EXTRACTED: Daily News Clips 10/9/26

(Note to readers: The next edition of “Extracted” will be published on Tuesday, Oct. 13.)

PIPELINE NEWS

• Iowa Capital Dispatch: Summit pushes for utilities commission action on outstanding pipeline dockets

• KTVO: Iowa landowners protest Iowa Utilities Commission’s orders regarding Summit Carbon Solutions’ pipeline project & Dunwell’s appointment

• KCCI: Iowa Utilities Commission appointee faces scrutiny over pipeline voting record

• Gasworld: Summit faces fresh Iowa CO2 pipeline permitting setback

• Pipeline Fighters Hub: Iowa Landowners Call Out IUC Appointee and Recent Intervention Denials, Announce Property Rights Candidate Questionnaire

• Nebraska Easement Action Team: View Recording: Nebraska Landowners Meeting (Oct. 7): Summit Carbon Pipeline – Know Your Rights

• Press release: Larsen: New B.C. Oil Pipeline is “Not Ready for Prime Time”

• San Juan Insider: Washington residents urged to oppose Pacific Link Pipeline and supertankers in the Salish Sea

• Calgary Herald: Energy executives confident new West Coast pipeline gets built: survey

• Bloomberg: First Nation Files Legal Challenge to Canada Pipeline Project

• Canadian Press: Cold Lake First Nations seeks judicial review of Pacific Link pipeline designation

• WTVF: Who benefits from a proposed 53-mile pipeline? Kentucky farmers say they still have questions

• KFF Health News: ‘We Are Seen as Disposable’: Rural Residents Fight a Proposed Gas Pipeline

• Boston University Daily Free Press: Healey backs natural gas pipeline expansion, prompting pushback from local climate activists

• Bloomberg: Kinder Morgan Lifts Force Majeure on US-Mexico Gas Pipeline

• Reuters: Enbridge Texas Eastern natgas pipeline sees Kentucky pipe back in early November

WASHINGTON UPDATES

• Politico: Permitting deal is a big deal — and faces a test in the House

• Reuters: Trump’s moves to boost diesel supplies have not yet lowered prices

• The Hill: Trump exempts oil exploration in Arctic petroleum reserve from environmental reviews

• Politico: DOJ defends ESA ‘harm’ rule repeal in court

• Reuters: US SEC will not pursue charges against climate group, warns of disclosure obligations

• Bloomberg: Data Centers Pitched as Less Thirsty Than Farms in Message Pivot

STATE UPDATES

• Law360: Texas Justices Push Exxon On Explosion Suit Coverage Bid

• Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA): Water-intensive hydrogen and carbon capture buildout not included in Texas’ 2027 State Water Plan

• Inside Climate News: Maryland Demands Answers as Fuel Leak Persists From Joint Base Andrews

• Inside Climate News: In Harrisburg, Advocates Rally for Tougher Rules on Fracking

• Sierra Club Santa Barbara – Ventura: Hands Across the Sand: A Resounding “No” to Offshore Oil

EXTRACTION

• DeSmog: Chevron Gave $150K to Bay Area Group Accused of Using AI to Fight Heat Pump Rule

• Reuters: Devon Energy to sell Eagle Ford assets to Crescent Energy for $4.2 billion

OPINION

• Chilkat Valley News: Trump should pipe down with the pipeline lies

• Symons Says: This is not the permit reform deal that was advertised
  

PIPELINE NEWS

Iowa Capital Dispatch: Summit pushes for utilities commission action on outstanding pipeline dockets
Cami Koons, 10’/8/26

“The Iowa Utilities Commission has denied a request from Summit Carbon Solutions, the company seeking to build a carbon sequestration pipeline in Iowa, to consolidate outstanding dockets and schedule a hearing,” the Iowa Capital Dispatch reports. “The IUC issued hearing schedules for two sections of pipeline in the company’s second phase of the project, but denied Summit’s request to combine the dockets. The IUC did not rule on the remaining dockets for phase 2, which could still be consolidated in the future, as Summit has requested… “Even if this Commission’s answer is ultimately no—though we see no reason why that would be the case, giving the Commission’s prior rulings—further delay on the bare minimum process (setting a hearing) will irreparably harm Iowa’s reputation,” the company wrote in the request for consolidation… “Summit said the drawn-out process is harming the ethanol industry and farmers who want access to the low-carbon biofuel markets the carbon sequestration pipeline would open up… “Colleen Tucker, a landowner from Mitchell County, addressed commissioners during public comments at a meeting Thursday and said it was “incredibly bold and frankly offensive” for Summit to speak on behalf of landowners in its filing. Tucker said the IUC is not responsible for Summit’s investments and that the company’s investment in the project “doesn’t give the company a regulatory shortcut or a cut to the front of the line.” “…Landowners gathered Thursday ahead of the Iowa Utilities Commission’s first monthly public meeting with its newest commissioner, Jon Dunwell, who was appointed Monday by Gov. Kim Reynolds. Those gathered, in their signature red shirts, said they were opposed to the recent appointment and argued Dunwell’s past as a legislator made him partial in the pipeline issue… “The landowner group said they have sent out surveys to all of the candidates running in state, federal and local races to ask them about property rights.”

