EXTRACTED: Daily News Clips 4/18/24

PIPELINE NEWS

• Pipeline Fighters Hub: Summit Carbon Faces $15 Million Lawsuit Over Canceled Contract with Pipe Maker Welspun

• Energy News Network: Illinois bills seek to regulate carbon dioxide pipelines and sequestration

• Pantagraph: Illinois considers carbon storage, pipeline regulations

• WCIA: Illinois environmentalists, business groups clash over carbon capture pipeline proposals

• WEEK: Push for CO2 pipeline moratorium in Springfield

• E&E News: Illinois Democrats square off over carbon capture

• North Dakota Monitor: Energy industry meetings with legislators postponed

• Reuters: TC Energy does not expect service interruptions after Alberta pipeline rupture

• World Oil: LNG, pipeline export projects to drive U.S. natural gas trade growth, EIA reports

WASHINGTON UPDATES

• Washington Post: Trump Rails Against Wind Energy In Fundraising Pitch To Oil Executives 

• E&E News: Forest Service cancels Calif. oil project after 10-year fight

• E&E News: 5 people to watch in LNG export battle

• E&E News: BLM Moves To Strike Slur For Indigenous Women From Place Names 

STATE UPDATES

• E&E News: Louisiana lawmakers weaken proposal for carbon storage oversight

• KXTV: First-of-its-kind Tracy facility sucks carbon dioxide out of the air

• PBS: Study links petrochemical plants in Louisiana to premature and low-weight births

EXTRACTION

• The Hill: Costs of burning fossil fuels dwarf costs of energy transition: Report

• Reuters: Carbon capture will not play major role in steel decarbonisation, report says

• CBC: Quebec eyed as prime spot to suck carbon from atmosphere

• National Observer: It was a fossil fuel lobbyist frenzy in lead-up to federal budget

• Hart Energy:  Benchmark Closes Anadarko Deal, Hunts for More M&A

CLIMATE FINANCE

• The Hill: GOP senators, Manchin challenge SEC climate disclosure rule  

TODAY IN GREENWASHING

• Enbridge: Michigan partnerships promote environmental awareness

OPINION

• GV Wire: Carbon Capture Isn’t Nearly as ‘Green’ as Fossil Fuel Promoters Make It Sound

• Sierra Club: Will BP’s Next Oil Spill Be Funded by Your Savings?

PIPELINE NEWS

Pipeline Fighters Hub: Summit Carbon Faces $15 Million Lawsuit Over Canceled Contract with Pipe Maker Welspun
Mark Hefflinger, 4/17/24

“Summit Carbon Solutions has been sued by Welspun, a major pipe manufacturer based in India, for $15 million in damages related to canceling a contract to produce pipe for its proposed “Midwest Express” CO2 pipeline that would span more than 2,400 miles across five states,” the Pipeline Fighters Hub reports. “…Welspun states that it entered into an agreement with Summit on Sept. 17, 2022 for supply of high-frequency induction welding (HFIW) pipe. Then on January 31, 2023, according to Welspun, Summit “suspended the performance of the agreement for an indefinite period,” adding, “the maximum duration of suspension allowed under the agreement is six months.” Welspun said it “sent several notices to Summit for revoking the suspension and ordering the resumption of production. Finally, Welspun sent a notice to cure the breach on account of Summit’s failure to purchase the pipes.” Then on February 19, 2024, Summit sent a notice of cancellation to Welspun and terminated the agreement. Summit’s action caused Welspun to be “aggrieved,” and two days later Welspun filed a $15 million lawsuit against Summit in Delaware “to recover inter-alia the cancellation charges, material cost to manufacture pipes and other costs legitimately due under the contract resulting from cancellation of the project.” Welspun, based in Mumbai, India, also has a large pipe production operation in Little Rock, Arkansas and is among the largest welded line pipe manufacturers in the world, with customers including TC Energy (Keystone 1, Gulf Coast Express, Keystone XL), Energy Transfer Partners (Dakota Access), Chevron and ExxonMobil. Welspun isn’t the only entity that has taken action against Summit for breach of contract and nonpayment. As of February, Summit owed approximately $75,000 in unpaid bills to county inspectors and officials just within Iowa. The company has accrued nearly $60,000 in unpaid bills that are several months old owed to more than half a dozen counties across Iowa, mostly related to preparatory work completed by county inspectors, which Summit is required to repay. In one example, Summit had an outstanding bill of $15,000 to Webster County, Iowa.”

