MDN’s Energy Stories of Interest: Mon, Jan 5, 2026 [FREE ACCESS]

MARCELLUS/UTICA REGION: DEP seeks comments on Marcus Hook Power Plant air permit renewal; Pa. receives OK to spend $112 million in federal funds for electric charging stations; DEP invites comments on Chapter 105 permit for daylighting 3 CNX pipelines; OTHER U.S. REGIONS: Gas release at natural gas pipeline hub causes evacuations; Illinois dairy and beef farms make raising methane-belching cows part of the climate solution; Law firm leading latest climate lawsuit accused of “misconduct bordering on criminal”; University of North Dakota to introduce students to energy-sector careers; NY’s City Council members are just begging for blackouts; NATIONAL: U.S. natural gas futures kick off 2026 with a loss; Public ownership won’t cure power market volatility; Green hydrogen’s uncertain future; AI data centers are forcing dirty ‘peaker’ power plants back into service; Climate change perceptions; INTERNATIONAL: Oil fluctuates as traders weigh surplus, geopolitical risks; Oil stuck in tug of war; Argentina’s shale boom propels it past Colombia in oil output; Energy transition meltdown could mean global bifurcation; Anti-energy threats still abound.

MARCELLUS/UTICA REGION

DEP seeks comments on Marcus Hook Power Plant air permit renewal
PA Environment Digest Blog
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is seeking public comment on the Title V Air Quality Permit renewal for the 750 MW natural gas-fired Marcus Hook Energy power plant in Delaware County. While no public hearing is currently scheduled, interested parties may request one during the 30-day comment period ending January 26. Written feedback should be directed to Janine Tulloch-Reid at the DEP Southeast Regional Office in Norristown or via email. Relevant application documents are available for public review by contacting the facility section directly via phone or email to ensure transparency regarding the plant’s environmental compliance. [MDN: This power plant is key to powering this critical facility through which flows massive amounts of NGLs, primarily for export.]

Pa. receives OK to spend $112 million in federal funds for electric charging stations
Pittsburgh (PA) Post-Gazette
Pennsylvania has received federal approval to spend $112 million to expand its electric vehicle charging infrastructure. These funds, provided through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, will focus on installing fast-charging stations along major travel corridors, including the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The initiative aims to reduce “range anxiety” and support the growing number of electric vehicles on the road. State officials emphasize that this investment will enhance connectivity and economic growth while transitioning the transportation sector toward cleaner energy. The plan requires stations to be publicly accessible, reliable, and spaced strategically to ensure convenient charging for long-distance travelers across the Commonwealth. [MDN: Massive waste of taxpayer money. We supposed it was allocated (under law) long before Trump resumed office, and that’s why his administration has authorized such a waste.]

DEP invites comments on Chapter 105 permit for daylighting 3 CNX pipelines
PA Environment Digest Blog
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is seeking public comment on a Chapter 105 permit application from CNX Midstream Operating Company, LLC. The project involves daylighting 3,300 feet of three 10-inch natural gas pipelines across Greene and Washington Counties to protect them from potential damage caused by underground longwall coal mining. Impacted segments include the Morris to Ninevah Jumper and NV113 well pad lines. Interested parties may request a hearing or submit written comments to the DEP Southwest Oil and Gas Management Program by January 26. Applications are available for review via the Pittsburgh office or email. [MDN: “Daylighting” means to uncover the pipeline, typically using high-pressure water.]

OTHER U.S. REGIONS

Gas release at natural gas pipeline hub causes evacuations
Fond du Lac (WI) KFIZ Radio
On the night of December 25, 2025, a significant natural gas release occurred at the ANR Pipeline Company hub in southwest Sheboygan County, Wisconsin. Pressure relief valves malfunctioned shortly after 11 p.m., emitting gas at a high velocity and creating a loud roar audible up to seven miles away. Emergency crews established a one-mile evacuation radius, alerting residents via cellphone push notifications and opening the Beechwood Fire Department as a shelter. Technicians successfully shut off the gas around midnight, and after checking nearby homes for gas accumulation, officials issued an all-clear for residents to return by 1 a.m. [MDN: ANR does flow some M-U molecules.]