KTVO: Iowa landowners protest Iowa Utilities Commission’s orders regarding Summit Carbon Solutions’ pipeline project & Dunwell’s appointment
Elizabeth Shores, 10/8/26

“On the morning of Oct. 8 in Des Moines, a group of landowners protested the appointment of former State Rep. Jon Dunwell to the Iowa Utilities Commission (IUC) and voiced concerns about Summit Carbon Solutions’ attempt to use eminent domain to obtain land for its carbon dioxide pipeline,” KTVO reports. “…The landowners say, “Over the past two weeks, the IUC issued orders denying Iowa landowners the ability to intervene in the permitting process.” They also argue that Summit’s push to fast-track pipeline plans is premature, and say pre-existing permit issues need to be resolved before the company can schedule permit hearings in Floyd and Ida Counties. Also among the protestors’ concerns: health and liability issues, as well as how Dunwell’s appointment could affect them, since he voted against a bill that would eliminate eminent domain for Summits’ pipeline earlier this year. They say it’s evidence of Governor Kim Reynolds “stacking the deck with pro-eminent domain people.” “How impartial can he be when he’s already had a chance to vote yea or nay? What are his qualifications? What’s his background? He’s a pastor, but does he have any qualifications in utilities management? Because of his past on the legislature and his ability to vote, I believe it’s a conflict of interest,” said Kathy Carter, a resident in Floyd County. Overall, they argue that the IUC and Summit are both being hypocritical in how they handle proceedings and have made it difficult for landowners to participate in them. They’re accusing Summit of wanting to use eminent domain, because of the difficulty it’s had getting signatures from landowners.”

KCCI: Iowa Utilities Commission appointee faces scrutiny over pipeline voting record
10/8/26

“Former state representative Jon Dunwell attended his first Iowa Utilities Commission meeting Thursday after being appointed by Gov. Kim Reynolds to fill a vacancy on the three-member commission. Landowners opposed to Summit Carbon’s pipeline plans are criticizing Dunwell’s appointment, pointing to his voting record in the legislature,” KCCI reports. “We have been fighting for five years to get some legislation through. He has voted both directions on some of the bills. Most recently, he voted no on 2104, which is a very plain bill about eliminating eminent domain for carbon oxide pipelines,” said Floyd County landowner Kathy Carter… “The Iowa Utilities Commission told KCCI it has no comment on the landowners’ concerns regarding Dunwell.”

Gasworld: Summit faces fresh Iowa CO2 pipeline permitting setback
Charlie Currie, 10/9/26

“Iowa regulators have rejected Summit Carbon Solutions’ request to consolidate permitting proceedings for two sections of its planned carbon dioxide (CO2) pipeline, potentially prolonging the project’s regulatory uncertainty, according to local reports,” Gasworld reports. “…Iowa Capital Dispatch reported the Iowa Utilities Commission (IUC) rejected Summit’s request to consolidate permit cases but established separate hearing dates for two sub-five-mile sections of the pipeline in Ida and Floyd counties. Hearings are set for 23 February 2027 and 23 March 2027, respectively… “In its order, IUC pointed to a lawsuit over the project’s first permit as part of the larger picture affecting these cases, according to the report. The decision adds to a string of regulatory and legal setbacks for Summit, which has faced opposition over land access, eminent domain powers, and pipeline safety across its proposed Midwestern network… “However, ongoing legal challenges in Iowa and restrictions on the use of eminent domain for CO2 pipelines in South Dakota have complicated the original route. Summit is pursuing an alternative corridor through Nebraska to a potential storage site in Wyoming, while exploring utilisation opportunities including enhanced oil recovery… “The setbacks reflect wider challenges facing US CO2 transport infrastructure, with pipeline developers navigating differing state permitting requirements, landowner opposition, and disputes over eminent domain rights.”

Pipeline Fighters Hub: Iowa Landowners Call Out IUC Appointee and Recent Intervention Denials, Announce Property Rights Candidate Questionnaire
10/8/26

“On Thursday morning, ahead of the Iowa Utilities Commission (IUC) Meeting, landowners held a press conference to address recent happenings at the IUC,” the Pipeline Fighters Hub reports. “Over the past two weeks, the IUC issued orders denying Iowa landowners the ability to intervene in the permitting process and setting the hearing dates for proceedings in Ida and Floyd counties for February 23 and March 23, respectively. Currently, Summit has failed to obtain voluntary easements for nearly 77% of parcels on the Ida and Floyd routes. Landowners argued that no hearing should be scheduled while Summit’s original permit is being appealed in District Court and the company has failed to commit to a specific end location or end use for the carbon dioxide. Earlier this week, Governor Reynolds appointed former state representative Jon Dunwell to the IUC, a move landowners call one-sided and stacking the deck with pro-eminent domain people. As a legislator, Dunwell voted against a bill to remove the powers of eminent domain for carbon pipelines. Landowners also shared that they have been conducting a Property Rights Survey with candidates running for office and will release the results next week. The survey includes answers from candidates running for Governor, US Senate, US House, State Legislature and County Supervisor… “Watch the Property Rights Press Conference here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1JsJpbsFzc”

Nebraska Easement Action Team: View Recording: Nebraska Landowners Meeting (Oct. 7): Summit Carbon Pipeline – Know Your Rights
10/8/26

“Summit Carbon Solutions would have to use eminent domain to route a dangerous pipeline carrying carbon dioxide (CO2), a known asphyxiant, across the entire state of Nebraska. An attorney and organizers with the Nebraska Easement Action Team landowners’ legal co-op provide an overview of the project, explain landowners’ rights, and answer questions. The Nebraska Easement Action Team (NEAT), a project of Bold, works to educate landowners and to support organizing those who are opposed to eminent domain for private gain, providing property rights education, and strategic landowner legal challenges to proposed pipeline projects, including constitutional challenges and condemnation litigation.”