Energy News Network: Illinois bills seek to regulate carbon dioxide pipelines and sequestration 
Kari Lydersen, 4/17/24

“Carbon dioxide pipeline and sequestration projects would face significant new scrutiny and regulations under proposed legislation introduced this week in Illinois,” Energy News Network reports. “Advocates who helped draft the proposal (SB 3930, HB 5814) say it is crucial to institute standards and protections, as multiple companies seek to sequester carbon in Illinois’ Mt. Simon sandstone geology and reap lucrative federal tax credits… “State lawmakers held a hearing earlier this month on separate bills (HB 4835, SB 3441) that would place a moratorium on carbon dioxide pipelines for four years or until new federal safety regulations are adopted by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)… “But Wolf is expected to refile its application for a necessary certificate of authority. And the commerce commission is currently considering a proposal from One Earth Energy for a six-mile pipeline that — if built — is expected to spur proposals for longer pipelines that would connect to it and a proposed sequestration site. The newly proposed legislation, as described in a summary, includes: “pipeline setbacks for safe evacuation, limits on eminent domain, expanded monitoring at carbon sequestration sites, provisions for long-term liability in the event of disaster, a ban on the use of captured carbon dioxide for enhanced oil recovery.” It would also mandate that when sequestration sites are proposed, regulatory agencies review life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions and consider alternatives to carbon sequestration… “The bill would require the state to study appropriate setbacks from residences, businesses and infrastructure to protect from harm if a pipeline ruptures or leaks. Little or no government guidance or regulation currently exists on carbon dioxide pipeline setbacks, advocates note… “Pam Richart, a central Illinois resident and co-founder of the Coalition to Stop CO2 Pipelines, added that, “The proposed legislation would demand the state study setbacks based on how carbon dioxide behaves. If it were to rupture, where would it go?” “…The legislation goes beyond similar bills introduced last year and would mandate extensive research and state permitting be done before a company can apply to the Illinois Commerce Commission for a certificate… “Yet another Illinois bill (SB 2860), backed by the Illinois Farm Bureau, would prohibit the use of eminent domain to secure carbon dioxide pipeline rights of way.”

Pantagraph: Illinois considers carbon storage, pipeline regulations
Brenden Moore, 4/18/24

“New legislation was filed this week that would create a state regulatory framework for carbon capture, pipeline and storage projects,” the Pantagraph reports. “The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Ann Williams, D-Chicago, is the latest attempt to provide state-level regulations that would build upon, and fill gaps in, existing federal regulations of a relatively new industry… “Williams’ measure has the backing of prominent environmental groups like the Sierra Club and Illinois Environmental Council and emerges just over a month after business organizations and labor unions unveiled their own proposal… “Under Williams’ proposal, all three aspects of the process — capture, transport and storage — would be subject to state regulations. Most notably, the legislation would prohibit the use of eminent domain for pipeline construction and bar the forced acquisition of underground storage space, both key protections that have been sought by environmental groups and landowners… “At a minimum, pipelines would be barred within two miles of “environmental justice” communities, which are places that have historically been disproportionately impacted by pollution… “Last month, business organizations, labor unions and their legislative allies unveiled their own proposal, which addressed capture and storage but notably left out pipelines — arguably the most controversial piece of these projects… “The legislation that the environmental advocates proposed contains a number of poison pills that would essentially prohibit the use of carbon capture or storage in Illinois,” Mark Denzler, president of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, told the Pantagraph… “Another bill, sponsored by state Rep. Diane Blair-Sherlock, D-Villa Park, that would place a moratorium on pipeline construction until regulations are enacted, passed out of a House committee earlier this month but is not expected to move as negotiations between industry and environmental advocates continue.” 