Illinois dairy and beef farms make raising methane-belching cows part of the climate solution
Phys.org
A University of Illinois study reveals that methane emissions from dairy and beef cattle operations are higher than previously estimated, primarily due to manure management systems. Researchers used atmospheric measurements and modeling to find that liquid manure storage in dairy farms contributes significantly more methane than the drier systems used for beef cattle. While enteric fermentation remains a major source, the study highlights that manure-related emissions are often undercounted in standard inventories. These findings suggest that targeting manure management, such as implementing anaerobic digesters or better covering systems, offers a critical opportunity for the agricultural sector to reduce its overall greenhouse gas footprint. [MDN: Contrary to the title of the article, the left views cows as a “problem” that needs to be “fixed.” Many M-U landowners are farmers. We include this story to warn you that the left never tires and is still coming for your cows, as well as your M-U wells. Be forewarned.]

Law firm leading latest climate lawsuit accused of “misconduct bordering on criminal”
Energy in Depth – Climate & Environment
A proposed federal class action in Washington targets energy companies for rising homeowners insurance premiums, marking a shift in climate litigation strategy. However, the lawsuit faces significant controversy due to the involvement of the law firm Hagens Berman. Recently, a federal judge referred the firm to the Department of Justice, citing findings of “misconduct bordering on criminal,” including evidence tampering and fraudulent complaints in prior cases. Critics argue this lawsuit repackages failed theories from past dismissed climate cases. Ultimately, the article suggests that these aggressive legal tactics are unlikely to succeed or address consumer affordability issues effectively. [MDN: It’s always the same few law firms financed by the same few wealthy donors behind these lawfare efforts. Time to put them out of business.]

University of North Dakota to introduce students to energy-sector careers
Society of Petroleum Engineers – The Way Ahead
The University of North Dakota (UND) is launching a two-day Energy Education Workshop in spring 2026 to introduce 50 high school juniors and seniors to regional energy-sector careers. Led by Assistant Professor Moones Alamooti and funded by the UND CONNECT program, the initiative partners with Williston High School and the Williston Basin Career & Technical Education Center. The workshop addresses a lack of local exposure to technical skills despite North Dakota’s status as a top energy producer. Through hands-on learning and computer lab activities, the program aims to inspire STEM-interested students toward rewarding careers within their own community. [MDN: Good! We need more of this type of program for kids in high school. The Utica Shale Academy in Ohio is one of the few shining examples of how this can work. Good on ND for stepping into this space.]

NY’s City Council members are just begging for blackouts
New York (NY) Post
The New York City Council is jeopardizing the local power grid’s reliability through shortsighted legislative mandates, specifically Local Law 97. By forcing rapid electrification and banning natural gas in new constructions, the Council has ignored warnings from grid operators regarding potential energy shortfalls. This aggressive transition to an all-electric infrastructure outpaces the development of renewable energy sources and necessary transmission upgrades, increasing the risk of rolling blackouts during extreme weather. Furthermore, the reliance on intermittent wind and solar without adequate backup power threatens the city’s economic stability and public safety, reflecting a triumph of political ideology over practical engineering realities. [MDN: When (not if) blackouts hit NYC, you know who to blame. Of course, the people responsible will try their best to blame-shift when (not if) it happens. Watch for it.]