Press release: Larsen: New B.C. Oil Pipeline is “Not Ready for Prime Time”
10/7/26

“Last Friday, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) commented on the news that Canada is fast-tracking a new oil pipeline project that would increase oil tanker traffic in Larsen’s district: “This project is not ready for prime time, and speeding up the review process will only make that worse,” said Rep. Larsen in the Washington State Standard. “Canada’s plan to fast track this new oil pipeline project puts sensitive marine habitats at risk and raises the chance of a devastating spill occurring before the U.S. and Canada can put updated plans in place.” “,,,The people I represent have serious concerns about this new pipeline and how it could harm the Salish Sea,” continued Rep. Larsen. “They deserve answers to their questions and updated spill response plans that account for more oil tanker traffic, and I will keep fighting to get them both.” “…In July, Rep. Larsen sent a letter to Admiral Kevin E. Lunday, Commandant of the Coast Guard, to insist that the Coast Guard review and update its oil spill preparedness plans in light of the new proposed pipeline. Larsen also pressed Coast Guard officials on their awareness of the new Canadian pipeline and how it would implicate existing oil spill prevention plans at a committee hearing… “Northern Washington tribes, including the Lummi, Samish, Swinomish and Makah, strongly opposed a previous Canadian pipeline expansion. The tribes argue that the large increase in vessel traffic endangers their treaty rights and threatens vital fisheries.”

San Juan Insider: Washington residents urged to oppose Pacific Link Pipeline and supertankers in the Salish Sea
10/7/26

“A new petition being circulated by Friends of the San Juans is calling on Washington state to oppose Canada’s proposed Pacific Link pipeline (formerly called the West Coast Oil Pipeline) and the supertanker traffic it would bring to the Salish Sea,” San Juan Insider reports. “The pipeline would carry up to one million barrels of tar sands crude oil per day to a new export terminal at Roberts Bank, British Columbia, just north of the U.S.–Canada border. The terminal would load Very Large Crude Carriers, commonly known as supertankers, for export. A major oil spill, vessel casualty, or terminal accident would not stop at the border and Washington’s communities, Tribes, fisheries, public health, regional economies, marine ecosystems including critically endangered Southern Resident killer whales could suffer severe and lasting harm. “Washington must not be left to bear the risks and costs of another Canadian tar sands crude oil export project,” Eva Schulte Executive Director with Friends of the San Juans told the Insder. “State leaders must use every available legal and regulatory tool to oppose this proposal. If Canada allows it to proceed, Washington must demand binding, fully funded protections on both sides of the border.” “…Friends of the San Juans’ petition urges Governor Ferguson, Director Sixkiller, and state agencies to use every available regulatory, diplomatic, technical, and legal avenue to oppose the Pacific Link pipeline. Should the project proceed despite Washington’s opposition, the petition also asks Governor Ferguson and Director Sixkiller to insist on enforceable and fully funded conditions that prevent accidents, reduce shipping impacts and oil spill risks, and provide the resources needed to protect and respond to accidents and oil spills in Washington state.”

Calgary Herald: Energy executives confident new West Coast pipeline gets built: survey
Steven Wilhelm, 10/9/26

“Canada’s oilpatch appears to be headed for a growth spurt, with investors increasingly willing to bankroll expansion, according to a closely watched barometer of the industry,” the Calgary Herald reports. “The latest findings from ATB Cormark Capital Markets’ fall survey point to a major shift in sentiment from a year ago, perhaps fuelled by a growing belief that a new West Coast pipeline will be built… “Over 90 per cent of those surveyed expect the project to be built, a major improvement from last year, when there was considerable doubt it would even land on the federal major projects list. Most of those surveyed expressed confidence such projects as Pacific Link, Prairie Connector, and Ksi Lisims will be built. Prairie Connector, proposed by South Bow Corp., would run from Hardisty, Alta., to the Canada-U.S. border, helping more Alberta crude oil reach refineries in the Midwest. Ksi Lisims is a proposed liquefied natural gas export terminal on B.C.’s northern coast. The odd project out was Alberta and Ontario’s proposed Northern Shield pipeline from Hardisty, Alta., to Sarnia, with only one third of respondents believing it will go ahead… “The pipeline is one step closer, but what we haven’t heard yet is: are we going to see the increase in production that will be required to make sure that pipeline is full?” St-Arnaud told the Herald the price tag for increasing production to the levels required could be tens or hundreds of billions of dollars. The vast majority of producers surveyed — 96 per cent — are looking to boost their output in the next 12 months. Half of those executives expect their companies will spend more on exploration and development of new resources during that period.”

