MDN’s Energy Stories of Interest: Wed, Apr 23, 2025 [FREE ACCESS]

NATIONAL: Amazon has paused some data center lease commitments; Recruitment experts reveal biggest oil, gas hiring surprises of 2025 so far; WTI rebounds 2% on supply, geopolitical shifts; Big Oil is offshoring its prized engineering jobs to India; LNG exports won’t increase U.S. gas prices – infrastructure bottlenecks will; How much oil is the USA producing right now?; On Earth Day, we finally have a president who follows science; The bright future of natural gas; U.S. LNG dealmaking picks up with benefits for midstream; U.S. LNG feedgas slipped last week; Extreme climate activists aren’t going away; Gas up, emissions down – the future of transportation; INTERNATIONAL: China-owned supertankers face $5.2 million in fees per USA call; Earth Day 2025: Our Power, Our Planet, Our Propaganda.

NATIONAL

Amazon has paused some data center lease commitments
CNBC
Amazon has paused some data center lease commitments, particularly for its cloud division, Amazon Web Services (AWS), as reported by Wells Fargo analysts, signaling economic concerns impacting tech spending. This follows a similar move by Microsoft, which slowed early-stage data center projects. Both companies, leading providers of cloud infrastructure, have increased capital expenditures to support the generative AI boom but are now reevaluating due to economic uncertainty, including proposed tariffs under President Trump. Wells Fargo noted AWS paused leasing discussions, especially internationally, though not canceling signed deals, mirroring Microsoft’s approach. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy recently stated no plans to cut data center construction, suggesting this is routine capacity management. The pause could indicate a broader slowdown in AI infrastructure investment, potentially affecting companies like Nvidia. Meanwhile, other hyperscalers like Meta and Google remain active in data center leasing. Wells Fargo maintains a hold rating on Amazon shares. [MDN: First, Microsoft paused data center commitments, and now Amazon. Is this the beginning of a trend? We hope not.]

Recruitment experts reveal biggest oil, gas hiring surprises of 2025 so far
Rigzone
Oil and gas recruitment experts shared surprising hiring trends thus far in 2025. Dave Mount from OneSource Professional Search noted that the new U.S. administration’s tariff and trade policies have depressed oil prices, creating uncertainty that has slowed hiring, particularly for experienced U.S. personnel. This, combined with increased OPEC production and major oil companies planning 20-25% staff cuts, has led to an oversupply of talent from layoffs and retirements. However, Mount remains optimistic about long-term hiring as the industry stabilizes. Clark Conine of Energy Search Associates highlighted that hiring is expected to rise as private capital explores new formations, though high tariffs may delay some hiring plans. Brian Binke from the Birmingham Group was surprised by the rapid hiring rebound in midstream construction, driven by demand for project managers and field-experienced leaders, anticipating a busy year if domestic manufacturing grows due to sustained tariffs. [MDN: Have you noticed how it’s now trendy to blame EVERYTHING on “Trump’s high tariffs”? If you watch or listen to any newscast for more than five minutes you’ll hear about tariffs. Trump is evil. He’s nasty. He’s mean. And he’s crazy with these tariffs. Meanwhile, NOBODY has done a damn thing for 50 years about other countries accessing our markets, killing our companies, killing our jobs, and in general, screwing us over royally. Even people in our own industry are carping about tariffs. We say: GROW UP.]

WTI rebounds 2% on supply, geopolitical shifts
Bloomberg/Rigzone
Oil prices rose, with West Texas Intermediate climbing about 2% to settle near $64 a barrel, driven by potential U.S. actions to restrict Iranian oil flows and a broader market rebound. The increase followed losses triggered by President Trump’s criticism of the Federal Reserve, while U.S. sanctions on an Iranian magnate and his network further supported prices. Despite earlier concerns about U.S. trade tensions impacting economic growth and oil demand, market indicators suggested tighter near-term supply and demand balances, with WTI’s closest futures contract showing a significant premium. However, prices eased slightly after reports of Russian President Putin offering to halt the Ukraine invasion. Analysts, including Morgan Stanley’s Martijn Rats, anticipate seasonal demand support in the summer but expect downward pressure later due to a projected crude surplus. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance advocated for stronger U.S.-India ties, significant given India’s role as a major crude importer. [MDN: So if Bloomberg can’t carp about tariffs, it will complain that Trump said “mean” things about Jerome Powell and the Fed. Whatever. The point is that oil went UP, not down. It’s not the end of the world. It’s the beginning of a new world, a far better world. West Texas Intermediate for June, the most active contract, gained 2% to settle at $63.67 in New York. WTI for May, which expires Tuesday, settled at $64.31. Brent advanced 1.8% to $67.44 a barrel.]