NATIONAL

U.S. natural gas futures kick off 2026 with a loss
Wall Street Journal
U.S. natural gas futures opened the year on a downward trend, with Nymex gas settling 1.8% lower at $3.618/mmBtu as traders shifted their focus toward the late-winter weather outlook. Despite a mid-session recovery sparked by technically oversold conditions—following a volatile week that saw prices plunge over 60 cents from a peak of $4.18—the market remained pressured by midday weather data showing little change in demand. While a lingering chilly system across the Midwest and Northeast is expected to maintain moderate national demand through the weekend, NatGasWeather.com suggests that the upcoming weather patterns for January 13–20 will ultimately dictate price action when trading resumes. [MDN: We’re bummed that the price is back in the $3s again, albeit in the mid-$3s. Weather will dictate how the price goes this week. Stay tuned.]

Public ownership won’t cure power market volatility
OilPrice.com
The article argues that transitioning to public ownership of power utilities will not inherently solve the issue of energy market volatility or lower consumer costs. While proponents suggest that removing the profit motive stabilizes prices, the author contends that volatility is primarily driven by external factors such as global fuel supply disruptions, the intermittent nature of renewable energy, and the high capital costs of infrastructure upgrades. Consequently, regardless of the ownership model, utilities must still navigate the same systemic challenges and market fluctuations. Ultimately, the piece suggests that structural energy reforms and diversified supply are more critical for stability than government control. [MDN: The left’s answer is to have the government own everything. That’s a prescription for DISASTER. Government interference by forcing energy sources on individuals is what got us into the current situation. More government is NOT the answer.]

Green hydrogen’s uncertain future
OilPrice.com
Green hydrogen faces a precarious future as high production costs and inadequate infrastructure hinder its widespread adoption. Despite being touted as a vital solution for decarbonizing heavy industries like steel and shipping, the technology struggles to compete with cheaper fossil fuel-based alternatives. Significant challenges include the high price of electrolyzers, energy losses during conversion, and the massive renewable energy capacity required to power the process. Furthermore, uncertain regulatory frameworks and a lack of clear subsidies have caused investors to remain cautious. Unless technological breakthroughs and economies of scale rapidly reduce costs, green hydrogen’s role in the global energy transition remains uncertain. [MDN: There are two primary problems with so-called “green” hydrogen… (1) It costs 2X to 4X more to produce green hydrogen than it does to produce it from natural gas (called “grey” hydrogen). (2) There has not been widespread adoption of hydrogen to replace natural gas and other forms of energy. That is, there is no built-in demand for it, no market.]

AI data centers are forcing dirty ‘peaker’ power plants back into service
Reuters
The surge in demand for AI data centers is forcing aging, carbon-intensive “peaker” power plants back into service across the United States. These facilities, often decades old and fueled by oil, gas, or coal, are being spared from scheduled retirements to prevent electricity shortages as the grid struggles to keep pace with artificial intelligence’s energy needs. While lucrative for plant owners due to soaring capacity prices, these plants emit significantly more pollutants like sulfur dioxide compared to standard facilities. This reliance on obsolete infrastructure underscores a growing tension between technological expansion and environmental goals as demand outstrips new supply. [MDN: This article is a rare “miss” for Reuters. It totally misses the fact that if the left had not blocked new (much cleaner) gas-fired power plants to get built, we wouldn’t need these older oil- and coal-fired peaker plants.]

Climate change perceptions
Pragmatic Environmentalist of New York
This article argues that perceived shifts in local weather, such as milder winters, are often driven by natural climate oscillations rather than human-induced greenhouse gas emissions. Utilizing Andy May’s data-driven regression analysis of fourteen oceanic and atmospheric oscillations, the author contends these natural cycles predate the industrial era and significantly influence global temperature trends. The post emphasizes that weather reflects short-term conditions while climate represents long-term averages, suggesting that New York’s Climate Act mandates are based on flawed premises. Ultimately, the author warns that aggressive net-zero policies may cause socioeconomic harm without effectively altering these natural climatic patterns. [MDN: This post reflects what is called real science, not the made-up political science of leftist environmentalists. Why does the left never consider the sun and other natural causes when it comes to temperatures warming or cooling? The left is devoid of common sense and scientific curiosity.]