Bloomberg: First Nation Files Legal Challenge to Canada Pipeline Project
Laura Osman, 10/8/26

“A First Nation in northeastern Alberta is challenging the Canadian government’s decision to speed the regulatory approvals for a new west coast oil pipeline,” Bloomberg reports. “…Cold Lake First Nations says the government failed in its constitutional duty to consult with the community first. It has filed for a judicial review in federal court of the decision. The First Nation is “taking this step to protect our Treaty rights, our lands and the Nation’s interests for future generations,” Chief Kelsey Jacko said in a press release Thursday. The application is the first challenge to the government’s pipeline plan, called Pacific Link, though other Indigenous and environmental groups have said they are considering legal action as well… “Jacko said Cold Lake First Nations, located in the heart of the oil sands in northern Alberta, supports responsible resource development, but wants to be consulted about the long-term impacts of projects in the region… “Cold Lake is still open to working with the government on the project, Jacko said. “Responsibility to take the first step outside the courtroom now rests with Canada,” he said.”

Canadian Press: Cold Lake First Nations seeks judicial review of Pacific Link pipeline designation
10/8/26

“Cold Lake First Nations filed an application for judicial review in Federal Court on Thursday challenging Ottawa’s decision to designate the Pacific Link pipeline as a project in the national interest,” the Canadian Press reports. “…Cold Lake First Nations Chief Kelsey Jacko has told The Canadian Press his community was left out of consultations on the pipeline designation, despite the fact that his community is situated in the oilsands region. In an interview Thursday, Jacko said his community was left with no choice but to turn to the courts because the federal government and Carney have ignored their concerns. “I’m here to protect the best interests of my people and for the ones yet to come,” he told CP. “They’re going to use my backyard as a garbage dump.” In the application for judicial review, Cold Lake First Nations’ lawyers said the designation breached Canadian law and is inconsistent with the honour of the Crown… “The First Nation is asking the court to quash the national interest designation and to declare that Canada has a duty to consult with the community on the pipeline… “The Assembly of First Nations told The Canadian Press last week it had identified “many red flags” in the pipeline’s national interest designation and said the federal government appeared to be predetermining outcomes and approving projects in advance of meaningful consultations.”

WTVF: Who benefits from a proposed 53-mile pipeline? Kentucky farmers say they still have questions
Hannah McDonald, 10/8/26

“Firmon Cook has previously negotiated with utility companies over the use of his family’s farmland,” WTVF reports. “He told WTVF those conversations typically involved both sides working together to address concerns. But this time feels different. Cook’s 108-acre farm sits along the proposed route of a 53-mile natural gas pipeline being developed by the Pennyrile Regional Energy Agency (PREA)… “Like several other Kentucky landowners, Cook told WTVF he has spent more than two years trying to get answers about the project and what it will ultimately mean for his property. “It was sign this for a small amount of money or spend your money in court because we’re going to win; we’ll use eminent domain,” Cook told WTVF. “That didn’t sit very well.” “…The more we’ve learned about this project, it’s not going to benefit anyone in Kentucky,” Cook told WTVF. “No residents can use this supply, and it appears it’s probably destined for another state.” “…For Cook, the debate extends beyond a single pipeline. “Whether it’s a home, yard or anything, I mean it’s who gets to determine a justification for seizing someone’s property,” he told WTVF.

KFF Health News: ‘We Are Seen as Disposable’: Rural Residents Fight a Proposed Gas Pipeline
Fred Clasen-Kelly, 10/9/26

“…But in recent months, Enbridge Gas North Carolina’s proposed plans for a natural gas pipeline have exposed how population growth, here and across the nation, is driving a divide between wealthy newcomers and longtime residents,” KFF Health News reports. “…Yet the pipeline would run from Moncure to Siler City, two communities where the per capita income is roughly $25,000 a year, or about half the income typical for the region… “In September, the Chatham County Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to oppose the project, saying that “protecting public health, safety, environmental resources, and private property rights remains a priority.” The resolution states that the proposed pipeline could affect areas occupied by vulnerable, low-income residents. Under state law, Enbridge could still attempt to take land through eminent domain, and low-income communities affected would have fewer resources available to fight back… “Many residents believe the company is attempting to profit from a proposed data center, which many also oppose… “They chose this route because they probably thought people would not fight back…In rural communities, we are seen as disposable,” Amanda Clark, a protest organizer who grew up in Chatham, told KFF. “…No Pipeline. No Compromise,” read the red T-shirts worn by some of the more than 300 people who attended a Chatham County Board of Commissioners meeting in Pittsboro, North Carolina, in early August. Outside the building, they displayed signs that said “People NOT Pipelines” and “Save Our Farms.”

