Fridays Overnight Energy & Environment – Welcome!The latest news from the environment and energy sector. Subscribe here: thehill.com/newsletter-signup.
Today’s focus was on a House committee seeking answers on methane leaks and green groups seizing the moment on infrastructure advertising spending. Also, what appears to be the end of road for lobster fishermen court case.
Rachel Frazin was the Hill’s editor and Zack Budryk was its reporter. Send tips to [email protected], [email protected]. Follow us on Twitter @RachelFrazin @BudrykZack.
Lets jump in.
Dems demand oil and gas companies to provide data
Democrats are asking 10 oil companies to provide data on methane leaks, which can significantly impact fuels’ contribution to climate change.
House Space, Science and Technology Committee Chairwoman Eddie Bernice (D-Texas), wrote to companies in response to a new inquiry she announced Friday.
In an effort to understand if their technology can reduce significant emissions, she wrote to 10 companies, ExxonMobil included, in the Permian basin producing region in the southwestern U.S.
The inquiry also seeks to determine if and how the federal government can strengthen its monitoring of methane leaking.
What’s the background?Natural gas and oil, especially, emit fewer greenhouse gases than coal when they are burned. This is why the industry has often promoted them as cleaner sources of energy.
However, methane can leak during the production and transport of oil and natural gas. It is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide and can be released over a 100-year span. These leaks increase the global warming effects of fuels and undermine industry claims.
Johnson cited a study which found that around 60% more methane was leaking in 2015 than was reported by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The study found that inventory methods do not take into account abnormal operating conditions and the underestimate was attributed to them.
What are they really asking for?She specifically asked companies if they had developed estimates of their Permian Basin emissions that were different from the EPA estimates.
She also asked them to give information about how much methane had they released each year since 2016.
Find out more about the request.
EXXONMOBIL MESSAGE
Carbon capture and storage One way of reducing emissions.
Nearly two-thirds global CO comes from industry and power generation2 emissions. ExxonMobil collaborates on some of the The largest carbon capture and storage project in the worldto reduce industrial emissions on a large scale.
Green groups’ big spending
Despite the fact that lawmakers have been deliberating for several months on a major bill to address climate change, large amounts of money are being spent by green groups to promote climate policies.
According to figures shared with The Hill, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV), and Climate Power, have partnered on a variety of advertisements. They spent a total of $50,000,000 promoting climate legislation. Democrats’ major climate and social spending bills so far this year.
Pete Maysmith (LCVs senior vice president of campaigns), told The Hill that the amount is significantly more than the group spent on policy ads in past years.
Maysmith stated, “When it comes from a policy or advocacy perspective, there has never been anything like this before.”
This sum does not apply to spending to support electoral campaigns, but only policy-related ads.
The story so far: The spending comes as Democrats try to lock-in the spending packages climate provisions amid pushback by Sen. Joe Manchin
Joe ManchinOn The Money Dems Blame forBuild Back Better Blowup McConnell: Manchin’s opposition to Biden’s plan is a ‘great shot to the arm for our country’ Harris says that’stakes for Build Back Better are too high’ to be about Manchin.(D.W.Va.) and some House moderators about certain climate proposals.
Although the House passed the bill, the Senate has not yet. However, Manchin noted that they are currently working on modifications to the energy provisions. This week, lawmakers told The Hill that a program to reduce methane emissions and offer incentives for union-made electric cars is being negotiated.
Climate Power and LCV say they spent $30 million on TV advertising and $2.8 Million on Facebook ads with key words that relate to the legislation. They also included states where key legislators live.
You can read more about the push by clicking here.
Supreme Court rejects bid from lobster fisherman
Friday’s Supreme Court decision denied a request from lobster fishermen to stop environmental protections that limit fishing in large swathes of the Gulf of Maine.
Justice rejected the application, which was filed earlier this week by a lobster fishermen union and two lobster fishing businesses. Stephen BreyerStephen BreyerDemocrats put due processes on the chopping block Are gun right safe after S.B. 8? Supreme Court allows abortion providers to sue Texas law MORE, who is responsible for handling emergency matters that arise from the region.
Federal regulations that are intended to protect the North Atlantic Right Whale, one the planet’s most endangered species, have been put in place. They prohibit the use lobster traps on nearly 1,000 miles off Maine for several months. The whales are more likely to become entangled in nets and collide with boats.
The lobstering groups stated Wednesday that the restrictions would reduce fishing by more than 100 of the state’s largest and most productive vessels.
Find out more about the denial.
ON TAP NEXT WOEEK
Tuesday:
- The House Energy and Commerce Committee is holding a HearingLegislation aimed at improving pipeline reliability
- The House Science, Space and Technology Committee is hosting a HearingPFAS Research and Development
- The House Financial Services Committee will host a HearingEquity in disaster benefits distribution
- The House Natural Resources Committee will host a HearingBills relating to national museums and monuments.
Wednesday:
- The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (Senate Environment and Public Works Committee) will hold a HearingA bill for wildlife recovery
- The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will be holding a HearingReusing contaminated properties
Thursday:
- The Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee will host a Hearingon federal efforts in addressing PFAS contamination. Sean O’Donnell (the inspector general responsible for both the EPA and Defense Department) is expected to testify alongside other defense officials.
- The Select Climate Crisis Committee will host a HearingClimate investments to help families or businesses
EXXONMOBIL MESSAGE
WHAT WE’RE READING
ICYMI
Finally, something a little offbeat and unorthodox: Possum pirate
This is it for today. Thanks for reading. Check out The Hills Energy & Environment pageStay up-to-date with the latest news and coverage We look forward to seeing you Monday.
