Hackers, Pipeline Problems Serious Threat to Aging Electric Grid
Energy / Iran / Sanctions

Hackers, Pipeline Problems Serious Threat to Aging Electric Grid

The Keystone pipeline isn’t the only one causing a headache for energy watchdogs. Last week, the WSJ reported that Iranian hackers had gone “far enough to worry people” in possibly manipulating oil or gas pipelines through the computers that control electricity generation. Such cyberattacks, believed to be a retaliation against sanctions, are seen as a … Continue reading

Favoritism has critics and environmentalists alike calling fowl!
America / Energy

Favoritism has critics and environmentalists alike calling fowl!

With the nomination of Gina McCarthy to be the newest chief of the Environmental Protection Agency, a lot of shade has been thrown on the administration’s lack of transparency and practices of favoritism. First Senator Vitter delayed the vote with 1,038 questions, which he then narrowed to five key demands. Now it is looking like Republicans … Continue reading

Do Environmental Regulations and Economic Growth Conflict?
Energy / Regulation / U.S. Domestic Policy

Do Environmental Regulations and Economic Growth Conflict?

The environment is one of those things like education or jobs. No one says they are against job creation. No one claims to be anti-education. Nobody (despite what environmentalists may tell you) wants to destroy the environment, or eradicate the habitat of this or that endangered species.  These things happen, of course. Jobs are lost, … Continue reading

More Fracking Regulations Reignite Debate
Energy / Regulation

More Fracking Regulations Reignite Debate

The Bureau of Land Management has released a new proposal for rules governing the use of hydraulic fracturing on federal land. This proposal contains revisions from last year’s proposal that better balance environmental and business interests over the controversial drilling technique. Hydraulic fracturing, or ‘fracking,’ has been used in conventional, vertical wells since at least … Continue reading

“Made in the Shade” Bringing Light to EPA Rulemaking
Energy / Regulation

“Made in the Shade” Bringing Light to EPA Rulemaking

“My Administration is committed to creating an unprecedented level of openness in Government.  We will work together to ensure the public trust and establish a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration. Openness will strengthen our democracy and promote efficiency and effectiveness in Government.” This statement forms the opening paragraph of a pointed memo released … Continue reading

Does New EPA Rule Mean More Pain at the Gas Pump or Cleaner Air?
America / Economy / Energy / Regulation

Does New EPA Rule Mean More Pain at the Gas Pump or Cleaner Air?

Obsessive behavior surrounding climate change continues as the EPA releases their new Tier 3 program for sulfur regulation in gasoline. The program sets new vehicles emissions standards and lower sulfur content in gasoline beginning in 2017. The policy is projected to be more effective than past emissions policy, because it controls vehicle emissions as well … Continue reading