Boston University Daily Free Press: Healey backs natural gas pipeline expansion, prompting pushback from local climate activists
Anna Gohman, 10/8/26

“Gov. Maura Healey urged the Trump administration to expedite the federal review and permitting for a natural gas pipeline in a letter sent to the U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright earlier this month,” Boston University Daily Free Press reports. “…Healey said the expansion of the Algonquin gas pipeline, known as the Reliable Affordable Resilient Enhancement Project, is expected to provide gas to 600,000 customers and save them a combined $40 million each year, according to a press release… “In response to Healey’s attempt to collaborate with the Trump administration in expanding fossil fuel production, climate activists and environmental groups have expressed concerns about what Massachusetts residents actually want. Jamie McGonagill, media and messaging coordinator for the Boston chapter of climate activism group Extinction Rebellion, told the Free Press she feels the governor is “betraying the base that elected her” by shifting from a focus on clean energy to embracing fossil fuels. “The people of Massachusetts don’t want this pipeline expansion,” she told the Free Press. “It’s being sold to them as a solution using twisted facts and untruths.” XR Boston protested Oct. 1 outside the Northeast Energy and Commerce Association 2026 Fuels Conference, called “A Return to All of the Above,” where fossil fuel industry leaders and representatives discussed New England’s energy and fuel security challenges.”

Bloomberg: Kinder Morgan Lifts Force Majeure on US-Mexico Gas Pipeline
Julian Hast and Scott Squires, 10/8/26

“Kinder Morgan Inc. is restoring natural gas shipments on its Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co. to Mexico after making repairs that triggered a force majeure earlier this week,” Bloomberg reports. “Tennessee Gas has resolved issues identified on Oct. 5 that forced the company to isolate and shut some sections of pipe, including the Rio Bravo and Cenagas delivery meters, according to a filing. The force majeure declaration a day later sparked renewed concerns in Mexico about the nation’s dependence on US gas supplies. Even a small hiccup in US-to-Mexico gas flows can have dire consequences for an electric grid heavily reliant on its northern neighbor’s production of the fuel. Roughly 75% of Mexico’s gas comes from Texas, making the country the biggest overall buyer of US supplies… “In the event of outages, Mexico only has about three days of gas supplies in reserves, Cuitlahuac Garcia, director of Mexican pipeline operator CENAGAS, told Bloomberg.”

Reuters: Enbridge Texas Eastern natgas pipeline sees Kentucky pipe back in early November
Scott DiSavino, 10/8/26

“Canadian energy company Enbridge’s Texas Eastern Transmission (TETCo) unit said on Wednesday that it expects the pipeline between the Tompkinsville and Danville compressor stations in Kentucky to return to service during the first week of November,” Reuters reports. “TETCo declared a force majeure due to an unplanned outage on its 30-inch system north of the Tompkinsville compressor station on Oct. 2. The company said it anticipates having greater clarity regarding the return to service date by Oct. 23.”

WASHINGTON UPDATES

Politico: Permitting deal is a big deal — and faces a test in the House
10/9/26

“Washington has a bipartisan Senate deal to speed energy construction. It still needs to get through Congress — in what could be a very different post-midterms environment,” Politico reports. “…Another provision aims to protect already-issued permits from revocation — a central concern for Democrats following actions against renewable projects… “Stevenson described a split between climate advocates focused on building a cleaner grid and conservation groups concerned about land, species and opportunities to challenge projects. Tribes have also raised concerns about narrower historic-preservation objections. Faster permitting could help both renewables and fossil fuels. Tamborrino cautioned that stakeholders are still examining whether exceptions or implementation choices could favor particular technologies; national-security exceptions complicate protections against disparate treatment… “Energy permitting has been a perpetual congressional goal, perpetually out of reach: “Year after year, there would be optimism, and then it would fail,” said Portuondo, who covers energy policy in Congress.”

Reuters: Trump’s moves to boost diesel supplies have not yet lowered prices
Jarrett Renshaw and Nicole Jao, 10/9/26

“US diesel prices remain at near record highs, up 70% since ​the US-Israeli war on Iran began despite two high-profile recent moves by President Donald Trump to boost supplies of the fuel: pressuring allies ‌to release emergency reserves and expanding access to tax-exempt red-dyed diesel,” Reuters reports. “…The administration’s other major initiative, an executive order allowing red-dyed diesel ‌on public ⁠roads through year-end, has drawn limited industry uptake… “David ​Fialkov, president of NATSO, which represents ⁠truck stops and travel centers, told Reuters the White House appeared to be encouraging the supply chain to sell dyed fuel through channels not traditionally used for highway diesel, but said most reputable retailers and marketers were unlikely to ​do so.”

The Hill: Trump exempts oil exploration in Arctic petroleum reserve from environmental reviews
Rachel Frazin, 10/8/26

“The Interior Department issued a notice exempting wintertime oil and gas exploration in the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska from the reviews,” The Hill reports. “The exemption will apply to seismic surveys to assess where oil is located, construction of temporary roads and drilling of exploration wells. These activities are often pursued in preparation for broader-scale oil production. The administration says that its action could ultimately help oil companies access fuel more quickly. It also said that in the past, it has found that such activities would not have a significant environmental impact… “In issuing this categorical exclusion, this administration is seeking to fast track large scale oil drilling and seismic exploration without any further environmental analysis or public input,”: Earthjustice attorney Janet Bering told The Hill. “It is cutting the public out of this decision and future decisions.”