WCIA: Illinois environmentalists, business groups clash over carbon capture pipeline proposals
Danny Connolly, Cole Henke, 4/17/24

“Several bills in the Illinois state capitol are designed to create regulations for carbon sequestration pipelines, but not everyone agrees on what the new rules should be,” WCIA reports. “Environmentalists have been pushing for some new protections for landowners against companies wanting to build CO2 pipelines, but it comes with conflict against several business groups who want the state to let the projects continue… “Environmentalists proposed a bill at a news conference Wednesday that changes how property is viewed by defining that landowners own the ground underneath the property, to give them a larger say in CO2 storage underground… “Environmental advocates are also pushing for a statewide moratorium until federal guidelines are set for the pipelines. Rev. Robert Freeman, the pastor of First United Methodist Church in Urbana, is worried about the number of proposed CO2 storage wells and how it would pollute the aquifer. “The Mahomet Aquifer is the largest aquifer for Illinois and for many in our community, it is the only option for drinking water,” Freeman told WCIA. “If there is an accident, and there will be accidents, what then?” “…Capture Jobs Now, a coalition of several organizations including the Illinois Manufacturing Association, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, the Illinois AFL-CIO and the Illinois Corn Growers Association, released the following statement supporting carbon capture technology in the state… “We urge lawmakers to instead support HB569, which would provide a regulatory framework to advance carbon capture and storage and contains some of the strongest property protection measures in the nation… “We agree that CCS technology must be deployed thoughtfully and carefully, but policymakers must be weary of proposals that would slow progress on greenhouse gas emissions reduction and risk the loss of millions of dollars in investment, and the jobs that come with it.”

WEEK: Push for CO2 pipeline moratorium in Springfield
Lizzie Seils, 4/17/24

“Applications to build CO2 sequestration pipelines in Central Illinois have come and gone, and now a state bill looks to prevent more projects until federal regulations come down,” WEEK reports. “Martha Ross, former Peoria Public Schools Board president and current president of Southside Community United for Change, joined other environmental advocates and lawmakers in Springfield to push for two bills on CO2 pipelines… “The last thing my neighbors need to do is teach my children to use a breathing apparatus in the event of a pipeline rupture,” Ross said at a news conference in Springfield… “The reason for that critical assessment from state staffers for WCS and others looking to build pipelines hinges on federal regulations from the federal Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. Those regulations have been in the works for more than a year and are estimated to come out later in 2024. Chicago Democrat Representative Ann Williams advocated for two pieces of legislation; one would impose a moratorium on CO2 pipelines until those new federal rules come out. The other creates state regulations focused on mitigating risks of CO2 capture, transport, and sequestration.”

E&E News: Illinois Democrats square off over carbon capture
Jeffrey Tomich, 4/18/24

“Two Democratic-led coalitions in Illinois are pushing competing ideas for how carbon capture and storage should evolve and aid the state’s efforts to combat climate change,” E&E News reports. “One group is led by state Rep. Ann Williams, head of the House Energy and Environment Committee, and is aligned with Illinois environmental groups. Another coalition has the backing of business, labor and agriculture groups and stresses the economic benefits available to the state, which has significant geologic potential for storing carbon dioxide deep underground. Yet to be determined is how — or if — the two Democratic-led factions in Illinois can negotiate a compromise and how that will shape development of the nascent industry that’s key to the Biden administration’s strategy to achieve net-zero U.S. carbon emissions by 2050… Pam Richart, co-founder of the Coalition to Stop CO2 Pipelines, urged lawmakers to swiftly act on the moratorium given Wolf Carbon’s intention to refile its application. A moratorium on carbon pipeline projects is needed, Richart told E&E, because developers “continue to seek Illinois Commerce Commission approval to construct CO2 pipelines across hundreds of miles of Illinois land over the past two years even though PHMSA has yet to complete its rulemaking to improve safety and oversight.”

North Dakota Monitor: Energy industry meetings with legislators postponed
JEFF BEACH, 4/16/24

“Legislator-only meetings with agriculture and energy executives have been postponed,” the North Dakota Monitor reports. “The meetings were set for Tuesday in Fargo and Bismarck and organized by the Friends of Ag & Energy group led by Scott Hennen of Fargo. Hennen told the Monitor they will be rescheduled to give legislators more notice. The meetings were to include Harold Hamm of Continental Resources and Bruce Rastetter of Summit Agricultural Group and a co-founder of Summit Carbon Solutions… “The Bismarck Tribune followed up on that story, noting that not all legislators were invited and state money was not involved. Friday, the Tribune reported that the meetings would be open to the media. But Schauer told the Monitor they were canceled Monday and noted the meetings had become “quite toxic.” Gawrylow also filed a complaint with the state Ethics Commission… “Hennen is a radio host and is a part of Fieldstone Group, which is included in a state-funded project to educate people on the benefits of carbon capture. The project is led by AE2S with $300,000 through the state’s Industrial Commission.”

