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Monthly Archives: August 2015

Will Congress Repeal The Crude Oil Export Ban?

Congress imposed a ban on US crude oil during the oil shocks of the 1970s in a move to get some control of gasoline prices. But U.S. crude oil production increased 74 percent from 2008 through 2014, leading to a glut domestically, where crude oil is selling at a discount relative to world prices.

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Obama: “American Energy Revolution” Underway

On Monday, President Obama said there’s “an American energy revolution” underway, expanded his push for greater renewable energy adoption, and announced fresh financial incentives for development and use of solar power. Speaking at the National Clean Energy Summit in Las Vegas, Obama said fossil fuel proponents who say renewable energy is too expensive are being proven wrong as solar and wind become cheaper. “For decades, we’ve been told that it doesn’t make sense to switch to renewable energy,” he said. “Today, that’s no longer true.”

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‘Stop trying to scare Ohioans,’ PUCO chief tells power companies

Ohio power company executives have been questioning the state’s deregulated energy model, expressing concerns over whether they can keep the lights on. But the new chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio says the industry will be fine – if only those in the energy business would stop alarming the public.

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Delaware Refinery Fire May Impact Gas Prices

A key gasoline-making unit at PBF Energy Inc.’s 182,200-barrel-per-day Delaware City, Delaware, refinery is expected to be shut down for at least a month — and possibly much longer — after an explosion and fire last Friday.

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Judge Approves NJ Exxon Settlement

New Jersey’s $225 million settlement with ExxonMobil over dozens of polluted sites is a reasonable compromise considering the substantial legal risks the state faced, a judge ruled Tuesday in approving a deal that Gov. Chris Christie’s administration called historic and opponents called a sell-out. The state originally sought $8.9 billion. Environmental groups said they plan to appeal, although they will need an appeals court to permit their intervention in the case first.

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DEP to Host Public Hearing on Air Quality Plan for Proposed Power Plant in Lackawanna County

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will host a public hearing about a proposed natural gas power plant in the Borough of Jessup, Lackawanna County. The meeting will take place from 6-9 P.M. on Wednesday, September 2, 2015 at Valley View High School, 1 Columbus Drive, Archbald, PA 18403.

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PUC Responds to Oil Train Report

In response to the release of a final report and assessment of Crude by Rail safety in Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) underscored its commitment to rail safety efforts and vowed ongoing cooperation with the Wolf Administration and General Assembly in addressing the recommendations outlined in the report.

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False Start, Override Votes Fail, Back to Square One?

Late last week, and for a day or so this week, it appeared that the ice blocking a budget solution might melt a bit. Governor Wolf and legislative leaders had discussed a pension reform proposal from Wolf along with Republican promises of increased education funding. GOP legislators had hoped Wolf would agree to the ideas, to kick start further budget talks, but on Tuesday, Wolf said he needed more time to sort out questions about potential savings tied to the pension overhaul and wanted additional items put on the negotiating agenda.

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House Introduces Three Energy Related Bills before Summer Recess

During the last week in July, House members introduced two bills focused on bioenergy technology and a third bill aimed at limiting the EPA’s ability to set cellulosic mandates.

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Secretary Moniz Issues Statement on Clean Power Plan

Shortly after the EPA released the final rule on greenhouse gas emissions, Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz released the following statement in support of the Administration’s vision.

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