Politico: DOJ defends ESA ‘harm’ rule repeal in court
Carlos Anchondo, 10/8/26

“The Justice Department asked federal judges Wednesday to rule in its favor and end litigation against the Trump administration’s rollback of habitat protections for imperiled plants and animals,” Politico reports. “DOJ’s Energy and Natural Resources Division filed motions for summary judgment in four cases challenging the rule rescission, which removed habitat modification or destruction from the definition of ‘harm’ in Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service regulations… “Environmental and conservation groups behind the lawsuits in federal court in California and South Carolina have asserted the Trump administration’s rollback undermines the 1973 law and weakens protections for listed species. DOJ has defended the decision… “Tom Wheeler, executive director of the Environmental Protection Information Center, one of the groups suing the Trump administration, told Politico that since the purpose of the ESA is to prevent the extinction of wildlife, it’s also necessary to also protect species’ habitat.”

Reuters: US SEC will not pursue charges against climate group, warns of disclosure obligations
Ross Kerber and Chris Prentice, 10/7/26

“The US Securities and Exchange Commission disclosed in a report on Wednesday that it had investigated the actions of a climate group in connection with a May 2021 ExxonMobil shareholder meeting and has chosen not to pursue charges against it.” Reuters reports. “But the SEC warned that it had concerns about actions by the group, known as Climate Action 100+, and said that ahead of the 2027 proxy season, large shareholders need to understand their regulatory obligations… “Exxon’s shareholder meeting in 2021 became a flashpoint in a broader debate about how much investors — and Corporate America — should take account of nontraditional factors, such as climate change issues, in their decision-making. At the meeting, major investment firms including BlackRock, Vanguard and State Street backed some dissident directors from a slate put forward by activist hedge fund Engine No. 1, which argued the Texas company needed to focus on the energy transition.”

Bloomberg: Data Centers Pitched as Less Thirsty Than Farms in Message Pivot
Bobby Magill, 10/8/26

“Prospective data centers in the Great Plains have community water managers and others on alert for projects that could further deplete the strained Ogallala Aquifer, even as they’re hopeful the centers’ water needs will be low,” Bloomberg reports. “One such project is a proposed data center near Garden City, Kan., that claims it’ll use less water than the farms it will replace in dry southwest Kansas, scrambling community concerns about the shift away from agriculture that data centers represent… “The company believes the data center, expected to begin permitting this fall, will be a net benefit to the Ogallala Aquifer, especially in southwest Kansas where Finney County is the state’s largest water user. CEO Jesse Gronner declined to say how much water the data center would use, how it would be cooled, or who the data center operator might be. The data center “will use significantly less water as compared to current and ongoing uses for agricultural purposes,” and be “a positive net effect” on the aquifer, Gronner told Bloomberg. Ahring told Bloomberg it’s unclear how concerned he should be about Triple Oak and other data center proposals’ impact on the aquifer because little information is available. He told Bloomberg Triple Oak told him the data center alone would use a maximum of 1,800 acre-feet of water annually, possibly displacing 36 irrigation center-pivots. That would reduce water use by roughly half, just as the company claims, he told Bloomberg. Some data center developers want to buy up the water rights that exist for the farms in the area, but it’s unclear how much water they’ll actually use, she told Bloomberg.”

STATE UPDATES

Law360: Texas Justices Push Exxon On Explosion Suit Coverage Bid
Spencer Brewer, 10/7/26

“The Texas Supreme Court pressed Exxon Mobil Corp. to explain why an AIG unit should have to pay $25 million of a $35 million settlement arising from a deadly 2013 explosion at the oil giant’s refinery in Beaumont, asking Wednesday if the company had control over the workers who were injured,” Law360 reports.

Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA): Water-intensive hydrogen and carbon capture buildout not included in Texas’ 2027 State Water Plan
Anika Juhn, 10/6/26

“While Texas is promoting the development of hydrogen and CCS-based projects because of favorable federal credits and cheap natural gas, the latest Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) report finds that water resources may prove to be the weakest link in project viability… “The 2027 State Water Plan predicts that Texas demand will outpace supply by 16% by 2030 but does not include sources of significant water demand that have emerged in the last few years, including hydrogen production and carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects. Hydrogen production operations and other industries dependent on CCS use enormous amounts of water. “To date, the water demands of these projects have gone largely undiscussed, but they will have very real consequences for other local users,” says Anika Juhn, IEEFA energy data analyst and author of the report. Statewide, the planned hydrogen and CCS-dependent projects most likely to be completed could require an additional 57,000 acre-feet (18.6 billion gallons) of water per year, putting significant new strain on the state’s already-stressed water supplies. Projects that are in early phases of development have an additional 49,000 acre-feet (15.9 billion gallons) of water associated with them. If all these projects are built out to their proposed levels by 2040, there would be about 106,000 acre-feet of demand that is not currently accounted for in the 2027 water plan. As pressure to expand water-intensive industries increases, Texas will be hard-pressed to develop sufficient water resources to accommodate project plans. Investors should also factor increasing supply concerns into their decisions on proposed projects.”

