MDN’s Energy Stories of Interest: Wed, Aug 6, 2025 [FREE ACCESS]
MARCELLUS/UTICA REGION: Pa. and other states scramble to complete renewable energy projects before tax credits expire; Business, education leaders agree – natgas is key to unlocking AI opportunities; OTHER U.S. REGIONS: Draft NYS energy plan pathways scenario scam; NATIONAL: Forecasts remind it’s still summer, and natural gas futures respond with gains; Natural gas continues to look for a reason to bounce; Science isn’t enough…only spiritual transformation can save the environment; President’s EPA rollbacks jeopardize our warming planet and its wary people; U.S. electricity peak demand set new records twice in July; U.S. petchem margins are coming back; U.S. LNG feedgas demand could be heading higher this year; INTERNATIONAL: Oil sinks as Russia mulls truce deal; Aramco profit falls for 10th straight quarter; UN reports misrepresent cost of wind and solar power; UN chief says fossil fuels are on the way out—are they?
MARCELLUS/UTICA REGION
Pa. and other states scramble to complete renewable energy projects before tax credits expire
Pennsylvania Capital-Star/Alex Brown
States like Pennsylvania are rushing to complete renewable energy projects before federal tax credits, established under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, expire due to a new law signed by President Donald Trump on July 4, 2025. The law terminates the 30% investment tax credit and production credits for clean energy projects, requiring projects to start construction by July 4, 2026, and be operational by the end of 2027 to qualify. This abrupt change threatens wind and solar projects, potentially increasing electricity costs for consumers, with estimates suggesting a 9-18% rate hike by 2035. State officials are fast-tracking permitting and grid connections to meet deadlines, while industry leaders note that market demand for electricity, driven by electrification and data centers, will continue to favor renewables despite the loss of credits. However, the phaseout may shift investments to states with strong clean energy mandates, potentially impacting Republican-led states. [MDN: The squealing pigs who suck the government teat are now scrambling to build their bird-killing windmills and ugly solar farms. We sincerely hope Republicans put every roadblock possible in place to slow it down and stop it—just like they do to us. The shoe is now on the other foot. How do you like wearing it, lefties?]
Business, education leaders agree – natgas is key to unlocking AI opportunities
Marcellus Shale Coalition
At a business luncheon hosted by the Marcellus Shale Coalition, Pennsylvania College of Technology, and the Williamsport-Lycoming Chamber of Commerce, regional leaders emphasized the pivotal role of Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry in supporting the digital economy, particularly in meeting the energy demands of artificial intelligence (AI) and hyperscale data centers. With over 100 attendees, the event underscored how natural gas, described as a clean and abundant resource, is essential for powering AI-driven technologies and ensuring grid reliability amidst growing infrastructure needs in northcentral and northeast Pennsylvania. Speakers highlighted the region’s advantages, including a ready workforce, abundant water, and available land, positioning it to capitalize on billions in data center investments. The discussion also stressed aligning workforce training with evolving energy and technology demands to seize economic opportunities. The Marcellus Shale Coalition announced a new Power Generation, AI, and Data Center Committee to foster collaboration on these emerging sectors. [MDN: AI is the future. AI needs LOTS of natural gas to produce electricity. AI and Marcellus natural gas are joined at the hip.]
OTHER U.S. REGIONS
Draft NYS energy plan pathways scenario scam
Pragmatic Environmentalist of New York/Roger Caiazza
The article critiques the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s (NYSERDA) Draft Energy Plan Pathways Analysis, arguing it conceals the true costs of achieving the Climate Leadership & Community Protection Act’s (Climate Act) net-zero targets. The author, Roger Caiazza, claims NYSERDA’s “No Action” scenario misleadingly includes legacy emission reduction programs, underestimating the costs of climate-driven initiatives. The analysis projects $120 billion annually in energy system investments through 2040, equating to over $1,200 per household monthly, much of which Caiazza attributes to net-zero mandates like renewable energy and electrification goals. He argues that NYSERDA, influenced by the Hochul Administration, avoids a true baseline scenario excluding all climate policies, despite legal provisions allowing modifications for affordability and reliability. Caiazza calls for legislative action to demand transparency in accounting for Climate Act costs, warning that the current approach repeats past underestimations from the Scoping Plan. [MDN: Both feet have already gone over the cliff-edge in NY State with respect to the Big Green energy plan. It is a complete disaster, and that’s becoming more evident every day.]
