MDN’s Energy Stories of Interest: Wed, Dec 17, 2025 [FREE ACCESS]

OTHER U.S. REGIONS: New York and California reach the energy abyss; NATIONAL: Climate litigation hands China a strategic victory while harming America; 12 facts of energy affordability; INTERNATIONAL: Oil price sinks as oversupply pressures intensify; Russia oil prices hit lowest since war began; Canada releases more stringent methane rules for oil and gas producers, landfills; Norway avoids ‘green’ energy quicksand.

OTHER U.S. REGIONS

New York and California reach the energy abyss
Forbes
New York and California face critical energy shortages this approaching winter due to regulatory policies and infrastructure deficits. New York City’s crisis is accelerated by a pending 2026 ban on natural gas in large new buildings, forcing reliance on currently insufficient renewable sources and eliminating past emergency options like Russian gas imports. Simultaneously, California struggles with a refining collapse as recent closures removed 17% of its capacity. Environmental mandates requiring unique fuel blends further isolate the state by preventing standard gasoline imports from neighbors, driving prices above $6.00 per gallon, and pushing both states toward an unavoidable energy abyss. [MDN: Excellent column by Philadelphia attorney Dan Markind. As he points out, with a cold winter on the way, it’s going to get ugly for both NY and CA. Bring it on. It’s time for voters in those states to experience some hard lessons.]

NATIONAL

Climate litigation hands China a strategic victory while harming America
The Daily Signal
Michael Lucci’s article argues that climate litigation, specifically cases like Suncor Energy v. Boulder, undermines U.S. energy security while handing China a strategic advantage. Lucci contends that activists, unable to pass “green transition” mandates through Congress, now use lawsuits to penalize American energy producers. This strategy weakens domestic energy independence and increases reliance on green technologies—such as solar panels and EV batteries—whose supply chains are dominated by the Chinese Communist Party. The author warns that this dependency exposes America to national security risks, including grid vulnerabilities, and urges the Supreme Court to keep energy policy in the hands of elected officials. [MDN: Excellent article pointing out how the green left is an enemy of the U.S. and friend of the ChiComms. Time to end this lawfare madness. The Supremes can do it.]

12 facts of energy affordability
The Empowerment Alliance
The article outlines twelve facts emphasizing the economic and health benefits of affordable traditional energy. It asserts that natural gas has saved American families $125 billion and businesses over $500 billion in the last decade, making it 3.5 times more affordable than electricity while averting 11,000 winter deaths annually. Conversely, the article warns that a “zero-emission” grid would cost the U.S. $4.5 trillion, burdening households with thousands in costs. It also draws a political correlation, stating that states with the lowest electricity prices are predominantly Republican, and advocates for legislation to protect access to these affordable energy sources. [MDN: It’s hard to argue with the facts, and the facts show natgas is the superior fuel for energy.]

INTERNATIONAL

Oil price sinks as oversupply pressures intensify
Bloomberg
West Texas Intermediate oil fell to $55.27 a barrel, reaching its lowest level since February 2021, as global supply increasingly outpaces demand. Brent crude similarly dropped to $58.92. Market structures have turned bearish, with futures entering contango amidst weak US job growth and easing fuel premiums. The selloff is further fueled by progress in Ukraine peace talks, which could restore flows of Russian oil. With the International Energy Agency forecasting a record surplus next year driven by non-OPEC growth, prices face continued downward pressure, threatening producer budgets while potentially aiding central bankers in fighting inflation. [MDN: The upside to low oil prices is that gasoline and other transportation fuels come down in price, which eventually lowers prices for everything. Eventually. It takes time.]

Russia oil prices hit lowest since war began
Bloomberg
Russian crude prices have plummeted to war-time lows, averaging just over $40 per barrel due to tightening Western sanctions and falling global benchmarks. This 28% decline over three months significantly strains Moscow’s budget, which relies on energy revenue to fund the war in Ukraine. Sanctions targeting major producers like Rosneft have complicated logistics, leading to reduced imports from India and steeper discounts demanded by Chinese buyers. Amidst these financial pressures and U.S. diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, President Putin recently acknowledged Russia’s slowing economic growth, underscoring the impact of mounting restrictions on the nation’s critical oil trade. [MDN: We’ve got to starve Russia’s revenue sources, primarily revenue from oil and natural gas. We’re making progress.]

Canada releases more stringent methane rules for oil and gas producers, landfills
Toronto (ON) Globe and Mail
The Canadian government has introduced stricter methane regulations targeting oil and gas producers and large landfills, aiming to reduce emissions by 304 megatonnes between 2028 and 2040. Scheduled to take effect in January 2028, the new rules are projected to cost the industry approximately $14 billion. The framework offers operators flexibility, allowing them to either adopt specific leak detection and repair practices or meet defined methane intensity thresholds. While exempting refineries, the policy requires large landfills to rigorously monitor and fix leaks. Methane is significantly more potent than carbon dioxide, making these measures a critical, cost-effective component of Canada’s strategy to combat climate change. [MDN: Good! The Canadians are shooting their oil and gas industry in the head, which means more opportunity for the U.S. O&G industry. Give Canada a pass on your travel plans. We don’t support countries that target fossil fuels.]

Norway avoids ‘green’ energy quicksand
CO2 Coalition
Vijay Jayaraj argues that Norway is thriving by rejecting the “net zero” mandates crippling the rest of Europe, instead choosing to expand its fossil fuel industry. While the EU faces energy insecurity, Norway is heavily investing in oil and gas projects, such as the massive Johan Castberg field, becoming Europe’s primary gas supplier. Jayaraj highlights the irony that Norway’s celebrated “green” achievements, particularly high electric vehicle adoption, are entirely subsidized by petrodollars from its $2 trillion sovereign wealth fund. By remaining outside the EU’s regulatory grip, Norway secures its wealth and energy independence, prioritizing economic pragmatism over climate ideology. [MDN: Someone in Europe still has at least half a brain. Good for Norway.]