INTERNATIONAL

Oil fluctuates as traders weigh surplus, geopolitical risks
Bloomberg
Oil prices opened 2026 steady, with Brent settling near $61 as a projected global supply surplus of 3.8 million barrels per day countered significant geopolitical instability. While WTI remained above $57, heavy selling in Asian markets reflected a seasonal demand lull. To address the looming glut, OPEC+ is expected to maintain supply pauses during their January 4 meeting. This projected oversupply acts as a buffer against production threats, including civil unrest in Iran, U.S. sanctions against Venezuelan exports, and ongoing infrastructure attacks in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, keeping markets balanced despite heightened regional tensions. [MDN: WTI for February delivery fell 0.2% to settle at $57.32.
Brent for March settlement dropped 0.2% to settle at $60.75. Struggling, but still in or near the $60s.]

Oil stuck in tug of war
Rigzone
Oil prices are currently locked in a “tug of war” as geopolitical volatility provides short-term support against a backdrop of persistent oversupply and weakening demand. Analysts from BofA, Enverus, and the EIA project that Brent crude will likely remain range-bound, averaging around $55 to $60 per barrel in 2026—a significant drop from 2025 levels. While rising inventories and OPEC+ production returns create near-term bearish pressure, some experts remain optimistic for the late 2020s. They anticipate a supply shortage driven by long-term underinvestment, potentially triggering a bullish price recovery after the projected 2026 surplus subsides. [MDN: Yeah, well, crystal balls predicting the future of oil prices are worth what you pay for. NOTHING. It’s all speculation that will change when something unforeseen happens. That’s how it works.]

Argentina’s shale boom propels it past Colombia in oil output
OilPrice.com
Argentina’s shale revolution, centered in the prolific Vaca Muerta formation, has propelled the nation’s oil production past Colombia, making it South America’s third-largest producer behind Brazil and Guyana. Driven by increased drilling efficiency and expanded pipeline capacity, Argentina’s output reached record levels in 2024, while Colombia’s production stagnated due to maturing fields and a lack of new exploration investment under recent policy shifts. This milestone underscores a regional shift in energy influence, as Argentina leverages its vast unconventional reserves to transition from a net importer to a significant regional exporter, fundamentally altering South American energy dynamics and securing its economic future. [MDN: Argentina is tapping its shale due to the policies of its Trump-like President, Javier Milei. The country is a perfect example of what happens when democratic (small “d”) and capitalistic policies reign.]

Energy transition meltdown could mean global bifurcation
CO2 Coalition
In his article for the CO2 Coalition, Vijay Jayaraj argues that 2025 marked the end of corporate “climate theater” as industry leaders abandoned the pretense of a “green transition.” He contends that the collapse of net-zero goals and the Paris Agreement has led to a “global bifurcation.” While Western nations struggle with economic self-harm caused by climate mandates, a burgeoning “Energy Realist” bloc—led by the U.S., Japan, and developing nations—is prioritizing hydrocarbons and nuclear power. Ultimately, Jayaraj asserts that the “climate industrial complex” is dissolving as reality-based energy economics take precedence over ideological climate dogma. [MDN: Excellent insights into what’s really happening—that the net-zero cabal is crumbling before our eyes. Yet lamestream media refuses to acknowledge it.]

Anti-energy threats still abound
Institute for Energy Research
The article argues that despite recent deregulatory progress under the Trump administration, significant “anti-energy” threats persist at federal, state, and international levels. It highlights efforts by Democrats to implement the “Frack Pack” to tighten drilling regulations and international moves toward carbon taxes and climate adaptation funding. The author contends that these policies prioritize net-zero goals over affordability, ultimately harming the environment by pushing production to countries with lower standards. Additionally, the piece warns against state-level litigation and legislation aimed at phasing out fossil fuels, emphasizing that continued vigilance is necessary to protect reliable, domestic energy production. [MDN: Yes, net-zero is crumbling. But its advocates aren’t done fighting just yet. We must remain vigilant in defeating this nonsense.]