NATIONAL
Forecasts remind it’s still summer, and natural gas futures respond with gains
NGI’s Daily Gas Price Index/Jodi Shafto
Natural gas futures bounced back Tuesday amid volatile trading, reclaiming the $3.00/MMBtu threshold after prior-day losses that appeared overdone, despite steady fundamentals. September natural gas futures settled Tuesday at $3.010/MMBtu, up 7.8 cents. The contract climbed as high as $3.041 but failed to hold, retreating to a session low of $2.929. Meanwhile, NGI’s Spot Gas National Avg. was up 7.0 cents day/day at $2.635. “Yesterday’s natural gas price drop came at a perilous time,” said EBW Analytics Group senior analyst Eli Rubin. “There are few near-term bullish catalysts, ample bearish cover from high-level storage surpluses and weak Henry Hub physical realizations, and technicals continue to point in a bearish direction.” [MDN: The NYMEX closed just above $3. Good. But we’re far from being out of the woods. The price may well slip back down below $3 in the near future. Keep a close eye on it.]
Natural gas continues to look for a reason to bounce
FX Empire/Christopher Lewis
The natural gas market is experiencing persistent downward pressure, struggling to find momentum for a recovery, as outlined in the FXEmpire article published on August 5, 2025. Despite a slight rally, the market remains volatile around the $3 price level, with traders facing resistance at this threshold. A breakout above $3 could target $3.20, while a drop below $2.80 might signal a collapse toward $2.50. The article notes a potential “death cross” as the 50-day EMA approaches the 200-day EMA, indicating bearish sentiment, compounded by resistance from a previous uptrend line. Seasonal factors, including low heating and air conditioning demand, contribute to the market’s stagnation. The author, a seasoned trader, suggests shorting rallies showing exhaustion, anticipating continued noise until fall and winter increase demand. Investors are advised to conduct due diligence, as the content is for educational purposes and not a direct recommendation. [MDN: This is a good view into the mind of a gas trader and how they see the price tracking.]
Science isn’t enough…only spiritual transformation can save the environment
Pittsburgh (PA) Post-Gazette/Michael Coren
In his Pittsburgh Post-Gazette op-ed, Michael Coren reflects on the profound influence of Joanna Macy, a Buddhist scholar and environmental activist who died at 96, emphasizing her approach to addressing climate despair through spiritual transformation. Coren shares his experience meditating in Cambodia, which shaped his journalistic perspective, and connects it to Macy’s teachings that integrate Buddhism, systems theory, and deep ecology. Macy’s “Work That Reconnects” framework encourages acknowledging ecological grief to foster empowerment and action, viewing humans as part of an interconnected web of life. Her ideas have influenced global discussions, from protests to Pope Francis’ environmental encyclical. Coren argues that science alone cannot solve the climate crisis; Macy’s spiritual approach, which embraces love for the Earth and collective action, offers a path to overcome despair and inspire meaningful change, urging a shift from inaction to a hopeful, engaged response to environmental challenges. [MDN: We can quickly sum up the column this way: If you don’t believe us and our debunked theories on man-made, catastrophic global warming, then the only solution is to brainwash you. You must abandon science to save the planet. Folks, these people are DESPERATE. It’s a sign they’re losing.]