Inside Climate News: Maryland Demands Answers as Fuel Leak Persists From Joint Base Andrews
Aman Azhar, 10/8/26

“Maryland environmental regulators say jet fuel continues to seep into Piscataway Creek from Joint Base Andrews more than six months after the spill was reported, despite the base’s assurances that it has isolated the damaged fuel system and stopped the leak,” Inside Climate News reports. “MDE remains deeply concerned about the ongoing environmental impacts and continues to observe signs of jet fuel coming from the site,” the Maryland Department of the Environment told ICN. “Jet fuel continues to flush into the creek, particularly after heavy rain.” In its response to Inside Climate News, the installation acknowledged that they continue to “actively contain and recover” spilled fuel trapped in soil that flushes into the creek during storms… “The initial incident drew criticism from lawmakers and environmental advocates over the base’s delay in reporting the spill. The fuel system failed a tightness test on Dec. 11, according to the MDE, which said the base’s leak detection system failed multiple times between January and March, spilling roughly 32,000 gallons of jet fuel into the creek. The agency said it was not notified until fuel odors and a sheen were seen near the creek’s headwaters on March 23, and the base did not report the full extent of the discharge until April 8… “In its June 22 reply, the Air Force said the pressure-test failure on Dec. 11 was caused by a faulty valve that did not release fuel into the environment but distorted pressure readings. It said the anomaly delayed leak detection until the fuel was detected in the waters on March 23… “Over six months since the jet fuel leak was reported, JBA has yet to identify the exact location of the leak, diagnose the cause of the failure, or take appropriate action to fix the problem,” MDE representatives told Inside Climate News in the latest response.”

Inside Climate News: In Harrisburg, Advocates Rally for Tougher Rules on Fracking
Marie Cusick, 10/8/26

“Environmental groups and citizens are urging Pennsylvania regulators to increase the minimum amount of protective buffer space between gas wells and homes, schools and water sources,” Inside Climate News reports. “The issue has taken on new urgency as the AI data center buildout spurs more demand for natural gas. On Wednesday, a coalition of environmental and community groups held an event at the state capitol to draw attention to their concerns. They complain they’ve been waiting two years for the Department of Environmental Protection to move forward with a petition they filed in 2024, urging the agency to increase minimum setback requirements. Katie Weber lives in Hanover Township, Washington County and went to Harrisburg because she’s concerned about plans to build a large cluster of data centers powered by an on-site natural gas plant near her home. “We are united and our message is clear,” Weber said. “We do not want data centers, and we do not want fracking anywhere near our homes, our schools or our daycares.” The day before, activists argued for a three-year moratorium on data centers in another rally at the capitol… “Environmental advocates, like Lisa Graves-Marcucci of the Environmental Integrity Project, worry Shapiro’s efforts will push data center builders to rely more heavily on natural gas to power the facilities—leading to more pollution on site and negative environmental and health impacts from increased shale gas production. “We’ve realized now that fracking will fuel the data centers,” Graves-Marcucci told ICN. “Communities that already have a lot of fracking could see an increase, or communities that don’t have fracking may get some. It’s all the more reason we need these protective setback distances.” Environmental groups argue a growing body of peer-reviewed research shows more space would provide more protection from potential health harms, including chronic stress, excessive noise and light, poor air quality, vehicle accidents, explosions and chemical spills.”

Sierra Club Santa Barbara – Ventura: Hands Across the Sand: A Resounding “No” to Offshore Oil
10/7/26

“Decrying federal attempts to open the state’s coastline to dirty, irresponsible drilling, over 300 people joined Hands Across the Sand at Santa Barbara’s West Beach Sept. 26. But they also celebrated the 50th anniversary of the California Coastal Act,” according to Sierra Club Santa Barbara – Ventura. “Similar Hands Across the Sand events took place in nine other communities along the coast — from Mendocino to San Diego.The day brought together several local organizations, including Sierra Club, Environmental Defense Center, Fearless Grandmothers, Indivisible Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Channelkeeper, 805 Action, Community Environmental Council, Surfrider Foundation, 350 Santa Barbara, CLUE Santa Barbara, Women’s March, Get Oil Out!, Unidos 805, League of Women Voters, Last Chance Alliance, and Sea League. Against the sparkling backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, speakers took the stage in Santa Barbara to mark the occasion. Gesturing to the colorful row of booths, Sierra Club’s Emily Engel urged the crowd to engage with participating organizations and extend their impact beyond Hands Across the Sand. Toni Cordero of the Coastal Band of the Chumash Nation reflected on a collective duty to protect all that is at risk from continued drilling operations, including livelihoods, recreation, marine life, and the ocean’s integrity. She highlighted state and federal environmental progress in response to the devastating 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill as evidence of local movements’ power… “Coastal Commissioner Meagan Harmon highlighted another federal battle over the authority of California’s Coastal Commission, which has upheld the Coastal Act’s promise to protect the coastline from privatization and development since its conception half a century ago. As the Trump administration attacks the agency for obstructing its oil-drenched reimagining of California’s waters, Harmon stressed that the commitment to preserving the coast is being tested now more than ever.”