Big Oil is offshoring its prized engineering jobs to India
Wall Street Journal
The oil-and-gas industry is undergoing significant upheaval as companies like Chevron, BP, and Exxon Mobil increasingly offshore specialized white-collar jobs, such as engineering and geology roles, to cost-effective labor markets like India, amid fears of a global recession triggered by President Trump’s tariff policies, which have driven U.S. oil prices down 12% to around $63 a barrel. Chevron plans to cut 8,000 jobs globally by next year, while expanding its workforce in India by 600, leveraging lower salaries—often a third or fourth of U.S. rates—and advanced remote work technologies. This shift, coupled with industry mergers and cost-cutting, has reduced U.S. oil-and-gas jobs by nearly 15% since mid-2019, intensifying competition for skilled positions and forcing experienced workers to accept pay cuts or expand job searches. In India, fierce demand for talent is driving up salaries, while the country’s growing natural-gas market adds to its appeal for oil giants. [MDN: We hope Trump notices this disturbing trend and makes it unprofitable to offshore these jobs. Extremely unprofitable.]

LNG exports won’t increase U.S. gas prices – infrastructure bottlenecks will
Energy in Depth
The article from Energy In Depth argues that U.S. LNG exports do not drive up domestic natural gas prices, countering claims by activists. It highlights that despite the U.S. becoming the world’s top LNG exporter in 2023, domestic prices have remained low due to robust production and infrastructure. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows production rose from 3.85 to nearly 4 billion cubic feet between August and December 2024, while residential and commercial prices dropped significantly. The article emphasizes that infrastructure constraints, not exports, are the primary factor affecting prices, citing a 2018 Department of Energy study and a Center for Strategic and International Studies report. Both suggest prices are tied to supply growth and infrastructure, not export volumes. The piece concludes that expanding infrastructure, rather than curbing exports, is key to maintaining low prices for U.S. consumers while supporting global energy demands. [MDN: If LNG exports raise the price of natural gas, then why, with new all-time high exports, are we once again flirting with $3 gas? Answer that, export detractors like Big Chemical!]

How much oil is the USA producing right now?
Rigzone
The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) latest Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO) projects U.S. crude oil production at 13.45 million barrels per day in Q2 2025, with 11.23 million from the Lower 48 states (excluding the Gulf of Mexico), 1.81 million from the Federal Gulf of Mexico, and 0.41 million from Alaska. This follows 13.35 million barrels per day in Q1 2025 and 13.21 million in 2024. The EIA forecasts production to rise to 13.51 million barrels per day in 2025 and 13.56 million in 2026, with the Lower 48 states contributing the majority. Globally, crude oil production is expected to reach 76.52 million barrels per day in Q2 2025, with the U.S. accounting for 17.57% of this total. World production is projected to increase to 77.08 million barrels per day in 2025 and 77.82 million in 2026, with the U.S. share slightly decreasing. Historically, U.S. production has exceeded 13 million barrels per day monthly since 2023, peaking at 13.451 million in December 2024. [MDN: Some interesting stats. Hey, whatever happened to “peak oil”? Yeah. It’s a myth.]

On Earth Day, we finally have a president who follows science
The White House
The article outlines President Donald J. Trump’s environmental policies, emphasizing economic growth and practical resource management while maintaining high environmental standards. Trump’s administration promotes energy innovation through technologies like carbon capture, nuclear, and geothermal energy, and by lifting restrictions on liquefied natural gas exports to reduce global emissions and create jobs. It champions proactive forest management to prevent wildfires and support rural economies, while criticizing paper straw mandates for their environmental and health drawbacks due to PFAS chemicals. The administration cuts restrictive regulations to lower energy costs, opens federal lands for responsible energy development, and invests in conservation, such as clean water infrastructure. Trump also addresses unfair trade practices by countries like China, a major polluter, through tough trade measures to promote cleaner U.S. manufacturing. Additionally, pausing certain wind projects aims to protect wildlife, aligning with policies that balance economic strength and environmental stewardship. [MDN: Great article. Too bad mainstream media ignores such sound science. The media promotes political science, not real science.]