Reuters: TC Energy does not expect service interruptions after Alberta pipeline rupture
4/17/24

“TC Energy said on Wednesday it does not anticipate any service interruptions from the rupture of its NGTL gas pipeline in Alberta, Canada, which caused a wildfire on Tuesday,” Reuters reports. “The company said it was working with regulatory agencies to investigate the incident and that once the site was confirmed to be safe, survey crews and an environmental inspector would make assessments to inform repair and restoration planning. “Alberta Wildfire confirmed that the secondary fire is under control and does not pose a threat to any community,” it said in a statement on its website. A section of TC Energy’s NGTL natural gas pipeline system had on Tuesday exploded about 40km (25 miles) northwest of Edson, Alberta, in Yellowhead County.”

World Oil: LNG, pipeline export projects to drive U.S. natural gas trade growth, EIA reports
4/17/24

“In the Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasted that U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports will keep leading the U.S. natural gas sector as three LNG export projects soon begin operations and reach full production by the end of 2025,” World Oil reports. “The EIA also forecasted increased natural gas pipeline exports, mostly to Mexico… “The EIA also predicted that U.S. LNG exports will increase 2% in 2024 to an average of 12.2 Bcfd. In 2025, the EIA estimates that LNG exports will grow by an additional 18% to 2.1 Bcfd. Additionally, the group expects U.S. natural gas pipeline exports to grow by 3% to 0.3 Bcfd in 2024 and by 4% in 2025. The agency expects pipeline imports to decline by 0.4 Bcfd in 2024 and then increase slightly in 2025 by 0.1 Bcfd… “ Later in 2024, the administration expects that Plaquemines LNG Phase I and Corpus Christi Stage 3 to begin LNG production and load first cargoes by the end of the year. In 2025, the developers of Golden Pass LNG plan to place the first two trains of this new three-train LNG export facility in service. The EIA predicts an increase in U.S. natural gas pipeline exports to Mexico as several regional pipelines —Tula-Villa de Reyes, Tuxpan-Tula, and Cuxtal Phase II connecting to the Energía Mayakan pipeline on the Yucatán Peninsula— become fully operational in 2024 or 2025.”

WASHINGTON UPDATES

Washington Post: Trump Rails Against Wind Energy In Fundraising Pitch To Oil Executives 
Maxine Joselow and Josh Dawsey, 4/17/24

“Former president Donald Trump repeatedly ranted about wind power during a fundraising dinner with oil and gas industry executives last week, falsely claiming that the renewable-energy source is unreliable, unattractive and bad for the environment,” the Washington Post reports. “I hate wind,” Trump told the executives over a meal of chopped steak at his Mar-a-Lago Club and resort in Florida, a person with knowledge of the meeting, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe a private conversation, told the Post. Trump’s comments reveal how he is wooing potential donors with his long-standing hostility to wind farms and pledges to halt this form of renewable energy if he returns to office. His stance poses a potential threat to one of the linchpins of America’s clean energy transition, according to more than a dozen Trump allies, energy experts and offshore wind industry officials. Even if President Biden were to win reelection, experts say, opponents of offshore wind will remain emboldened by Trump’s stance and well positioned to challenge a new generation of projects in federal waters.”

E&E News: Forest Service cancels Calif. oil project after 10-year fight
Heather Richards, 4/18/24

“The U.S Forest Service has scrapped a decade-old proposal to drill for oil and gas in a national forest in California, giving a win to environmental groups aiming to protect endangered condors and trout,” E&E News reports. “Oil company Carbon California had planned to drill eight new wells and build a new pipeline in the Los Padres National Forest, which sits on top of one of the state’s oldest oil fields. Protests, company changes and bureaucratic delays stalled the plan for 10 years. The U.S. Forest Service marked the project “cancelled” on its website earlier this month, capping years of back and forth over whether to allow the hydraulic fracturing proposal in the forest, which is east of Santa Barbara.”

