/UTICA REGION: Utica shale career day; We need to protect Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry; OTHER U.S. REGIONS: NY net zero by 2050 is not achievable; Why Navajo activists oppose a proposed hydrogen pipeline that could be the world’s longest; Maine’s electricity prices grew at the third fastest rate in the country, analysis shows; NATIONAL: WTI ends higher but logs weekly loss; FERC chair said ready to fast-track natural gas permitting; The bright future of natural gas; US shale patch slows down as oil prices sink; Fossil fuels back in play as Amazon, Nvidia power AI ambitions.
MARCELLUS/UTICA REGION
Utica shale career day
Lison (OH) Morning Journal
The Utica Shale Academy’s Career Day, rescheduled from February due to weather, will take place on April 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. at the Williams Collaboration Center, offering students in grades 10-12 the opportunity to explore energy industry careers. The event is open to grades 10-12. Among the companies and organizations in attendance are the Ohio Oil and Gas Association, Ohio Natural Energy Institute (ONEi), American Petroleum Institute (API) Ohio, MPLX, Dominion/Enbridge Inc., Encino Energy, Williams Energy, and Ascent Resources. Organized by transition specialist Ashley Canann, the event features student skill showcases, company presentations, and mock interviews to prepare students for trade careers. Canann emphasized that the event not only builds on the physical skills students learn at Utica but also teaches essential soft skills for employment, connecting students with local companies to foster successful career paths in the energy sector. [MDN: The USA is a fantastic school doing excellent work to prepare students for work in the O&G industry.]
We need to protect Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry
Lock Haven (PA) The Express
In a letter to the editor published on April 25, 2025, in The Express, Mary Haupt from Bellefonte emphasizes the importance of Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry for the state’s economy and communities. She highlights that the industry supports thousands of jobs, funds local projects, and ensures affordable energy, with Pennsylvania ranking second nationally in natural gas production. Haupt praises the Impact Fee, a tax on natural gas wells since 2012, which has generated over $2.7 billion for infrastructure, environmental initiatives, and public parks, benefiting all 67 counties. She expresses concern about proposed changes, such as a new tax that could destabilize the industry, reduce community funding, and jeopardize jobs. Haupt urges continued support for the natural gas sector to maintain economic growth and energy security, arguing that preserving the current system is crucial for Pennsylvania’s prosperity and quality of life. [MDN: There are a lot of PA residents who “get it” with respect to the critical role the Marcellus Shale plays in the state. Mary Haupt is one of them.]
OTHER U.S. REGIONS
NY net zero by 2050 is not achievable
Pragmatic Environmentalist of New York
The article discusses a New York State Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee meeting focused on the state’s progress toward its Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) emission reduction goals. Held in early 2025, the meeting featured presentations from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), outlining emissions data and projections. The author, Roger Caiazza, expresses skepticism about the state’s ability to meet its ambitious targets, citing discrepancies between optimistic projections and actual data, particularly in the electric sector. He highlights concerns about the feasibility of transitioning to renewable energy sources like wind and solar, given their intermittency and the lack of scalable storage solutions. Caiazza critiques the state’s planning, noting unrealistic assumptions and insufficient infrastructure to replace fossil fuels, warning that without pragmatic adjustments, the CLCPA’s goals may lead to energy reliability issues and economic burdens for New Yorkers. [MDN: Roger Caiazza writes an excellent blog site focused on the energy of New York State, and how current policies, like the Climate Leadership & Community Protection Act that calls for mythical “net zero” by 2050 is not achievable and will lead to power outages and chaos.]
Why Navajo activists oppose a proposed hydrogen pipeline that could be the world’s longest
Phoenix (AZ) Arizona Republic
Navajo activists, led by Jessica Keetso of Tó Nizhóní Ání, are opposing a proposed hydrogen pipeline by Tallgrass Energy that would stretch from New Mexico to north of Flagstaff, Arizona, following an existing Navajo-owned pipeline. Discussed at the Society of Environmental Journalists’ 34th Annual Conference in Tempe, the project raises concerns about environmental justice and the historical exploitation of Navajo resources, including coal, uranium, and oil. Keetso emphasized the lack of Navajo consent and the potential environmental risks, such as hydrogen leaks, which are difficult to detect and could harm the region’s water-scarce environment. The pipeline, potentially the world’s longest for hydrogen transport, is part of a broader push for clean energy but faces skepticism due to the Navajo Nation’s history of bearing the costs of energy projects without equitable benefits. Activists argue for community-led solutions and stricter oversight to protect Navajo lands and sovereignty. [MDN: As it inevitably, always is, this is not about the precious environment or so-called “environmental justice” (building projects in places where people don’t have the money to hire lawyers to keep it out). It is about MONEY. Plain and simple. Tallgrass has not (yet) offered enough in the way of bribes to the Indians. That’s what this boils down to.]
Maine’s electricity prices grew at the third fastest rate in the country, analysis shows
Hallowell (ME) The Maine Monitor
Between 2014 and 2024, Maine’s electricity prices rose by 55%, from 12.65 cents to 19.62 cents per kWh, the third-highest increase in the U.S., trailing only California and Massachusetts, according to The Maine Monitor’s analysis of Energy Information Administration data. This outpaced the national average increase of 24%. Factors driving Maine’s high rates include volatile natural gas prices, public opposition to gas pipeline expansion, and costly storm recovery due to climate change. Generous solar subsidies, estimated at $220 million annually, add roughly $7 monthly to typical residential bills and over $20,000 for large businesses, yet provide limited rate relief. A Maine Public Utilities Commission study found that while net energy billing benefits society by reducing emissions, it offers little financial relief to ratepayers. Critics argue Maine’s renewable energy investments, particularly in solar, have been inefficient, contributing to higher costs without proportional benefits. [MDN: There is ONE reason Maine’s electricity prices are out-of-control high: Maine’s radical Democrat politicians have blocked new natural gas pipelines into and throughout the state. Will Maine’s voters wake up and toss them out of power? That’s the key question.]
