MDN’s Energy Stories of Interest: Fri, Jun 6, 2025 [FREE ACCESS]

NATIONAL: Changes to 45V tax credit would deal a major blow to low-carbon hydrogen; The U.S. Senate must reform IRA green subsidies to unleash energy dominance; US Senate panel seeks to cut unspent US climate, clean energy funds; Progressive nirvana – a ban on all things (American); Democrat Stacey Abrams funneled $20 million to her lawyer; Surging electricity demand is just one reason natural gas looks so appealing to investors; INTERNATIONAL: Oil rises as traders see Trump-Xi call as sign of easing tension; B.C. gives green light to LNG pipeline, with no need for new enviro assessment.

NATIONAL

Changes to 45V tax credit would deal a major blow to low-carbon hydrogen
RBN Energy
The article from RBN Energy discusses the potential elimination of the 45V tax credit, a key incentive under the Inflation Reduction Act for low-carbon hydrogen production, which could severely impact the U.S. clean hydrogen industry. Initially expected to spur significant growth, the 45V credit faces repeal under President Trump’s proposed “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which has advanced through the House Ways and Means Committee. This move threatens 46 major hydrogen and ammonia projects, particularly in Louisiana, potentially undermining their economic viability. While the 45Q carbon capture credit remains, it may not fully compensate for the loss of 45V, risking billions in investments and U.S. leadership in clean energy. The article highlights relaxed final rules issued in January 2025, which eased restrictions on hourly matching and provisional emissions rates, but warns that without 45V, the clean hydrogen sector could face significant setbacks, ceding ground to international competitors. [MDN: So-called low-carbon hydrogen was aimed at killing natural gas. The 45V tax credit under Biden was designed to favor hydrogen NOT produced by using natural gas. That tax credit should be eliminated, period. Any O&G company betting big money on hydrogen projects because of 45V was foolish, and its management team should be replaced. Yes, harsh, but true.]

The U.S. Senate must reform IRA green subsidies to unleash energy dominance
RealClearEnergy
The article argues that Congress should repeal the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) climate provisions during the budget reconciliation process to capitalize on America’s potential for a golden age of energy production. It criticizes green subsidies for distorting markets, favoring unreliable solar, wind, and electric vehicle (EV) projects, and potentially costing taxpayers $2.04 trillion to $4.67 trillion by 2050 with minimal returns. EVs are seen as costly, unreliable, and environmentally questionable, with only 1.4% of U.S. vehicles being electric despite subsidies. Solar and wind, operating at low efficiency (25% and 35% annually), contribute minimally to the energy mix (3.9% and 10.2%) and fail to reduce reliance on coal, oil, and gas. The IRA’s job creation promises (9 million by 2032) have fallen short, with only 400,000 temporary jobs created, many delayed or canceled. The IRA’s emissions reduction claims (30-43% by 2030) are marginal compared to projections without subsidies (24-35%), potentially costing $2 trillion for negligible environmental gains. Repealing these subsidies could save $1 trillion, redirecting funds to priorities like tax cuts. [MDN: It’s time to can the IRA completely. Pull the plug. Kill it!]

US Senate panel seeks to cut unspent US climate, clean energy funds
Reuters
A U.S. Senate environment committee, led by Republican Senator Shelley Moore Capito, has proposed a budget reconciliation draft to rescind all unspent funds allocated for climate and clean energy programs under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), signed by former President Joe Biden. The IRA provided billions in grants, loans, and incentives for clean energy and electric vehicles, but the proposal aims to cut these unspent funds and introduce a fee for energy project developers, such as those for oil wells or pipelines, to expedite environmental reviews. The draft also seeks to repeal all sections of the IRA, including measures like the natural gas tax, aligning with Senate Republicans’ pledges to roll back Biden-era climate initiatives. This move follows similar efforts in the House to phase out clean energy tax credits and reduce climate-related spending, reflecting a broader push to align with President Donald Trump’s agenda. [MDN: We are definitely working in the right direction!]

Progressive nirvana – a ban on all things (American)
American Thinker
The article argues that progressives advocate for extensive bans on various aspects of society, such as guns, ammunition, knives, air conditioning, gas appliances, offensive speech, and even political opposition, under the guise of promoting safety, equity, and happiness. It suggests that these bans, including restrictions on free speech, religious expression, and economic systems like capitalism, are not progressive but instead lead toward authoritarianism and the erosion of democracy. The author criticizes the progressive tendency to control thought and behavior, labeling it as intolerance masquerading as tolerance and describing it as an evil that threatens freedom and morality. While acknowledging that inanimate objects and affordable energy are not the root issues, the article emphasizes the need to recognize and combat this controlling mindset to preserve freedom and prevent societal decline, warning that failure to do so could endanger humanity itself. [MDN: A fantastic column that exposes the minds of leftists and what makes them tick. They can’t tolerate anyone or anything except their own twisted view of the universe.]