E&E News: 5 people to watch in LNG export battle
Carlos Anchondo, 4/18/24

“The Department of Energy upset the U.S. energy industry in January by unveiling a pause on liquefied natural gas export approvals — and the uproar hasn’t died down yet,” E&E News reports. “…The pause spurred a lawsuit led by Liz Murrill, Louisiana’s first female attorney general, and 15 other state attorneys general… “I mean, it seems to me like it’s 100 percent tied to this election,” Murrill told E&E, “especially when you look at the fact that they refused to do this for a lot of very important reasons as recently as July.” “…Brad Crabtree, DOE’s assistant secretary for fossil energy and carbon management, told the American Petroleum Institute in a letter last month that updating the analyses used by DOE is “an integral part of DOE’s process for the public interest determination required by” the Natural Gas Act… “One of the companies clashing with federal energy regulators is Venture Global, which is developing a planned LNG export terminal in Louisiana’s Cameron Parish… “In February, Venture Global CEO Michael Sabel wrote to FERC about the project, calling on the body to issue an order authorizing the project “no later than” FERC’s meeting March 21… “Potential Trump running mate Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) introduced a bill in late January — called the “Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act” — that would give FERC “sole authority” over the approval process for LNG exports… “When Democrats and Gulf Coast leaders gathered on Capitol Hill in early February to cheer the administration’s LNG pause, Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) introduced Roishetta Ozane. Ozane, the founder of the Vessel Project of Louisiana, stepped to the podium and said she’s not an activist but an environmental justice advocate who’s also a mom and grandmother… “Ozane also has been a leading advocate against the proposed CP2 project… “The fight now covers multiple fronts, Ozane told E&E, including stopping permit approvals; pushing back against banks that fund LNG projects; and working against “insurance industries that are insuring these projects in communities where residents can’t afford homeowners insurance thereby they are [ensuring] environmental racism.”

E&E News: BLM Moves To Strike Slur For Indigenous Women From Place Names 
Scott Streater, 4/16/24

“The Bureau of Land Management is advancing plans to eliminate a derogatory term for Native American women from all bureau websites, public signs and documents,” E&E News reports. “BLM last week issued two internal guidance documents to its field offices instructing them to ensure that the word is removed from all bureau signs and public materials, as well as materials used by contractors, by Sept. 30. In doing so, the bureau also highlighted how frequently the offensive term, now referred to as ‘sq___’ by the Interior Department, has been used by the agency over the years to name everything from wilderness study areas and special recreation management areas, to livestock grazing allotments. BLM is eliminating the derogatory term to comply with a secretarial order from Interior Secretary Deb Haaland in 2021. The instructions to field offices was issued as a final step to ensure that bureau documents and signage no longer includes the word, and reflects new names for the sites recommended by an agency task force as designated by the Board on Geographic Names.”

STATE UPDATES

E&E News: Louisiana lawmakers weaken proposal for carbon storage oversight
Adam Aton, 4/18/24

“Louisiana lawmakers have watered down a bill to bolster local control over carbon storage projects, citing concerns that the restrictions would chase away the nascent industry,” E&E News reports. “The Louisiana state House on Tuesday dropped from H.B. 516 several provisions that would have granted local government oversight and influence over Class VI underground injection wells, where companies plan to permanently sequester carbon emissions captured from power plants and industrial facilities. Many Republican lawmakers warned that allowing local governments to restrict projects could drive away investors from the whole state. “It could unintentionally kill the entire industry,” Republican state Rep. Neil Riser told E&E. Riser’s amendment to weaken local control was adopted without debate by the House, which then voted 95-0 to approve the bill… “But some planned projects have drawn local opposition, including from Republicans, who worry about suffocation and other risks from potential leaks of carbon dioxide. “There’s proposed pipelines and there’s proposed Class VI wells to be drilled all over the state of Louisiana. They’re going to be everywhere, okay?” state Rep. Shane Mack, the bill’s sponsor, said this month in a committee hearing. “So we need to make sure that we keep our people safe.” Mack, a Republican from Livingston Parish, introduced H.B. 516 after his local parish council — where he once served — imposed temporary restrictions on carbon storage projects. A pair of carbon sequestration projects are planned in the parish, including one from Air Products that would inject carbon dioxide beneath Lake Maurepas. Mack told E&E he wanted to make carbon storage safer, not stop it.”