NATIONAL
WTI ends higher but logs weekly loss
Bloomberg/Rigzone
Oil prices slightly increased, with West Texas Intermediate futures settling near $63 a barrel, despite a third weekly loss in four weeks, driven by uncertain U.S.-China trade talk developments. Chinese authorities are considering removing levies on products like ethane, boosting shares in major Chinese buyers of U.S. fuel, but a broader trade agreement remains elusive. President Trump emphasized ongoing talks and insisted on maintaining tariffs unless substantial concessions are made, while China’s earlier denial of negotiations added to the confusion. Concerns over Trump’s tariffs and retaliatory measures from trading partners like China have fueled fears of reduced economic activity and energy demand, contributing to a sharp monthly oil price drop. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright reassured oil firms of temporary trade disruptions and government support for increased crude output. Meanwhile, OPEC+ plans to discuss June production amid fears of oversupply, though bullish market signals like WTI’s backwardation suggest near-term supply tightness. [MDN: WTI for June delivery edged up 0.4% to $63.02 a barrel in New York. Brent for June settlement rose 0.5% to $66.87 a barrel. The price is exactly where it needs to be. It’s perfect.]
FERC chair said ready to fast-track natural gas permitting
NGI’s Daily Gas Price Index
FERC Chairman Mark Christie expressed support for the Trump administration’s energy dominance agenda, which aims to expedite natural gas infrastructure approvals by removing regulatory barriers, as outlined in a recent executive order declaring a national emergency to boost U.S. energy production. Speaking at a press conference, Christie emphasized FERC’s commitment to efficient permitting under the Natural Gas Act, a focus since his appointment as chairman. He highlighted the need for adequate staffing to handle an expected increase in project proposals and noted that the time-consuming National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process is being adjusted, with the withdrawal of prior environmental justice guidelines to focus on broader community impacts. Addressing concerns about potential dismissals of FERC’s Democratic members, Christie referenced a 1935 Supreme Court ruling limiting presidential removal powers, suggesting any such action would face legal scrutiny. [MDN: Mark Christie is doing an excellent job. He’s all-in with approving new pipelines faster.]
The bright future of natural gas
Forbes
The Forbes article “The Bright Future of Natural Gas” highlights the growing importance of natural gas in the global energy mix, driven by increasing demand from data centers, industrial applications, and LNG exports. It emphasizes that natural gas is a reliable and cleaner alternative to coal, supporting the energy transition while meeting rising electricity needs from AI and digital infrastructure. The article notes strong U.S. production, with record consumption and exports, particularly to Europe and Asia, bolstered by new LNG facilities like Venture Global’s Plaquemines plant. Despite price volatility and competition from coal, strategic investments in infrastructure and responsibly sourced gas (RSG) are seen as key to sustaining growth. The piece argues that natural gas’s versatility and geopolitical significance, especially in reducing reliance on coal in developing nations, ensure its long-term relevance, making it a smart investment for producers. [MDN: The point here is that natural gas is not a “bridge” to some energy nirvana—it is the energy destination! Indeed, natgas has a very bright future.]
US shale patch slows down as oil prices sink
Reuters
Small U.S. shale oil producers are reducing drilling activities due to declining crude oil prices, which have hit multi-year lows, and rising construction costs driven by steep tariffs, according to a Reuters article published on April 25, 2025. This slowdown could hinder future output growth from the U.S., the world’s top oil producer, with total production expected to reach a record 13.7 million barrels per day in 2025, including 9.7 million from shale. The U.S. Energy Information Administration and the International Energy Agency have lowered their 2025 U.S. production growth forecasts by 100,000 and 150,000 barrels per day, respectively, citing tariffs and weaker global oil demand growth. Companies like Matador Resources are cutting rigs, and oilfield service firms like Baker Hughes and Halliburton report revenue declines due to reduced drilling. Despite the slowdown, some producers, like Tall City IV Exploration, are preparing for future cycles by acquiring acreage. [MDN: The O&G industry ebbs and flows. Always has, always will. Maybe some drillers (large or small) are pulling back right now. A few months from now, it may all change. Mainstream media and the world at large seem to miss the nuances of this industry and how things work. It’s not the end of the world. It’s not a disaster. It’s the O&G business.]
Fossil fuels back in play as Amazon, Nvidia power AI ambitions
Wall Street Pit
Amazon and Nvidia, major players in the AI sector, are considering natural gas and other fossil fuels to power their energy-intensive AI data centers, despite their investments in renewable energy, due to the immediate need for reliable power sources, as advanced technologies like nuclear and carbon capture won’t be viable until the 2030s. Anthropic estimates AI will require 50 gigawatts of new power by 2027, equivalent to 50 nuclear reactors, prompting tech firms to prioritize fossil fuels in the short term. This shift comes amid a political landscape under President Trump that favors fossil fuel production, with coal considered but not prioritized. Amazon aims for net-zero carbon by 2040, and Nvidia seeks clean energy options, but both face challenges balancing AI’s surging energy demands with environmental goals, as discussed at a recent tech and energy leaders’ gathering in Oklahoma City. [MDN: When push comes to shove in making money, all of the foo-foo talk from Big Tech about powering big data centers with unreliable renewables goes out the door. You knew that would happen…if you read MDN for any length of time.]