Address

A congressional proposal that would give states control of drilling activity off their coastlines is a “unique solution” that would address the concerns of states that frown on offshore drilling, and would bolster natural gas supply, shave gas prices and put more revenues in state and federal coffers, five trade associations said in a letter Tuesday to several U.S. senators.

Beginning with Wednesday night’s state-of-the-state address by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, more information on the state’s energy plans are expected to emerge, along with indications from the state legislature on whether separate new comprehensive energy bills will be pushed separately by the Democratic majority and Republicans. Speculation is high since the governor named two new members of the California Public Utilities Commission late last month.

Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski urged FERC on Friday to address his state’s access to a proposed Alaska natural gas pipeline as part of the agency’s efforts to create an open-season process for capacity on the line.

Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski urged FERC on Friday to address his state’s access to a proposed Alaska natural gas pipeline as part of the agency’s efforts to create an open-season process for capacity on the line.

Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski urged FERC on Friday to address his state’s access to a proposed Alaska natural gas pipeline as part of the agency’s efforts to create an open-season process for capacity on the line.

In his fourth State of the Nation address earlier this month, Mexican President Vicente Fox said the state-owned Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex) will require $8.7 billion a year through 2010 to keep up with the country’s growing natural gas and electricity needs.

FERC Chairman Pat Wood last Wednesday said that the construction of liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities is one of several “silver bullets” that could go a long way in addressing long-term natural gas supply issues facing the United States, adding that another solution lies with Alaskan natural gas.

FERC Chairman Pat Wood on Wednesday said that the construction of liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities is one of several “silver bullets” that could go a long way in addressing long-term natural gas supply issues facing the United States, adding that another solution lies with Alaskan natural gas.

There is a “serious shortage” of generating capacity to meet Ontario’s growing demand for electricity, and if steps are not taken to address this situation, the province could face even more serious reliability problems next summer, a new report issued last week by an Ontario Independent Electricity Market Operator (IMO) market surveillance panel concludes. The report warns of possible supply interruptions and continued upward pressure on prices during periods of peak demand as early as next summer.