EXTRACTION

DeSmog: Chevron Gave $150K to Bay Area Group Accused of Using AI to Fight Heat Pump Rule
Miranda Green, 10/5/26

“As members of a local air district were considering the fate of a rule that would force Bay Area homeowners to replace old gas water heaters with electric heat pumps, dozens of public comments flooded in,” DeSmog reports. “The emails voiced concerns about increased costs to homeowners and urged the air board to agree to undertake more socioeconomic analyses before enforcing it. Regulators took note of the local pushback, and this spring Bay Area Air District (BAAD) staff recommended that the committee put off implementing the rule by a year.But dozens of letters that were sent to the air district were not, in fact, written and sent by concerned locals, it was later revealed. Instead, at least 85 of them were sent by a software company that uses AI and was paid by an advocacy group called the Bay Area Council, which describes itself as at the “intersection of business and civic leadership.” According to lobbying disclosures obtained by DeSmog, oil and gas giant Chevron donated approximately $150,000 to the Council during the second quarter of this year, the period in which the organization led a campaign against the electrification rules and pushed for more stringent socioecononomic modeling for future rules before the air board.”

Reuters: Devon Energy to sell Eagle Ford assets to Crescent Energy for $4.2 billion
Katha Kalia and Vallari Srivastava, 10/8/26

“Devon Energy said on Thursday it would sell its Eagle Ford assets to Crescent Energy for $4.2 billion in cash,” Reuters reports. “The divestment comes amid continued investor pressure on Devon to streamline its portfolio and focus on its core Permian Basin operations following its recent $58 billion merger with Coterra Energy, which created one of the biggest independent oil companies in the U.S… “The Eagle Ford assets to be sold consist of about 90,000 net acres in Karnes, DeWitt, and Gonzales Counties, Texas. The assets represent approximately 4% of Devon’s total BOE production.”

OPINION

Chilkat Valley News: Trump should pipe down with the pipeline lies
Larry Persily, 10/8/26

“If Pinocchio had been in the room, his nose might have grown long enough to equal several of the 115,000 sections of 40-foot steel pipe that would be needed to construct the mythical mirage of the Alaska North Slope natural gas pipeline project that has mesmerized state leaders for decades,” Larry Persilly writes for the Chilkat Valley News. “There were that many lies spewed in the Oval Office during President Donald Trump’s Sept. 30 announcement that South Korea would unconditionally invest $54 billion in the Alaska project… “Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy and the two members of the state’s congressional delegation facing tough reelection battles this fall all heaped praise on Trump as if they were getting paid by the pound… “Everyone in the room was smiling over the fake news that South Korea would invest in an Alaska natural gas pipeline and export project — which has lacked investors since it was first proposed in the early 1980s… ”Trump, never one to take no for an answer to his dishonesty, the day after South Korean officials poured cold water on his hot gas project threatened to double U.S. tariffs on South Korean goods if they don’t agree to make his lie come true. What the president should have done is learn a lesson from Pinocchio and told the truth: The Oval Office announcement was a political publicity stunt to help keep Republicans in Alaska’s congressional seats and to tell anyone gullible enough to listen that energy prices would soon come down, even though Alaska natural gas has nothing to do with gasoline prices at the pump.”

Symons Says: This is not the permit reform deal that was advertised
Jeremy Symons, 10/8/26

“The debate about a new permitting reform deal advancing in congress has become an identity crisis among those who stood shoulder to shoulder BT (Before Trump), aligned around a shared vision of American climate leadership to achieve deep cuts in carbon emissions,” Jeremy Symons writes at Symons Says. “BT, there was also consensus that the journey toward this north star would be built upon twin rails: building cleaner, cheaper energy like solar, wind and batteries, and holding polluters accountable for their pollution — from carbon and methane to soot and mercury — in order to protect communities and level the market playing field. The 417-page permitting reform bill unveiled last week, titled the Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 (BAAJA), is testing the twin rail consensus. After nearly two years of Trump’s war on clean energy and dismantling of EPA, the president has created panic and leverage with Democrats. Trump and other allies of the oil and gas and tech lobbies have cut a deal with clean energy companies and two clean energy Democrats — Senators Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island and Martin Heinrich of New Mexico… “Trump and industry lobbyists top goal: shielding their industries from a president who seeks to undo Trump’s agenda and instead advance climate, health and safety protections… “BAAJA Title IV is an unequivocally far-reaching, destructive provision for climate and health. The amount of power it gives corporations over federal agencies could potentially be as significant for corporate dominance of the US federal agencies as Citizen United was for corporate dominance of US politics. Russ Vought and Lee Zeldin must be wringing their hands in anticipation, hoping Democrats don’t catch on. Under 1401, the government’s role shifts from protecting the public interest against corporations, to protecting corporations against the government… “Unless fixed, the straitjacket designed to rein in Trump’s war on clean energy could instead permanently block future administrations from undoing Trump’s efforts to gut health, safety and climate protections across the government… “Basically, it means the president can’t put out a goal like “more clean energy” or “less carbon pollution.” Because that wouldn’t be “fair” to the coal, oil and gas industries… “But in the House, Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA) got it right: “From what I’ve seen, Senators Whitehouse and Heinrich have done some good work, but they’ve been negotiating from a position of weakness and the tentative deal unveiled today raises significant questions and concerns that would have to be resolved before most Democrats could support it.”