Politics

Warmer Forecasts Chill February Natural Gas Futures; Cash Prices Drop

Warmer Forecasts Chill February Natural Gas Futures; Cash Prices Drop

Expectations eased for a widespread winter freeze  LNG volumes were solid, but lower than January highs Spot prices sputtered amid mild temperatures Natural gas futures plunged on Tuesday after forecasts over the holiday weekend trended warmer for late January and early next month, diminishing prior expectations for a widespread winter freeze that would fuel robust…

January 20, 2021
E&P Spending Revival Poised for North America, Overseas

E&P Spending Revival Poised for North America, Overseas

Global exploration operators are ready to get back to business in oil and natural gas onshore and offshore, with the international players likely to shell out more funds this year than their Lower 48 compadres. Energy analysts in recent weeks have begun offering their takes on the likely pace of activity and potential capital expenditures…

January 14, 2021
Energy Sector Pulling Some GOP Donations, while API Chief Condemns ‘Devastating’ Capitol Breach

Energy Sector Pulling Some GOP Donations, while API Chief Condemns ‘Devastating’ Capitol Breach

The leader of the nation’s top oil and gas lobbying group didn’t mince words in condemning the actions of protesters who stormed the Capitol building on Jan. 6, and he made clear Wednesday that last week’s events would influence the industry’s decisions about political giving moving forward. Following the American Petroleum Institute (API) annual State…

January 14, 2021
Energy Sector Concerns Mount on Move to Eliminate Mexico Regulators, Competition Watchdog

Energy Sector Concerns Mount on Move to Eliminate Mexico Regulators, Competition Watchdog

The Mexican business environment for energy sector players could be hampered by plans to fold autonomous regulators and the competition watchdog into existing ministries. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said last week he was considering the move in a bid to save money to prioritize social spending as the economy reels from the impact…

January 12, 2021
Corporate America Calls for Invoking 25th Amendment; Chevron Urges Orderly Biden Transition

Corporate America Calls for Invoking 25th Amendment; Chevron Urges Orderly Biden Transition

Calls were escalating Thursday from lawmakers and major business groups, including the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), for President Trump to step down from office before his term ends on Jan. 20. A mob of Trump supporters on Wednesday stormed the U.S. Capitol, wreaking havoc and terror inside the hallowed halls of democracy. Four people…

January 7, 2021
Fossil, Renewable Energy Advocates Alike Applaud Passing of $2.3T Spending Bill

Fossil, Renewable Energy Advocates Alike Applaud Passing of $2.3T Spending Bill

Proponents of the natural gas, oil and renewable energy sectors all found something to like about a $2.3 trillion omnibus spending and coronavirus relief package passed late Monday by the House and Senate. The American Petroleum Institute (API) praised legislators for including several provisions from Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s (R-AK) American Energy Innovation Act, including parts…

December 22, 2020
Mixed Reaction from Oil, Natural Gas Industry as Biden Names Top Climate, Energy Picks

Mixed Reaction from Oil, Natural Gas Industry as Biden Names Top Climate, Energy Picks

President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. on Thursday unveiled his picks for the top climate and energy posts in his administration, leaving little doubt of an impending sea change in federal policy when he takes office on Jan. 20. The nominations and appointments comprise U.S. Rep. Deb Haaland (D-NM), Department of the Interior (DOI) secretary; former…

December 18, 2020
Mexico Natural Gas Market Hangs On in Tortuous 2020

Mexico Natural Gas Market Hangs On in Tortuous 2020

Mexico’s natural gas market continued to grow in 2020 despite the chaos wrought by Covid-19 and unease around the government’s state-centric energy policies, underscoring the molecule’s increasing importance to the local economy. Looking back, NGI’s Mexico GPI forecasts last year may have been wildly optimistic. The year started innocently enough, but it took a sharp…

December 17, 2020
Cabinet Changes in Mexico Bring Hope for Improving Investment Conditions

Cabinet Changes in Mexico Bring Hope for Improving Investment Conditions

President Andrés Manuel López Obrador of Mexico reshuffled his cabinet early in December in what several analysts consider a move that will improve relations with the private sector and potential foreign investors. The new officials, the analysts suggested, are likely also to work more closely with their U.S. counterparts in the upcoming administration of President…

December 16, 2020
Green Groups Applaud Biden Picks for Energy Secretary, White House Climate Czar

Green Groups Applaud Biden Picks for Energy Secretary, White House Climate Czar

President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. reportedly has chosen former Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm to lead the Department of Energy and former Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy to serve as White House climate czar under the new administration. A two-term governor, Granholm served from 2003-2011. During her tenure, she signed into law bipartisan clean…

December 16, 2020