The bright future of natural gas
Forbes
The Forbes article “The Bright Future of Natural Gas” highlights the growing significance of natural gas in the global energy landscape, driven by increasing demand from data centers powering cloud computing, streaming, and digital infrastructure. It emphasizes the fuel’s role as a cleaner alternative to coal and oil, supporting the transition to lower-carbon energy systems. The article points to robust U.S. production, with record-breaking consumption and exports, particularly of liquefied natural gas (LNG), fueled by facilities like Venture Global’s Plaquemines plant. Despite challenges like price volatility and competition from coal, strategic investments and favorable policies, especially under a new U.S. administration, are expected to bolster the industry. Natural gas is positioned as a bridge fuel, complementing renewables while meeting rising global energy needs, with long-term growth prospects for producers and investors. [MDN: We disagree with this nonsense about natgas being a “bridge fuel.” It’s not a bridge, it is the destination. Natgas is here to stay, at least for the next 50-100 years. Learn it, live it, love it.]

U.S. LNG dealmaking picks up with benefits for midstream
ETF Trends
The U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry has seen a surge in dealmaking in 2025 following the lifting of the LNG export permit ban in January, creating significant opportunities for midstream service providers, as outlined in an article on ETF Trends. With two new facilities operational and projects under construction progressing, LNG exports are driving demand for natural gas production, projected to rise 8% from 2024 to 2030. This growth necessitates extensive infrastructure, including pipelines and processing plants, benefiting midstream companies, which represent 71.1% of the Alerian Midstream Energy Select Index. Notable developments include Kinder Morgan’s Trident Pipeline and Energy Transfer’s Gulf Run pipeline, both securing long-term contracts with LNG facilities. Projects under development, targeting final investment decisions, could add 9.9 Bcf/d to U.S. LNG capacity, further boosting midstream opportunities as global LNG demand grows, driven by economic growth and a shift from coal. [MDN: An interesting article on how LNG exports benefit other sectors, namely the midstream (pipelines & processing plants) sector. Gives a rundown on facilities under construction and those that soon will be.]

U.S. LNG feedgas slipped last week
RBN Energy
Like the classic tune, “Rock the Boat,” U.S. LNG feedgas demand hit choppy water last week, slipping as intake dropped at Sabine Pass, Corpus Christi, Cameron, and Plaquemines. Last week, U.S. LNG Feedgas demand averaged 15.41 Bcf/d, down 0.84 Bcf/d from the previous week. Despite the drop, most terminals are now sailing at near or full capacity, with Cameron, Cove Point, and Calcasieu Pass even running above capacity. Sabine Pass and Freeport held their own at full utilization while Elba Island and Corpus Christi hovered just below. Corpus Christi was hit with pipeline maintenance, which began on April 21 and will run through April 25. The newest player, the commissioning Plaquemines LNG terminal, saw its intake swing as low as 1.3 Bcf/d and as high as 2.2 Bcf/d. This type of volatility with a new terminal is typical and doesn’t necessarily signal any issues. [MDN: Some interesting tidbits in this brief article. Increasingly, prices for natgas are tied to how much is exported.]

Extreme climate activists aren’t going away
Forbes
In the Forbes article titled “Warning: Extreme Climate Activists Aren’t Going Away,” published on April 22, 2025, Steve Forbes discusses the shifting tactics of climate activists in response to President Donald Trump’s energy policies. Trump has signed executive orders to boost coal mining and production, aiming to unleash American energy by overturning Biden-era regulations and opening federal lands for production. However, climate activists, now excluded from federal influence, are turning to state-level strategies, including lawsuits in sympathetic state courts and advocating for “climate superfund” bills to hinder energy companies. These actions are seen as attempts to undermine U.S. energy dominance through unconstitutional means. A coalition of 22 states, led by West Virginia, has sued New York, arguing its climate superfund law oversteps state authority. The White House has tasked U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi with investigating these measures, highlighting the ongoing tension between energy policy and climate activism. [MDN: We (meaning the clear-thinking right of the political aisle) no longer fear the lawfare tactics of the left. We’ve figured out how to defeat them. We must remain vigilant, but for each new tactic the left employs, we will be there to counteract it. The future of humanity demands that we oppose the Commie left.]