Democrat Stacey Abrams funneled $20 million to her lawyer
RealClearInvestigations
A RealClearInvestigations report reveals that Fair Fight Action, a nonprofit founded by Georgia Democratic politician Stacey Abrams to protect voting rights, paid over $20 million to Allegra Lawrence-Hardy, a close friend and former campaign chair, between 2019 and 2023. The funds, primarily from tax-exempt donations and government grants, covered legal expenses for a failed race-bias lawsuit against Gov. Brian Kemp following Abrams’ 2018 gubernatorial loss. Lawrence-Hardy, who co-founded the law firm receiving the payments and helped establish two of Abrams’ private businesses, raised conflict-of-interest concerns among ethics watchdogs. Critics, including the National Legal and Policy Center, argue the $4 million annual average in fees is excessive and may violate IRS rules on nonprofit asset waste and self-dealing. The IRS is also investigating Abrams’ New Georgia Project for unreported contributions, adding to ethical scrutiny of her nonprofit activities. [MDN: Sounds like somebody needs to be prosecuted for massive fraud and abuse of government money, with possible jail time. Stacey Abrams is profoundly corrupt.]

Surging electricity demand is just one reason natural gas looks so appealing to investors
MarketWatch
The MarketWatch article highlights the growing appeal of natural gas investments due to surging electricity demand driven by summer cooling needs, artificial intelligence (AI), and data center expansion. It notes that U.S. electricity demand is projected to grow significantly, with AI data centers alone expected to add substantial energy consumption by 2030. Natural gas is seen as a reliable and cost-effective energy source to meet this demand, especially as renewable energy sources like solar and wind face challenges with variability. The article cites industry leaders and analysts who emphasize natural gas’s role in supporting the energy transition, with companies like EQT positioning themselves to capitalize on this trend through strategic infrastructure investments like the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Supply constraints, including production challenges and high LNG exports, further bolster the case for natural gas as a critical energy solution, making it an attractive option for investors this summer and beyond. [MDN: Natgas and electricity go hand-in-hand. Investors get it.]

INTERNATIONAL

Oil rises as traders see Trump-Xi call as sign of easing tension
Bloomberg/Rigzone
Oil prices rose as optimism about easing US-China trade tensions outweighed concerns over increased OPEC+ crude output. West Texas Intermediate climbed 0.8% to settle above $63 per barrel after a reported phone call between Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping, signaling potential progress in tariff negotiations that have threatened global economic growth and fuel demand. However, ongoing trade disputes continue to impact the US shale industry, with China avoiding American crude purchases for two consecutive months. Additionally, Canadian wildfires have disrupted nearly 350,000 barrels of daily oil production, potentially tightening supply to US storage hubs and export terminals, while US crude inventories dropped significantly by 4.3 million barrels. Despite these factors, Saudi Arabia’s push for OPEC+ to increase output by at least 411,000 barrels daily in August and September could limit price gains, though rising summer fuel demand may help absorb the additional supply. [MDN: WTI for July delivery rose 0.8% to settle at $63.37 a barrel in New York. Brent for August settlement rose 0.7% to settle at $65.34 a barrel. Still in the perfect zone.]

B.C. gives green light to LNG pipeline, with no need for new enviro assessment
Castanet
The British Columbia government has upheld a 2014 environmental assessment certificate for the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline, determining it has “substantially started” and can proceed without a new assessment, despite opposition from the BC Greens and environmental groups. The 900-kilometre pipeline, originally intended to supply a now-cancelled LNG facility, was acquired by the Nisga’a Nation and Texas-based Western LNG to support the proposed Ksi Lisims LNG project, which is still under review. The province is also considering route changes, including a new endpoint at Ksi Lisims. The Greens, led by Jeremy Valeriote, criticized the decision as reckless, citing risks to Indigenous rights, salmon habitats, and climate goals, and noting the project’s ties to U.S. financial backers like Blackstone. While Western LNG and the Nisga’a Nation hailed the decision as a step toward Indigenous-led prosperity, opponents, including the Lax Kw’alaams Band and environmentalists, argue it undermines B.C.’s climate commitments. [MDN: Even the ultra-libs of Canada are approving pipelines in record time! It can’t be a fun time to be an environmentalist wacko, either in Canada or in the U.S.]