KXTV: First-of-its-kind Tracy facility sucks carbon dioxide out of the air
Lora Painter, 4/17/24

“San Joaquin County is home to a first-in-the-nation facility promising to reduce pollution by sucking it right out of the air,” KXTV reports. “Climate change is the existential challenge and threat of our time,” Heirloom spokesperson Christian Theuer told KXTV… “Heirloom told KXTV the Tracy facility can remove and store as much as 1,000 tons of carbon dioxide a year. It’s the first commercial facility of its kind in the United States… ““To take carbon directly out of the air and store it permanently is an incredible opportunity and I want to see more,” Sen. Anna Caballero (D-Merced) told KXTV… “The towers at the facility are filled with limestone, which acts like a sponge soaking up the CO₂ from the air. The CO₂ is eventually embedded into cement, which is then used in construction… “It’s a little hard to take this project too seriously because it’s so small,” Dan Ress, the senior attorney for the Center on Race, Poverty and the Environment, told KXTV… “Carbon pipelines are very dangerous, there’s a high risk of rupture. If carbon dioxide is released in a pipeline rupture, you can be talking about dozens, hundreds of people being hurt or even killed within 20 minutes and it’s unregulated,” Ress told KXTV. Critics also worry about the long-term effects. “Is the storage really permanent? Or is it leaking? And if it’s leaking, what harm does that create? What does that do to the water? Does it leach up that stuff from the ground,” asked Ress… “Some experts worry carbon capture encourages more use of fossil fuels and the creation of greenhouse gases.”

PBS: Study links petrochemical plants in Louisiana to premature and low-weight births
William Brangham, Layla Quran, 4/16/24

“About a fifth of America’s petrochemical production is concentrated on a stretch of land along the Mississippi River in southeastern Louisiana,” PBS reports. “That production comes with serious risks. The area has been known as ‘Cancer Alley’ because of the high rates of cancer among people who live nearby. A new study now shows how those risks may fall on the next generation as well. William Brangham reports.”

EXTRACTION

The Hill: Costs of burning fossil fuels dwarf costs of energy transition: Report
SAUL ELBEIN, 4/17/24

“The costs of enduring climate change are already six times higher than those for implementing measures to prevent it, a study published in Nature on Wednesday reveals,” The Hill reports. “The researchers projected an average total cost of $38 trillion by 2050 — and that’s the best-case scenario. No matter what actions world governments and businesses take, by mid-century, per-capita global incomes will be 19 percent lower than they would have been in a world unaffected by climate change. This cost could double if the world does not aggressively reduce fossil fuel consumption. “Climate change will cause massive economic damages within the next 25 years in almost all countries around the world, also in highly-developed ones such as Germany, France and the United States,” lead author Leonie Wenz of the Potsdam Institute said in a statement.  Those shorter-term damages come from historic burning of fossil fuels, Wenz emphasized. If current burning isn’t rapidly cut down, “economic losses will become even bigger in the second half of the century.” “…To compile their forecast, the authors analyzed data from 1,600 regions worldwide, assessing the impacts of rising average temperatures, fluctuations between day and night temperatures, and the frequency of extreme weather events… “The temperature of the planet can only be stabilized if we stop burning oil, gas and coal,” Levermann added.” 

Reuters: Carbon capture will not play major role in steel decarbonisation, report says
4/17/24

“Carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) is unlikely to play a major role in decarbonising the global steel industry due to low capture rates, high costs and a track record of underperformance, a think tank said in a report on Wednesday,” Reuters reports. “The global steel sector is responsible for around 8% of the world’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. But while many major steelmakers and iron ore miners across the world include CCUS as part of their long-term green transition, there has been virtually no progress on commercial-scale CCUS for the decarbonisation of blast furnaces, analysts at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) said in a report… “CCUS for steel has made little or no commercial progress in Europe. If steel CCUS cannot make progress in Europe where there is a significant carbon price, it cannot be expected to make headway in developing Asia, the seat of major steel demand growth,” it said… “Carbon capture has been divisive, with many industry figures saying it is too expensive to be viable. Andrew Forrest, executive chairman of the world’s No.4 iron ore supplier Fortescue Metals, said early in February that CCUS was not a solution for the energy transition.”