President’s EPA rollbacks jeopardize our warming planet and its wary people
Philadelphia (PA) Inquirer/Editorial Board
The editorial criticizes President Donald Trump’s administration for undermining the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by rolling back dozens of federal regulations aimed at protecting air and water quality, prioritizing cost-cutting and industry interests over public health. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, appointed to dismantle rather than support the agency’s mission, has eliminated the Office of Research and Development (ORD), which conducted rigorous scientific assessments through its Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS), often leading to stricter regulations opposed by chemical and oil industries. This move, alongside a 23% reduction in EPA staff, severely limits the agency’s ability to address environmental risks like chloroprene pollution. The administration’s actions, including firing 400 scientists and cutting research grants, reflect a disregard for scientific consensus, fostering a culture of fear among EPA employees. The editorial urges the public to focus on these critical changes rather than distractions, emphasizing the need to protect environmental regulations in America. [MDN: Again, desperate lefties. This is all they’ve got. They outright LIE about the EPA and what’s happening. No critical protections are being taken away. Swamp dwellers are being removed (which is a good thing). This column is Nazi-level propaganda aimed at trying to overthrow the Trump administration (they would make Joseph Goebbels proud). You can safely ignore anything the Inquirer prints, and you can cancel your subscription, if you still have one.]
U.S. electricity peak demand set new records twice in July
U.S. Energy Information Administration – Today in Energy
In late July 2025, electricity demand in the Lower 48 states broke records on two consecutive days, reaching 758,053 megawatts (MW) on July 28 and 759,180 MW on July 29, surpassing the previous peak of 745,020 MW set on July 15, 2024. The surge was driven by hot weather increasing cooling needs, combined with a broader trend of rising electricity demand. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Short-Term Energy Outlook, U.S. electricity demand is projected to grow at an annual rate of just over 2% in 2025 and 2026, a shift from the relatively flat demand seen before 2020. Growth is particularly strong in regions like Texas and Northern Virginia, where large data centers and manufacturing facilities are planned. The coincident peak demand reflects a simultaneous snapshot across the Lower 48 states, though regional peaks may occur at different times. [MDN: More electricity has to come from somewhere. Natural gas is keeping the lights on.]
U.S. petchem margins are coming back
RBN Energy
After languishing at very weak levels for the past six months, ethylene steam cracker (petchem) margins are clawing their way back to respectable territory. As shown in the right graph below, the petchem margin on ethane feedstocks is back to almost 20.0 c/lb, rebounding from 10 c/lb in May. Over the same timeframe, propane moved up from negative 11 c/lb (when a short squeeze triggered by tariff threats pushed the spot price of propane to almost $1/gal.) up to positive 11 c/lb on Friday. Average petchem margins for 2025 remain slightly below 2024 (left graph), but for ethane and natural gasoline are well above 2023. One of the key drivers of the higher margins is the price of ethylene, which has ramped up to 27 c/lb today after averaging 20 c/lb since April. [MDN: This is good news for drillers that sell NGLs, but not so good news for ethane cracker plants, like Shell.]
U.S. LNG feedgas demand could be heading higher this year
RBN Energy/Lisa Shidler
The U.S. LNG sector is poised for a robust second half of 2025, driven by significant developments at key facilities. Plaquemines LNG hit a record high, with feedgas volumes reaching nearly 3 Bcf/d, and all 18 blocks are expected to be operational by year-end, potentially achieving a peak output of 3.5 to 4 Bcf/d, exceeding initial expectations. Venture Global has requested FERC approval to increase the terminal’s capacity. Meanwhile, Corpus Christi LNG has recovered from pipeline maintenance, resuming strong feedgas flows. The Golden Pass LNG terminal, a long-awaited project, began receiving small but consistent feedgas volumes on July 23, marking its commissioning phase, though it is not yet supplying LNG trains. These advancements signal a promising outlook for U.S. LNG production, with increased capacity and operational milestones expected to bolster output in the coming months. [MDN: It’s a foregone conclusion that there will be more feedgas demand as new facilities, like Golden Pass, come online. Good news for M-U drillers that sell gas to the Gulf Coast area.]
