Welcome to Friday’s Overnight Energy & Environment.Get the latest news about energy, the environment, or anything else from this source. Subscribe here and view the complete edition.
Today’s news includes a new EU/European energy agreement, FERC backtracking regarding pipeline requirements and an offshore wind power announcement.
Rachel Frazin and Zack Budryk were the Hill’s editors. Write to us with tips:[email protected]@thehill.com.
Lets jump in.
USA and EU work together to reduce Europe’s dependence on Russia
Friday’s announcement by the United States and the European Commission of measures to wean European countries off Russian gas was the latest attempt to hit Russia’s economy after its invasion of Ukraine.
After a meeting held in Brussels, both sides announced a taskforce “to reduce Europe’s dependence upon Russian fossil fuels”President Biden
Joe BidenDefense & Security Biden meets with European allies on The Money Unemployment claims at their lowest level since the late 1960s Energy & Environment biden walks tightrope about oil industry messaging and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The goal is for European countries to be prepared for next winter. They will need to have a steady supply of energy, not rely on Russia’s natural gas. Russia has a significant economic advantage and has been a key part of Russia’s economy.
How does it work?The agreement will see the United States working with international partners to provide more liquefied petroleum gas (LNG) to the rest of the world. The United States and its partners will supply at most 15 billion cubic meters of LNG by 2022. However, it is not yet clear how much will be supplied from the United States.
The European Commission also pledged to work with member states of the European Union to ensure that there is a demand for approximately 50 billion cubic metres of LNG from the U.S. up to 2030.
The task force will also examine ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build renewable energy infrastructure within the European Union.
The task force will also focus on reducing Europe’s natural gas demand by improving infrastructure that reduces dependence on natural gas to support solar and wind power, and other forms of renewable energy.
Continue reading from The Hills Brett Samuels.
The regulator reverses its assessment of the effects of pipelines
Thursday night, a federal energy regulator voted unanimously to withdraw a policy that would have assessed the climate effects of existing natural-gas pipelines.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, (FERC), stated in its Thursday meeting that the proposal would be considered a draft. It will only be used for future pipeline projects.
Ive had conversations with many pipeline and oil companies over the past month. [liquefied natural gas]Companies have always been my colleagues and I know they are mine, Chairman Richard Glick was nominated by former FERC members President Trump
Donald TrumpDefense and National Security Biden meets with European allies Ginni Thomas sent Mark Meadows text messages urging efforts to overturn election. Report The Defense Production Act won’t bring us supply-chain safety MOREPresident Biden appointed him as the chair of the meeting. I heard that the policy statements raised additional questions which could be answered.
Glick continued by stating that FERC’s approach to natural gas pipeline regulation over the past few years hasn’t been consistent with our legal responsibilities. The courts keep on telling Glick that, pointing out the D.C. Circuit Court has contradicted FERC regarding pipeline or liquefied gas (LNG), certificates.
The story so far:After years of criticism from environmental groups who had accused the agency of rubber stamping pipelines without regard to their environmental impact, the FERC approved this policy in February. The 2020 House Oversight and Reform Committee investigation found that the agency has approved almost 99 percent of pipeline projects within the last 20 years.
However, Sen. Joe Manchin
Joe ManchinEnergy & Environment Biden walks tightrope on oil industry messaging Equilibrium/Sustainability Tropical forests help cool the whole planet Sunrise Movement looks to bolster progressives in Pennsylvania, North Carolina MORE(D.W.Va.), harshly criticized this policy, especially considering rising gas prices after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and volatility in the energy markets. Sen. John Barrasso
John Anthony BarrassoBarrasso urges Biden to increase NATO support during Europe trip Sunday Show preview: Biden labels Putin a war criminal as Ukraine conflict continues Energy & Environment Interior plans to continue oil leasing plans (R-Wyo.(R-Wyo.) Thursday’s statement by the Senate Energy Committee’s ranking member stated that the agency should go back to the drawing board and rework these harmful proposals.
You can read more about the reversal by clicking here.
Officials announce wind power lease in Carolina
Friday morning saw the Biden administration announce the first offshore lease sale of wind energy off the coasts of the Carolinas. This was part of a larger goal of installing 30 gigawatts.
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, (BOEM), will auction off two lease areas covering 110,091 acre in the Carolina Long Bay on May 11. After development, the Interior Department estimates that the area could produce 1.3 gigawatts offshore energy.
The Biden-Harris administration is committed supporting a strong clean energy economy. The upcoming Carolina Long Bay offshore Wind Energy Auction provides another excellent opportunity for the clean energy industry to grow while creating good-paying union job opportunities, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland
Deb HaalandEnergy & Environment: SEC issues climate risk rule Commerce secretary is named survivor for 2022 State of the Union Overnight Energy & Environment Supreme Court will hear climate case MOREStatement.
This is a historic time for domestic offshore energy development. We will continue to use all tools in our toolbox to combat the climate crisis, reduce our emissions and reach the President’s bold goals for environmental justice.
The Biden administration’s goal to reduce the U.S. carbon emission by half by 2030 includes the 30 gigawatt goal. The administration released a roadmap to offshore wind power in autumn 2020. It envisions installations along the east and west coasts of America, as well as the Gulf of Mexico.
Learn more about the announcement.
ON TAP NEAREST WEEK
Tuesday:
- The House Energy & Commerce Committee will host a hearing entitled Trusting the Tap: Upgrading America’s Drinking Water Infrastructure
Thursday:
- The Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee is holding a hearing to discuss the opportunities and problems facing domestic critical minerals mining, processing, refining and reprocessing.
Friday:
- The House Natural Resources Committee will host a hearing entitled Benefits of the Legacy Pollution Clean-Up Programs under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act.
VIRTUAL EVENT INVITATION
Driving Tomorrow: EVs and AVsTuesday March 29 at 1:00 ET
The world of automobiles is changing rapidly due to climate change, technological advances and innovation. How can we design an infrastructure framework that supports sustainability as we make batteries, chips and charging stations more essential? How can electric vehicles be made affordable and accessible for all drivers? Can autonomous vehicles help us get to safer roads?Sen. Gary Peters
Gary PetersTo plan for the future, we need to have updated rainfall records. Senate approves bill that will increase funding for cybersecurity.(D-Mich.), Rep. Bob Latta, (R-Ohio), EVgo CEO Cathy Zoi and Lion Electrics Marc BedardJoin The Hill to discuss. Subscribe today.
WHAT WE ARE READING
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Colleges that train miners and drillers are under threat from climate change (E&E News).
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The Associated Press reveals that Alaska’s air pollution may have clues for other Arctic climates.
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Treasury Secretary Yellen says the U.S. should have made a faster transition to renewable energy (CNBC).
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Report says that Delaware and Maryland rivers are among the most polluted (The Delaware News Journal).
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New Mexico’s Methane Leaks Exceed Current Estimates. Study suggests (The New York Times).
ICYMI
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Study: American Indian communities benefit less from downward trends in air pollution
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Russia destroys Chernobyl laboratory, and gains ‘highly active’ samples
Finally, here’s something a bit more upbeat but still somewhat on-beatA heavy bird-en
That’s all for today. Thank you for reading. For the latest news and coverage, check out The Hillsenergy & environment. We hope to see you Monday.