CBC: Quebec eyed as prime spot to suck carbon from atmosphere
Benjamin Shingler, 4/18/24

“One day early next month, in the shadow of Iceland’s mountain peaks, high-powered fans are expected to begin to pull in air from the surrounding countryside. Carbon dioxide will be isolated, converted to liquid and pumped underground, where it will, over time, solidify into rock,” according to the CBC. “The plant, known as Mammoth, is set to be the largest direct air capture and storage facility in the world, designed to bring in up to 36,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. It runs on renewable energy from a nearby geothermal power plant. Climeworks, the company behind the project, views the launch as another stepping stone for the technology, which proponents say could play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the years ahead… “But questions remain about whether direct air capture is the best use of limited public funds and resources as the world seeks to reduce climate-warming greenhouse gas emissions. According to the International Energy Agency, DAC projects should not be seen as “alternative to cutting emissions or an excuse for delayed action, but they can be an important part of the suite of technology options used to achieve climate goals.” “…Over the past year, Deep Sky has announced a number of planned pilot projects and has secured $75 million in funding, from a number of private firms as well as Investissement Québec, a provincial funding agency… “Even champions of direct air capture acknowledge it is only a small part of the solution. For context, last year, global energy-related emissions of carbon dioxide reached a new high of 37.4 billion tonnes. Mammoth, if fully operational, would remove about 30 seconds worth of 2023’s total emissions.”

National Observer: It was a fossil fuel lobbyist frenzy in lead-up to federal budget
John Woodside, 4/18/24

“Oil and gas lobbyists kicked into high gear in the lead-up to Tuesday’s budget, the federal lobbyist registry shows,” the National Observer reports. “The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) met with department officials and MPs at least 30 times since January. Similarly, the Pathways Alliance, which represents the six largest oilsands companies (Suncor, Cenovus, ConocoPhillips, Canadian Natural Resources, MEG Energy, and Imperial Oil), met government officials at least 23 times this year. Only meetings initiated by lobbyists are reflected in the registry. And while it’s not known exactly what was discussed, it is notable there was no windfall profit tax on oil and gas companies included in Tuesday’s budget. This disappointed climate advocates, who had pushed hard for the windfall tax. By failing to bring in a windfall tax on oil and gas companies that have posted record-breaking profits since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine disrupted energy markets, a huge opportunity was missed to address affordability and the climate crisis, they say. “Over and over again, we see [the fossil fuel] industry and its associated lobby groups deploy huge amounts of resources to delay and distract climate action that is in the best interest of people in Canada,” Climate Action Network Canada’s executive director Caroline Brouillette told Canada’s National Observer. “So when those interests are listened to more than a large group of organizations representing citizens and the public interest, I do question the impact that this has on our democracy.” “…The lobbyist registry shows that Pathways Alliance president Kendall Dilling met with Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland on March 15. The lobbyist registration notes the Pathways Alliance wanted to speak with government officials about Budget 2024-25… “Brouillette told the Observer  there is also a “vicious cycle” at play, where oil and gas record profits are reinvested into lobbying and advertising campaigns that misinform Canadians.”

Hart Energy:  Benchmark Closes Anadarko Deal, Hunts for More M&A
Chris Mathews, 4/17/24

“Benchmark Energy II LLC closed an acquisition of Anadarko Basin assets from private sellers, the company said April 17,” Hart Energy reports. “Benchmark Energy II, a majority owned subsidiary of publicly traded Acacia Research Corp., acquired approximately 140,000 net acres in the western Anadarko Basin from Revolution Resources II, Jones Energy and several related affiliates, according to regulatory filings.”

CLIMATE FINANCE

The Hill: GOP senators, Manchin challenge SEC climate disclosure rule  
LAUREN SFORZA, 4/17/24

“Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) joined a resolution from Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) that aims to overturn a new rule on climate disclosures approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) last month,” The Hill reports. “Manchin, the chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, joined with 32 Republican senators to co-sponsor the resolution… “The SEC’s mission is to regulate our capital markets and ensure all Americans can safely share in their economic success — not to force a partisan climate agenda on American businesses. This rule is federal overreach at its worst, and the SEC should stay in its lane,” Scott said in a statement. The rule would require large companies to inform investors about greenhouse gas emissions directly caused by their business if that information could likely influence someone’s decision on whether to invest. The rule has now been paused amid mounting legal battles. Republicans celebrated that pause, arguing the agency has overstepped its authority. Manchin echoed that argument, telling The Hill the rule was “entirely overreaching, fiscally irresponsible, and simply un-American.” He was the only Democratic co-sponsor.”