INTERNATIONAL
Oil sinks as Russia mulls truce deal
Bloomberg/M. Gindis, C. Cartier, A. Longley
Oil prices declined for the fourth consecutive session, with West Texas Intermediate crude falling 1.7% to around $65 a barrel, driven by reports that Russia is considering concessions, such as a pause on air strikes against Ukraine, to avoid U.S. President Donald Trump’s threatened secondary sanctions. The Kremlin is weighing options ahead of an August 8 deadline for a potential truce, with Trump also contemplating blacklisting Russia’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers if no ceasefire is reached. Despite a brief recovery from intraday lows, market uncertainty persists due to Trump’s tariff threats against India for purchasing Russian crude, alongside complex factors like Chinese oil storage and global supply dynamics. OPEC’s recent output hike and forecasts of oversupply add further pressure, while commodity traders are selling off positions, contributing to the price slide. However, BP and Saudi Aramco report sustained oil demand, particularly from gasoline and jet fuel in the U.S. and China. [MDN: Lovin’ life in the $60s. WTI for September delivery dropped 1.7% to $65.16 a barrel. Brent for October settlement dropped 1.6% to $67.64 a barrel. Keep it comin’.]
Aramco profit falls for 10th straight quarter
Bloomberg/Anthony Di Paola
Saudi Aramco reported a 19% drop in net income to $22.8 billion for the second quarter, marking its 10th consecutive quarterly profit decline, driven by lower oil prices despite increased production. The results fell short of analysts’ expectations, with free cash flow of $15.2 billion insufficient to cover the $21.36 billion dividend, leading to a rise in net debt to $30.8 billion and a gearing ratio increase to 6.5%. The company plans to maintain its $52-58 billion capital expenditure target and is exploring new debt instruments to support its financial strategy. Despite reduced dividends from 2022’s high profits, Aramco’s payout remains a strain on its balance sheet, impacting Saudi government revenues amid ambitious economic diversification plans. While Aramco boosts output to nearly 10 million barrels daily by September, fragile market conditions and a projected global oil surplus pose challenges, though CEO Amin Nasser remains optimistic about rising oil demand in 2025. [MDN: This we love to see. Aramco is, essentially, the country of Saudi Arabia. The less money the thug dictators of that country receive, the less mischief they can make around the world.]
UN reports misrepresent cost of wind and solar power
Institute for Energy Research
Two United Nations reports claim renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, has become cheaper and more widespread, with solar 41% and wind 53% less costly than the cheapest fossil fuel, based on an International Renewable Energy Agency report. However, these figures misrepresent true costs by excluding expenses for backup generation, like storage batteries or reliable coal, gas, or nuclear plants, needed when wind and solar are unavailable. Subsidies, such as the U.S.’s $289.63 billion wind and $131.44 billion solar tax credits from 2025-2034, further distort costs, making renewables seem cheaper while burdening taxpayers. Despite 92.5% of new global electricity capacity in 2024 being renewable, their actual power output is significantly lower than fossil fuels or nuclear, which dominate with an 86.6% energy mix share. The reports also note fossil fuels receive higher consumption subsidies globally, but these differ from U.S.-style supply subsidies, and renewable growth hasn’t displaced fossil fuels as demand rises. [MDN: In other words, these UN reports lie. Gee, color us surprised.]
UN chief says fossil fuels are on the way out—are they?
Forbes/Scott Montgomery
In a recent speech, UN General Secretary António Guterres claimed that fossil fuels are “running out of road,” heralding a new era of renewables, efficiency, and electrification, as outlined in a new UN report. He asserted that wind and solar are now cheaper, displacing fossil fuels and ensuring energy security. However, in 2024, fossil fuels and biomass accounted for 82.4% of global energy, with solar and wind at 6.1%, and non-carbon sources, including hydro and nuclear, at 18%. While renewables are growing rapidly, they primarily meet new energy demand rather than displacing fossil fuels globally. In Europe, non-carbon sources dominate electricity, but in the U.S., cheap natural gas drives coal’s decline. China’s coal use persists despite renewable growth, with new coal plants under construction. Energy security remains complex due to geopolitical issues and reliance on critical minerals, suggesting fossil fuels will remain significant amidst evolving global energy dynamics. [MDN: António Guterres is a fraud and a pompous a$$. The UN stopped being a worthy-to-spend-money-on organization. We should leave the UN and kick it’s HQ out of New York City.]