MDN’s Energy Stories of Interest: Wed, Jan 14, 2026 [FREE ACCESS]

OTHER U.S. REGIONS: New York nuclear renaissance; NATIONAL: U.S. natural gas edges up on coming weather; IPAA boss highlights ‘challenging price environment’; Climate alarmism’s credibility sinks under weight of ecological evidence; U.S. fossil donors ‘pissed’ at Trump, mock him behind his back; INTERNATIONAL: Oil surges as Iran tensions fuel supply risk; Iran releases oil tanker seized in 2024.

OTHER U.S. REGIONS

New York nuclear renaissance
Pragmatic Environmentalist of New York
Governor Hochul’s proposal to develop five gigawatts of new nuclear capacity in New York is a necessary but insufficient step toward a zero-emission grid. Roger Caiazza and Richard Ellenbogen argue that while nuclear provides essential baseload power, this “too little, too late” initiative cannot meet the Climate Act’s 2040 mandate due to decade-long construction timelines and supply chain hurdles. They emphasize a looming reliability crisis as margins disappear and existing plants retire. Ultimately, the authors call for a pause in Climate Act implementation to reassess schedules and prioritize dispatchable nuclear resources over intermittent wind and solar energy. [MDN: We’re quickly heading for blackouts here in the so-called Empire State, and it’s all due to Democrat fantasies about renewable energy.]

NATIONAL

U.S. natural gas edges up on coming weather
Wall Street Journal
U.S. natural gas futures managed to maintain their recent gains, settling 0.3% higher at $3.419/mmBtu despite a choppy trading session driven by conflicting market signals. While an approaching weather system and a significant cold snap expected early next week are boosting near-term seasonal demand, the EIA simultaneously lowered its first-quarter Henry Hub spot price estimate to $3.38/mmBtu. This downward revision reflects a broader expectation for milder-than-normal January temperatures, which the EIA anticipates will cap consumption during the typical peak period for space heating. [MDN: Inching higher each day toward the $3.50 line. You can make it, you can make it, you can…]

IPAA boss highlights ‘challenging price environment’
Rigzone
In a statement to Rigzone, Edith Naegele, CEO of the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA), emphasized that American independent oil and gas producers are currently navigating a difficult price environment. Despite these challenges, Naegele reinforced the industry’s commitment to energy security and economic stability. Complementing this perspective, market reports from J.P. Morgan and the EIA indicate a downward trend for WTI and Brent crude prices, forecasting significant decreases throughout 2026. While Saxo Bank identifies potential technical resistance levels, the IPAA remains focused on advocating for its members, who manage the vast majority of U.S. onshore production. [MDN: Yeah, well, these drillers are smart. They’ll figure out this “difficult price environment.” They always do.]

Climate alarmism’s credibility sinks under weight of ecological evidence
CO2 Coalition
Vijay Jayaraj argues that the “climate emergency” narrative is collapsing as empirical data contradict predictions of ecological ruin. Highlighting significant forest expansion in nations like China and India, alongside rebounding polar bear and tiger populations, the author contends that biodiversity remains resilient. A 2025 study further suggests extinction rates are declining, while record crop yields—bolstered by CO2—defy Malthusian famine fears. Jayaraj concludes that industrialization facilitates environmental protection, suggesting alarmist rhetoric persists primarily to maintain political control. Consequently, global voters are increasingly rejecting net-zero mandates in favor of energy sanity and economic reality. [MDN: Ever so gradually, more and more people are waking up to the fact that they have been lied to for decades by the scaremongers of the environmental left. Older hippies will never admit they were wrong to believe this pap, but younger people who don’t have a vested interest in protecting their reputations are changing sides and leaving the scaremongers behind. Welcome to rational thought!]

U.S. fossil donors ‘pissed’ at Trump, mock him behind his back
Energi Media
Donald Trump’s plan to revitalize Venezuela’s oil industry following a military raid has sparked backlash from domestic fossil fuel donors. Texas shale executives feel betrayed, fearing a global supply surge will crash prices below profitable levels for American fracking. While Trump envisions U.S. firms rebuilding Venezuelan infrastructure, major companies like ExxonMobil remain skeptical due to past asset seizures, leading Trump to threaten their exclusion. This tension highlights a growing rift between the administration’s drive for lower energy costs and the financial interests of the oil barons who bankrolled Trump’s return to power, with many questioning their investment. [MDN: Some unrest in the oil industry over a revitalized Venezuela. This article names some names of those pitching stones at Trump: Kirk Edwards, CEO of Latigo Petroleum; Dan Pickering, founder of Pickering Energy Partners; Darren Woods, CEO of ExxonMobil. Maybe there aren’t all that many after all, as the article claims.]

INTERNATIONAL

Oil surges as Iran tensions fuel supply risk
Bloomberg/Rigzone
Oil prices reached a two-month peak, with WTI settling at $61.15 and Brent at $65.47, as escalating tensions between President Trump and Iran sparked fears of supply disruptions. Trump’s support for Iranian protesters and threats of 25% tariffs on Iran’s trading partners have heightened geopolitical risks, potentially jeopardizing the nation’s 3.3 million barrels-per-day output. These developments, alongside supply issues in Kazakhstan and US intervention in Venezuela, have caught bearish traders off guard. While analysts suggest long-term supply remains strong, the immediate threat to energy flows has driven record bullish options trading and increased spot differentials as 2026 begins. [MDN: And there you are. Back in the $60s again for both WTI and Brent.]

Iran releases oil tanker seized in 2024
Bloomberg/Rigzone
Iran has released the oil tanker St Nikolas, which was seized a year ago in retaliation for the U.S. confiscating Iranian oil. Satellite imagery confirmed the vessel’s arrival off the coast of Oman on January 10, with its crew reported to be in good health. This release occurs amid escalating geopolitical tensions, as President Trump recently threatened intervention following a deadly domestic crackdown in Iran. Additionally, the U.S. has imposed 25% tariffs on nations trading with Tehran. Despite the ship’s tracking system remaining partially inoperable, its return marks a significant development in the ongoing maritime standoff. [MDN: Interesting how murdering thug dictator bullies react when threatened by someone who means it. The mullahs stole an oil tanker on sleepy Joe Biden’s watch. They’re returning it under spine-of-steel Donald Trump’s watch.]