TODAY IN GREENWASHING

Enbridge: Michigan partnerships promote environmental awareness
4/17/24

“Creativity, commitment, collaboration-–the power of Michigan’s partnerships is on full display this time of year for a shared cause,” according to Enbridge. “…Small businesses are teaming with large businesses, and thousands of Michiganders will be joining millions around the globe to celebrate Earth Day 2024… “Throughout the year, Enbridge works to promote healthy, sustainable communities,” said Enbridge’s Lauren Brown, a community engagement advisor who’s based in the Upper Peninsula. “We partner with Michigan communities, area organizations and schools to support through volunteerism and Enbridge Fueling Futures grants sustainability projects that help improve, grow and nurture our environment.” Specifically for Earth Day, Enbridge will be hosting activities at the Enbridge Informational Center in St. Ignace (214 N. State St.) on Monday, April 22.”

OPINION

GV Wire: Carbon Capture Isn’t Nearly as ‘Green’ as Fossil Fuel Promoters Make It Sound
Ken Wall is a retired banker and bank regulator, and is an environmental advocate in Fresno, 4/17/24

“…The piece declares that Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is an essential tool to “protect the energy economy while addressing the need to limit environmental impacts,” Ken Wall writes for GV Wire. “…Indeed, the fossil fuel industry has invested many billions of dollars in this technology. Oil companies have used most of the captured carbon (mostly from oil refineries) to pump into non-producing oil wells to repressurize them allowing oil to again flow to the surface (California banned this process in 2022). CCS operations can also inject carbon into the ground for, hopefully, permanent storage. This approach comes with considerable risk of leakage, either from distribution pipelines or from imperfectly sealed underground formations… “Critics argue that supporting the process allows fossil fuel industries to continue to extract oil and gas for combustion… “Pursuing CCS likely means fewer incentives available for further investment in clean energy. The opinion piece discusses the potential creation of new jobs from CCS, but a Feb. 21 article by KVPR suggests that the projection for hundreds of new permanent jobs may be speculative… “California does indeed need to be at the forefront of the transition away from fossil fuels, and it should not be encouraging activities that are the source of a substantial volume of carbon emissions. We cannot afford to waste time and tax money on efforts to “protect the energy economy” by continuing to support CCS, especially in the San Joaquin Valley where the negative consequences of fossil fuel use are already so visible.”

Sierra Club: Will BP’s Next Oil Spill Be Funded by Your Savings?
Jessye Waxman, 4/16/24

“This month marks the anniversary of the largest offshore oil spill in history. Fourteen years since BP covered our coastlines and wildlife in toxic oil,” Jessye Waxman writes for the Sierra Club. “…And Craig Nazor, who works in conservation, is concerned that funding is running out to preserve endangered sea turtles that were affected by the BP spill. Their stories are not unique: the oil spill continues to take a toll on local communities and wildlife, who are anxious about whether there will be another spill just around the corner… “While it’s been fourteen years since BP’s Deepwater Horizon oil spill, BP continues to make headlines for environmental disasters: spills of toxic pollutants into the air and water from in a refinery in Indiana and violating coastal protections in Cameron Paris, Louisiana… “One of the biggest ways that fossil fuel companies, like BP, raise money is by selling bonds… “These asset managers, such as Vanguard and Blackrock, oversee investments and retirement savings for individual investors, corporate 401(k)s, foundations, public pension funds, and more. Asset managers use the money from retirement accounts, pension funds, and individuals’ investments – in other words, your savings – to make investments in companies harming the Gulf coast… “To stop climate destruction and support the future of Gulf communities, we need to stop financing projects like the Argos platform. And to do that, we need to stop funding companies like BP that continue to put profit over people and the planet. To do that, we need to demand that asset managers stop using our money and our savings to fund these fossil fuel projects.”