Gas up, emissions down – the future of transportation
The Empowerment Alliance
The article from The Empowerment Alliance, “Gas Up, Emissions Down: The Future of Transportation,” argues that natural gas is a cleaner, more practical alternative to electric vehicles (EVs) for reducing transportation emissions. It highlights that natural gas vehicles (NGVs) emit significantly less carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter compared to gasoline or diesel vehicles, leveraging the U.S.’s abundant natural gas supply. The piece criticizes EVs for their reliance on foreign-sourced materials, high battery production emissions, and insufficient charging infrastructure, suggesting NGVs as a more immediate and cost-effective solution. It emphasizes the potential of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to power various vehicles, from cars to heavy-duty trucks, while reducing environmental impact. The article advocates for expanding natural gas infrastructure to enhance energy independence and achieve emission reductions without the economic and logistical challenges associated with EVs. [MDN: Natgas, CNG and LNG, makes so much more sense. We’re not sure why it hasn’t caught on more than it has.]

INTERNATIONAL

China-owned supertankers face $5.2 million in fees per USA call
Bloomberg/Rigzone
The United States has proposed new penalties targeting China-made oil supertankers as part of the ongoing trade war with Beijing, significantly increasing fees for these vessels calling at U.S. ports. According to Arrow Shipbroking Group, non-Chinese owned or operated China-built supertankers could face surcharges of approximately $1.9 million per port call, while Chinese-owned or operated ships could incur fees up to $5.2 million. The fee structure, based on a vessel’s net registered tonnage, charges $18 per nrt for non-Chinese entities and $50 for Chinese ones, a shift from the previous per-visit levy approach. This results in higher costs for larger vessels like VLCCs compared to smaller Aframaxes, with product tankers facing fees between $575,000 and $1.2 million. Although exemptions soften the impact, the rules still impose significant costs, particularly on Chinese owners, despite most tankers being South Korean-built, with China’s fleet being notably smaller. [MDN: That blurb may look like gobbledegook, but it’s meaningful. VLCCs are large crude tankers, and an Aframax is a medium-sized crude tanker. What this means is that fewer Chinese crude tankers will be visiting our ports, and the ones that do will pay dearly. Further meaning we’ll begin using more of our own domestically-produced crude oil. We think that’s a great thing. We absolutely must win this trade battle with China or our country is toast.]

Earth Day 2025: Our Power, Our Planet, Our Propaganda
RealClearEnergy
The article from RealClearEnergy, titled “Earth Day 2025: Our Power, Our Planet, Our Propaganda,” critiques the Earth Day 2025 theme, “Our Power, Our Planet™,” as a trademarked slogan promoting renewable energy while masking underlying propaganda. It argues that the environmental left’s push for renewables ignores economic realities, as fossil fuels remain dominant and cost-competitive, with global consumption projected to stay high by 2050. The piece highlights the International Energy Agency’s forecasts and criticizes renewable energy’s high costs and unreliability, citing examples like forest expansion’s unintended warming effects. It accuses Earth Day advocates of promoting superficial solutions like “sustainable fashion” and “global cleanup” while ignoring trade-offs, such as economic burdens and coercion inherent in climate policies. The article frames Earth Day as a platform for virtue signaling and collectivist agendas, dismissing claims of economic benefits from renewables as misleading and rooted in ideological control rather than practical energy solutions. [MDN: Fantastic article and spot on. Earth Day is the “central religious holiday of the environmental left” as this article says in its opening. Earth Day is nonsensical bullcrapus. The vicious left intends to subjugate humanity by using the false threat of global warming and fear to do so. WE WON’T LET THEM. EVER.]